Home 
City News 
Our Performance 
Municipality 
About Council 
Business 
Tourist Guide 
Departments 
Online GIS 
Integrated Development Plan 
Tenders/Notices 
Vacancies 
Events 
Online Reporting 
Search 
Attractions


 The City of uMhlathuze is the Gateway to Zululand
with its richness of unspoilt attractions including an
abundance of game reserves, golden beaches, on
and offshore fishing and scuba diving and snorkling
in tropical waters.

 

Fine examples of the myriad creations
available from local crafters

For more information contact Ildiko Kovaks at 035-907 5888 or Sipho Mchunu at 035-907 5241


WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO
DO

 

NATURE AND LEISURE

 

BEACHES

The warm Indian Ocean beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, yachting and kayaking.

Alkantstrand and Newark Beaches are protected by lifeguards and shark nets.

Facilities include:

picnic/braai sites, a super tube and putt-putt course, a restaurant and kiosk.

Contact particulars:

Beach Manager

035-907 5894

 

DEEP SEA FISHING

Boat owners are able to launch their boats at the Richards Bay Ski Boat Club and the Meerensee Boat Club.  Visitors can also enjoy a day’s fishing aboard the private fishing charters of Irish Bandit and Colibri Hengeltoere.

Contact particulars:

Richards Bay Ski Boat Club

035 – 753 2516

Meerensee Boat Club

035 – 788 0258

Irish Bandit charter

082 886 7129

Colibri Hengeltoere charter

072 122 4792

 

DOLPHIN VIEWING PLATFORM

Situated at the end of the North Breakwater Pier at Alkantstrand Beach, this specially erected platform allows visitors to view the Humpback dolphins that frequent the Richards Bay coastline.

Contact particulars:

uMhlathuze Tourism Office

035 – 753 3909

 

ENSELENI NATURE RESERVE

Situated 15 minutes drive from Richards Bay on the N2 towards Empangeni.  Entrance to the reserve is free and visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic / braai sites and self guided nature walks.  The Nkonkoni Trail is 7km and the Mvubu Trail is 3km in length.  A variety of small mammals and an abundance of bird life can be seen.  A conference / activity center is available to educational groups and other interested parties.

Contact particulars:

KZN Wildlife

035 – 753 2212

 

HORSE TRAILS AND RIDING LESSONS

Visitors can explore the forests and sugar cane fields on horseback.

Contact particulars:

Dayspring Farmyard

082 370 5090

The Barn

035 – 792 8120

Zululand Equestrian Association

083 384 6772

 

LAKE MZINGAZI

This 944ha freshwater natural lake is the source of Richards Bay’s water.  It is home to an abundance of hippo’s and crocodiles, and is the favoured feeding place of the fish eagles that the town is renowned for.  The lake has been left untouched and can best be viewed in its natural splendour from the Richards Bay Country Club.

Contact particulars:

Richards Bay Country Club

035 – 753 2441

 

MAPHELANA

A KZN Wildlife Reserve ±45km from Richards Bay.  Activities include ski boating, hiking, swimming and surf fishing.  Accommodation is available in either the well-equipped log cabins, or campsites – bookings for these must be done through the KZN Conservation Services at their Pietermaritzburg offices.

Contact particulars:

KZN Wildlife

035 – 590 1039

KZN Conservation Services

033 – 845 1000

 

MOTOR GLIDER FLIGHTS

Based at the Richards Bay Airport, these flights afford visitors the chance to view the magnificent unspoilt coastline by air, and even to learn to fly the glider themselves.

Contact particulars:

Motor Glider Flights

082 497 0401 / 072 385 2013

 

MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOLS

Ideal for a full body workout, or simply for cooling off.  These facilities are extensively used during the long hot summer months, and an added bonus is that life guards are constantly in attendance during open times.

Contact particulars:

Swimming Pool Superintendents

035 – 753 4934 / 789 3821

 

RICHARDS BAY COUNTRY CLUB

This club is situated on the banks of Lake Mzingazi and boasts a variety of sporting facilities including a spectacular 18-hole golf course, Squash, Tennis, Snooker and Swimming.

Contact particulars:

Richards Bay Country Club

035 – 753 2441

 

SHORE FISHING

Visitors can fish from Naval Island, Pelican Island and the entire Bay Shore area.  Please contact KZN Wildlife regarding fishing legislation, regulations and permits.

Contact particulars:

KZN Wildlife

035 – 753 2212

 

THULA THULA

An exclusive private Game Reserve and Safari Lodge, a mere 20 minutes drive from Empangeni, offers an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, rhino and leopard, fine bird watching and superb cuisine.

Contact particulars:

Thula Thula office

035 – 792 8322

 

TUZI GAZI WATERFRONT

The Tuzi Gazi Waterfront is an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts.   The up market office complex, numerous shops, pubs, restaurants and walk on moorings add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Contact particulars:

uMhlathuze Tourism Office

035 – 753 3909

 

ADVENTURES

 

Extreme Sports & Adventures (Mountain boarding, surfing safaris, scuba diving, adventure sports and white river rafting)

083 649 9990

 

 

ARTS AND CULTURE

 

ART & CULTURAL MUSEUM

The Empangeni Museum is housed in the old town hall (1916).  Visitors can view exhibits on Zulu Culture, the Sugar Pioneers and contemporary art.  The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 09:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00.  Entry is R1,00 for adults and 50c for children.  Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the adjacent Around Africa Restaurant.

Contact particulars:

Museum Curator

035 – 907 5888/7

 

EMPANGENI ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE

Here visitors can purchase a myriad of art, ranging from traditional beadwork, basket weaving and wood sculpture to handmade teddy bears and fine art.  Craft workshops are held on a regular basis.

Contact particulars:

Craft Centre Manager

035 – 772 7622

 

 

BIRDING

  

Zululand Birding Route

035 – 753 5644

Enseleni Nature Reserve

035 – 753 2212

 

 

CASINO

  

Tusk Umfolozi Casino

035 – 787 8200

 

 

CULTURAL TOURISM

  

Kwabhekithunga – Stewarts Farm (Eshowe)

035 – 460 0644

Shakaland (Eshowe)

035 – 460 0912

Simunye Zulu Lodge (Melmoth)

035 – 450 3111

 

 

CURIOS

  

Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre

035 – 772 7622

Jabulani Arts & Crafts

035 – 792 8144

Quay Walk Tours & Travel

035 – 788 0107

Zululand Crafters Association

035 – 797 3254