Things to Do
Cat Rehabilitation Centre
Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa's endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerised by the beauty of the Caracal(Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and be delighted by the African Wildcat.
Elephant Interaction
Guests are also afforded an opportunity of close contact with 3 Elephants that were orphaned and hand reared but are now free to range in a private game reserve. These elephants come up to visit the viewing area each morning, for a welcome snack of game pellets. Here you will be able to interact with them in well controlled situations.
DumaZulu Croc and Reptile Park
Situated in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, nestled in the moist tropical savannah bushveld of Northern Zululand, close to Hluhluwe, lies DumaZulu Croc and Reptile Park. Easily accessible from Durban N2 highway and close in proximity to some of the most popular tourist wildlife destinations in the country, including the world renowned "Hluhluwe-Umfolozi" game reserve.
Whale watching, Kwa-Zulu Natal
These whales are known for their charming antics and energetic performances, which are always a delight for onlookers. In fact, St Lucia has been rated one of the top whale watching sites in the country, thanks to having the highest recorded boat-based sightings of whales for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 period. In fact, to achieve this, St Lucia recorded almost 800 sightings.
Turtle Nesting Safarisy
iSimangaliso Wetland Park provides a marine sanctuary for many aquatic species including one of the oldest, the Sea Turtle. The coastal waters are visited by 5 turtle species but the Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles are the only ones that breed here and lay their eggs on the protected beaches. iSimangaliso provides the only viable coastline in Africa for major nesting sites. Usually between late October and January and even into March in some areas.
Ilala Weavers
Visit Ilala Weavers the largest wholesaler of hand woven crafts in South-Africa. It has played an important role in keeping handcraft skills alive in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal through an age where the local market for these products for home use has diminished almost to nothing. It also provides an income opportunity for more than 2000 people in this predominantly rural region that has very few employment opportunities.
Alkantstrand
This popular beach is the only blue flag beach in Richards Bay. This is certainly a beach that can be enjoyed by everyone and anyone. Lifeguards are on duty all year round and the warm indian ocean allows you an enjoyable swimming experience all year round.
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
The boardwalk extends some 127 metres and is perched 10 metres above the forest floor. It culminates in a steel viewing platform, which is a breath-taking 20 metres high, giving visitors a panoramic view of the fauna and flora that is found so abundantly.
Dlinza, 250-hectares of incredibly beautiful forest bisected by numerous walking trails and a 10-metre high aerial boardwalk, is extremely popular with bird lovers, has good picnic facilities, and is particularly special considering the urban environment in which the forest exists.
But really it is the butterflies that take centre stage, particularly in Autumn when 70 or so recorded species that include the mocker swallowtail (Papilio dardanus), mother of pearl and the gaudy commodore, take to the air and provide a lightness and dash of colour to Dlinza that is hard to beat.
DumaZulu Traditional Village
DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet's most indigenous cultures.
A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experience for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios.
Zululand Brewery
You may already know all about the Zululand Brewery because you're already a fan of the Zulu Blonde Beer, which is available in the United Kingdom. If you've never heard of them carry on reading.
It all began in 1997, when the Chennells family decided to found their own beer company. Based in Eshowe Zululand in the beers went from strength to strength and the Zulu Blonde, which is the flagship of the brand, was launched internationally in 2010. More than 800 pubs in the UK now stock this beer.
The Bivane 4x4 Trail
The Bivane 4x4 Trail is a 17-kilometre one that winds, climbs and plummets through the Ithala game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. This part of the country is balmy, with subtropical climate conditions almost all year round. The vegetation is lush and green, promising magnificent landscapes for explorers to enjoy. The trail takes about five hours to complete, thanks to the rugged, rocky terrain and has a grading of between 3 and 5. There are some river crossings too. It requires low range, high clearance vehicles. The self-drive route is challenging, but the views are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Bivane 4 x 4 Trail is suitable all year round.
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi (Previously Umfolozi) National Park is home to about 1 970 Rhino both White and Black Rhino which makes it very likely that you will have a sighting of these very illusive animals. The terrain in this area varies from rippling hills covered in low acacia to rugged mountains with forests and grasslands. The park contains a large variety of fauna and flora. Not only is this home to the largest population of wild Rhino in the world but it is also host to the rest of the big five and other animals as well as at least 300 species of birds
Ndumo Kwa-Zulu Natal Parks
Ndumo Game Reserve is perhaps best known for its magnificent bird life with the highest bird count in South Africa, some 430 species. Situated near the Tembe Elephant Park on the Mozambique border, the Usuthu River forms its northern boundary and the Pongola River flows through to its confluence with Usutu. Ndumo boasts many beautiful pans set about with yellow fever trees and extensive wetlands and reedbeds as well as acacia savannah and sand forest. The abundant birdlife includes many tropical East African forms at the southern limit of their range.
Tembe Elephant National Park
Tembe Elephant Park, lies on the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique. It was established in 1983 to protect elephants which used to migrate between Maputaland and Southern Mozambique. The park lies deep in an area of sand forests, pans and wetlands in Northern Tongaland, were the diversity of birdlife is spectacular.
St. Lucia Wetlands Park
Situated in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the coastal village of St Lucia is the gateway to the Greater St Lucia Wetland park, also known as the jewel of Kwa-Zulu Natal, with five distinct ecosystems and a unique biodiversity found nowhere else on earth.
Pongola Game Reserve
Pongola Game Reserve is a co-operative conservation project between private landowners, tribal communities and government conservation services, and aims to form the heart of a large ecological and socio-economically viable "Big Five" reserve.
Tuzi Gazi Waterfront
With numerous restaurants & gorgeous views of the Marina and small craft harbour, Tuzi Gazi is an ideal playground for leisure guests and water sport enthusiasts alike.
Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Numerous Deep Sea Fishing Charters operate from Richards Bay Small Craft Harbour. The abundant and diverse fishing including Tuna, Marling and other large game species will delight every angler. For more info contact Capt. Sarel Allers of Backline Adventures (www.backlineadvetures.co.za) or Capt. Trevor Hansen of Real Magic Big Game Fishing Charter (www.fishingbooker.com).
Naval Island & Pelican Island
The mini resorts of Naval Island and Pelican Island offer opportunities to pursue angling, canoeing, jet-skiing & kite surfing. For more info contact kznta@iafrica.com or chat to our friendly Reception team who will assist.
Umfolozi Casino Complex
The Zulu Kingdom Welcomes you, Masijabule. The Umfolozi Casino Complex is ideally located in Empangeni only a short drive from Indaba Lodge Richards Bay. Guests can enjoy a range of entertainment options like the colourful casino, kiddies entertainment and the outdoor events arena – a favourite venue for local, national and international artists.