Are you thinking of ways to spend a few days out with a your loved ones without breaking the bank? Well, you are in luck as Richards Bay offers some great activities minus the huge price tag.
There are two things I love when travelling, luxury and saving some money. Imagine my excitement when I visited the town recently and enjoyed five star treatment without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. Luxury travel doesn't have to cost that much. In Richard's Bay, you can take a cruise, game drive and have a shisa nyama evening for under R1600pp.
If there is anything I have learned from my travels is that luxury travel does not have to be expensive.
Boat cruise
Enjoying the cruise as we watch the sun set.
Nothing beats ending a day at sea while the sun sets. For only R220pp for a two hour cruise aboard the Nomad, one can have an exclusive cruise without the exorbitant fees. We went on one in September. The Nomad was big enough for our party of over 30 people. You can bring your own drinks on board, which is good considering how much other boats charge for their drinks. What I loved about the two hour boat ride was that the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront and watching its surrounding areas while at sea made it seem like I was in some exotic island. The clear blue water amid the backdrop of the setting sun is pure bliss. If you're feeling fancy, get a bottle of champagne to toast to something great. There will be a New Year's Eve cruise, where passengers would get to see Richards Bay lit up at night as they watch the fireworks light up the sky. That trip will cost R320, including live music on board and a complimentary glass of champagne. For more information, contact 083 736 5921.
Game drive
Thula Thula is known for their elephants. Picture: Leon Lestrade.
Thula Thula provides a great game viewing experience. Picture: Leon Lestrade. Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, just an hour away from Richard's Bay, can provide an experience of a lifetime. Whether it's seeing the elephant, or its herd, quench its thirst at a watering hole or spotting the rhino, its wildlife encounters through a game drive will open your eyes to the plight of poached animals. If you lucky, like I was, you can get up close to an elephant. The game drive prices start from R950pp. I recommend taking the game drive with lunch option for R1150 as it provides a three course afro-french cuisine spread. There are also tented camps and lodges on the property if you wish to spend the night. For further information, contact 082 259 9732.
Shisa nyama at the 'Neighbourhood'
Neighbourhood Shisanyama proves to be a treat. Picture: Clinton Moodley.
After a day exploring the streets of Richards Bay, why not end the day at the Neighbourhood, a place located at the town’s waterfront. Enjoy some good music and food in the VIP area as you sample their selection of braaied meats and drinks. What makes this luxury is its location. You get to watch the waterfront as you dance the night away, what’s not to love about this? Prices are determined according to the weight of the meat selected, but could cost around R150pp. For further information, contact 035 788 0013.