The City of uMhlathuze Tourism
Visit Richards Bay Airport.
uMhlathuze attractions and reserves.
Community Tourism Organisation.
Explore uMhlathuze Tourism Guide.
Tourism
The City of uMhlathuze is made up of Richards Bay, Empangeni, eSikhaleni, Port Durnford, Vulindlela, Felixton, eNseleni and Ngwelezane, as well as the rural areas under Inkosi uDube, Inkosi uMkhwanazi, Inkosi uKhoza and Inkosi uZungu. uMhlathuze assumed city status on 21 August 2001. The name uMhlathuze is derived from the uMhlathuze River that meanders through the municipal area and unifies these towns, suburbs and traditional areas symbolically.
With a population of approximately 350 000, uMhlathuze is situated 180km North East of Durban on the coast. The City of uMhlathuze is rich in diversity and is the ideal holiday destination where nature lovers can explore the internationally acclaimed game reserves and visit the spectacular wetlands. Outdoor and sporting enthusiasts can take advantage of the subtropical climate and endless beaches and cultural heritage seekers can visit Zulu Cultural Villages, museums and markets.
Climate
Climate conditions are typically sub-tropical to tropical. The average daily temperature in summer is 28°C and in winter 24°C (Empangeni) and 22°C (Richards Bay). The humidity levels tend to be very high and the annual rainfall is 1100mm (Empangeni) and 1200mm (Richards Bay).
Upcoming Events
| 23 Dec 2025; 12:00AM Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 Dec 2025; 08:00AM - 05:00PM Christmas Day |
Empangeni was established as a Norwegian Mission in 1841 and has flourished to become the commercial and agricultural centre of the City of uMhlathuze, occupying 13% of the total 796sq/km municipal area. According to folklore the name Empangeni was derived from the Zulu word ‘phanga’ (which means grabbed), as a result of the many crocodile attacks on water bearers and visitors to the nearby crocodile infested stream eMpangeni. Another version of the origin of the name of the Town is that it is derived from the Mpange trees (Olinia radiata), which grow on the banks of the Empangeni River.
Come Visit Us
5 Mark Strasse Civic Centre,
Richards Bay, 3900
Get Direction
Contact uMhlathuze Municipality
Switchboard: 035-907 5000
Call Centre: 0800 222 827
Email: talk2us@umhlathuze.gov.za
Open Hours
Monday - Thurday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday: Call 0800-222-827
Contact Us
Call Centre: 0800 222 827
Service Delivery Switchboard:
035 907 5000
Mon - Fri 07:30am - 16:00pm
