Richards Bay, Afrikaans Richardsbaai, in the province of KwaZulu Natal was founded as a port by the Commodore of the Cape, Sir Frederick Richards during the first Anglo-Boer war of 1880. One of the largest natural bays in South Africa it is now one of the most important harbours of the country.
The town itself is becoming the holiday destination of the Natal coast with fishing, beaches, and estuaries close by game reserves within 1-2 hours drive. The nearest Game Reserve was set up to protect lagoon animals formerly subject to intensive hunting. The reserve features a prodigious number of aquatic birds and animal species including hippos and crocodiles.
Richards Bay’s surrounds have vast expanses of untouched and unspoilt indigenous vegetation as well as natural lakes and marshes, making KwaZula Natal one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in the country.
World ARC participants are advised to use Richards Bay as a base to travel up to the famous Kruger National Park and also the Drakensburg ranges which give a fascinating insight in to the lives of the Zulu and Xhosta peoples. The one day safari that crews will have within the World ARC programme is only an aperitif but still with chance to see the Big Five! |