Howick, Natal Midlands
Known as the place of many waterfalls, owing to the many tributaries of the uMngeni River that tumble down gorges and over sharp inclines on their way to the Indian Ocean, Howick is possibly best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in August 1962, and most visited because of the Howick falls.
The little village of Howick - a great place to find antiques, arts and crafts, and part of the Midlands Meander - was named after Earl Grey, the British Colonial Secretary who started out in life as the Viscount Howick. It remains fundamentally a farming town that supplies the number of farms in the area, and people pass through here on their way to the interior or to Midmar Dam, just 7 kilometres away.
Howick Falls is a 100 metre cascade of water, practically in the centre of town. The falls were known by the Zulus as KwaNogqaza - place of the tall one - and first seen by European travellers on their way to trade from the coast in the early 19th century. You can arrange to abseil alongside the falls down the gorge and into the pool, if you’re in an adventurous frame of mind, and if not, there is a safer alternative from a viewing platform above the falls that is close to the car park.
For those opting for bit of a walk, there is a steep but safe trail that descends to the river bed. The view from here is utterly breathtaking, but the return climb more than a little vertical. Fly-fishing is a popular pastime, and dams and streams in the area are brimming with trout. Mountain bike fundis can enjoy the hills in and around town and horse trails, produced by the local polo clubs, cross the countryside.
Get the Scoop
Howick Reviews
No reviews yet.
Be the first to write a visitor review about Howick ...
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Howick Visitorial
I Love Howick because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Howick. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Howick because ...
Related Links
Featured Attractions in (or near) Howick
Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
The source of the uMngeni River lies in the uMngeni Vlei area, an ancient wetland bounded by hills. From here it meanders eastward through undulating pastoral countryside until just before Midmar Dam, where it is joined by the Lions River. Below Midmar Dam the river plunges some 111 metres down ... more information
Howick Falls
Howick Falls' other name is KwaNogqaza, the 'place of the tall one', for obvious reasons – the waterfall is a 95 metre cascade into a broiling, restless pool, regarded by the local Zulus with grave superstition, and said to be the place of the spirits of ancestors. Local legend believes that in the pooll lives a giant ... more information
Howick Falls Gorge Walk
The Gorge Walk at Howick Falls is probably one of the best ways to see some pretty spectacular views of the falls and the gorge, through which the uMngeni River flows, some 20 kilometres north of Pietermaritzburg, to the east of the N3. It is easy to follow and not difficult to do, but will take you ... more information
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers combined to create an arts and crafts route in 1985, which was to become the highly successful and popular Midlands Meander. The route stretches ... more information
Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
The large stretch of fresh water from the uMngeni, coupled with 1000 hectares of game park that contains red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, black wildebeest, oribi and zebra, is what makes the Midmar Dam Nature Reserve so attractive. And the fact that it’s just 7 kilometres from Howick and 24 kilometres from ... more information
Sakabula Golf Course
Sakabula Golf Club is a unique combination of agricultural smallholdings around a delightful 18-hole, par 73, golf course in a scenic rural environment. Sakabula Golf Club, situated in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, is an 18 hole, par 73 course consisting of two very distinct and different 9 holes. The first 9 holes ... more information
Related Links
Things To Do in Howick
Buy glassware at Buchanan Interiors
Where: Merrivale, Howick
How much (per person): Free to Browse
If you are looking for beautiful glassware why not try Buchanan Interiors on the Midlands Meander? All glassware is manufactured in the stud ... more information
Corner Post Bar & Dining Room
Where: Howick
How much (per person): On Request
The Corner Post Bar & Dining Room is just that: a beautiful bar with a relaxing lounge and dedicated kitchen for bar meals and snacks and a ... more information
Related Links
Events and/or Festivals in Howick
BSG Energade Triathlon Series - Midmar
Location: Midmar Dam, Natal Midlands
Duration: 1 day
TBC
Related Links
On Holiday in Howick
• Howick Map
• Howick Visitorial - I ♥ Howick because...
• Howick Accommodation
• Howick Hotels
• Natal Midlands Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Hotels
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
Visiting Howick?
Also see Things To Do in Natal Midlands or check out Things To Do in KwaZulu Natal to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to KwaZulu Natal
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
- KwaZulu Natal Hotels
- KwaZulu Natal Guest Houses
- KwaZulu Natal Bed & Breakfast
- KwaZulu Natal Self Catering
- Holiday Apartments & Suites
- Holiday Cottages & Chalets
- Holiday Homes & Villas
- By Special Category
- By Star Grading
- By AA Grading
- By Alphabetised List
- Special Offers / Discounts
- Search by Map
- KwaZulu Natal Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring KwaZulu Natal
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
- Südafrika Reise
Für Deutsche Besucher
Suedafrika-Reise.net bringt Ihnen das umfangreichste Angebot an Links, um Südafrika zu "bereisen": hier und jetzt auf Ihrem Bildschirm.
Urlaub in KwaZulu Natal
2. Search by Map
3. TGCSA Star Grading
4. AA Grading
5. Family Friendly
