Richards Bay sits on a large lagoon of the Mhlatuze River in KwaZulu-Natal, and its deep natural harbour has shaped the city into a fast-growing industrial centre that has kept a surprising amount of ecological diversity around it. Tourism is a major part of the local economy, and many visitors use the city as a gateway to Zululand and its game parks and wildlife.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the residential suburbs were developed north of the harbour, while the harbour and industrial zone lie to the south. That means most of the places to base yourself are in the northern suburbs, with the lagoon and the port area as the main reference points. This guide covers which of those areas suits different kinds of travellers, and what to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Richards Bay
1. Meerensee
Meerensee was the first suburb developed for the new deep-water harbour and remains the wealthiest part of Richards Bay, with the highest average household income in the city. It sits north of the harbour and is the most established residential area, so it is where you find the widest choice of accommodation and the most conventional suburban setting.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to the town's services while staying in a settled neighbourhood. The main practical point is its position north of the harbour, which puts you on the residential side of the city rather than near the port and industrial zone.
2. Arboretum
Arboretum was developed after Meerensee and is one of the three original northern suburbs, so it shares the same general position north of the harbour. It is a residential area with a central location relative to the town's amenities, and it is a reasonable base if you want to be within easy reach of the rest of the northern suburbs.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter residential setting while still being connected to the main built-up part of the city. As with Meerensee, the key practical consideration is that you are based north of the harbour, away from the port itself.
3. Veldenvlei
Veldenvlei, also written Veld-en-Vlei, was the third of the northern suburbs to be developed. A church was built here because of the suburb's central position, which gives a sense of how it relates to the surrounding residential areas.
It suits visitors who want a central residential base among the northern suburbs, particularly those travelling by car who need to move between the town and the surrounding region. The practical point is its central position among the northern suburbs, still on the residential side of the city.
4. Brackenham and Aquadene
Brackenham and Aquadene are residential areas west of Veldenvlei, and both are predominantly Indian and Asian in character. They form part of the built-up area on the western side of the northern suburbs.
They suit travellers looking for a residential base away from the waterfront side of town, and they are a practical option if you want to be within the city's residential belt rather than near the harbour. The main point to note is that they sit further west than the three original suburbs.
5. Braem Hill
Braem Hill is named in traveller listings as a location for accommodation in Richards Bay, and it is associated with the waterfront area. It is the one area in the sources specifically linked to lodging on the water side of town.
It suits visitors who want to be near the waterfront rather than in the inland residential suburbs. The practical point is that this is the area the sources connect most directly with staying near the water.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect simpler, smaller establishments in the residential suburbs, where you trade proximity to the waterfront for lower rates. The northern suburbs are the most likely places to find this kind of accommodation.
- Mid-range: The widest choice sits in the established northern suburbs, particularly Meerensee, where the range of lodging reflects the area's position as the city's wealthiest suburb.
- Splurge: The waterfront area around Braem Hill is where the sources point for stays on the water side of town, with the water and harbour setting as the draw.
Best area for a first visit
Meerensee is the best base for a first visit. It is the most established and wealthiest suburb, it sits north of the harbour in the main residential part of the city, and it gives you the widest choice of places to stay. From there you are well placed to reach the rest of the northern suburbs and to use Richards Bay as a gateway to Zululand.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of Richards Bay should I stay on?
Stay north of the harbour. The residential suburbs, including Meerensee, Arboretum and Veldenvlei, were all developed on that side, while the harbour and industrial zone lie to the south.
Is Richards Bay a good base for visiting Zululand?
Yes. Tourism is a major part of the local economy and the city is seen as a gateway to Zululand, an area popular with foreign tourists for its large game parks and diverse wildlife.
Which area is closest to the water?
Braem Hill, which is associated with the waterfront and is named in traveller listings as a place to stay. The other main areas are residential suburbs set inland of the harbour.
Do I need a car to get around?
The city is laid out with the residential suburbs north of the harbour and the port to the south, and the suburbs themselves are spread out, so a car makes moving between areas and reaching the surrounding region considerably easier.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.