Howick, Natal Midlands
The South African experience is about its history, culture and natural beauty; and all of these can be enjoyed when you stay overnight in Howick. 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 (see the Nelson Mandela Capture Site), 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.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Anybody visiting Howick MUST do the abseiling down the falls - what a rush! And you get to see the falls in a different way. The town and farms are really stunning too. This is definitely on my list of great SA destinations.
Theresa (Durbanville)
Verified review
I hadn't been to Howick for a very long time and was impressed with the cute shops and eateries open for business. Howick Falls are always worth a visit ... and have a wander around the market stalls trading their wares.
Helen (Kearsney)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Far Away Place Nguni Cottage
Faraway Place Nguni Cottage offers accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander in Kwazulu Natal. We are 5km on the old Curry's Post Road f...

The Green Lantern
Located on a leafy property in the Natal Midlands town of Howick, The Green Lantern offers secure self catering accommodation. Shops, pubs and re...

Devonshire Place
Independant of the main family home and with its own entrance, Devonshire Place is a quiet apartment offering self catering accommodation for fou...

Nutmeg Guest House
Nutmeg Guest House offers stylish, comfortable spacious cottages set in a peaceful garden, teeming with bird life. Accommodation consists of a ch...

Leafy Lane
Leafy Lane is situated in Howick and is ideal for a night's stop over on the way to the coast or a longer stay visiting family. Our relaxed count...

Granny Mouse Country House
This picturesque, thatched country retreat is situated among 52 acres on the Midlands Meander on an outcrop overlooking natural bush and the rapi...

Biggy Best Cottages
Located in Howick, Biggy Best Cottages are situated in the heart of the Midlands only three minutes' drive from Howick Falls and five minutes' dr...

Meander In B&B
Ideally located in the quaint town of Howick, Meander In offers accommodation in a welcoming and homely establishment. The town is home to the Ho...

The Old Hotel
Beautifully restored and decorated, the original hotel has been rejuvenated, and offers extremely comfortable self-catering accommodation in the ...

Old Balgowan Farm Cottages
Old Balgowan Farm Cottages offers accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander on a beautiful 580 hectare working farm. Ideally located dir...


St Ives Lodge
St Ives is situated in Lions River in the beautiful Natal Midlands, 10 kilometres from Howick. Our guests are able to enjoy the spoils and splend...

Thistledown Country House
Thistledown Country House offers accommodation beneath the Klarkloof indigenous forest and is one and a half hours from Durban and four and a hal...

Azalea Bed and Breakfast
Situated in Howick in the Natal Midlands, Azalea Bed and Breakfast offers comfortable accommodation in three separate rooms. This is a great base...

Curry's Post Bed and Breakfast
Situated close to the Karkloof Nature Reserve, Curry’s Post Bed and Breakfast offers accommodation in two rooms. The Guest House has secure parki...

Ashton Wold Estate
Situated just 26kms from Howick, Ashton Wold Estate offers accommodation close to the Karkloof Reserve, Sappi bike trails, many local restaurants...

Old Halliwell Country Inn
Built in the 1830’s and set on 250 acres of rolling lawns and forests overlooking the Karkloof Valley, Old Halliwell captures the charms and trad...

Rockwood Lodges
If you wish to stay in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, choose between Rockwood Forest Lodge and Rockwood Mountain Lodge. Rockwood Forest Lodge sleep...

Far Away Place Dashy House
Far Away Place Dashy House accommodation offers beautiful views of our dam and an ideal spot for trout fishing. The property offers a large pine ...

Sunbird Guest House
Sunbird Guest House is situated in a beautiful country environment, just 1 hour from Durban, in the tranquil town of Howick and offers 4 star gra...

A Farm Life
A Farm Life offers guests comfortable accommodation in Howick in two separate units. There is a small dam, a gentle stream and an island hidden a...

Arum Hill Lodge
Situated on seven hectares of property, Arum Hill Lodge offers exclusive accommodation in the heart of the Midlands. Arum Hill Lodge is the ideal...

Ultima Thule Cottages
Ultima Thule Cottages offer Natal Midlands self catering on a working farm. Our focus is to offer a tranquil and secure retreat far from the hust...

Thyme Out Accommodation
Thyme Out offers accommodation in a room on a farm at the heart of Curry’s Post in the Natal Midlands. Here you can enjoy magnificent views over...

Cranford Country Lodge
Cranford Country Lodge is situated near Curry’s Post, nestled among the picturesque hills of the Midlands, Cranford is the perfect place to find ...
Things to do in the area

Karkloof Canopy Tour
Warm summers and temperate to cool winters make Howick and its mother province of KwaZulu-Natal ideal for visitors all year round. The gorgeous N...

Buy glassware at Buchanan Interiors
If you are looking for beautiful glassware why not try Buchanan Interiors on the Midlands Meander? All glassware is manufactured in the studio, u...

Corner Post Restaurant & Bar
The Corner Post Restaurant & Bar is just that: a beautiful bar with a relaxing lounge and dedicated kitchen for bar meals and snacks and a full r...

Go Fly a Kite in Howick
Float with a butterfly; fly like a bee. Take to the skies with your feet in the sea. Release from a beach strip, a lawn patch or hillside; steer ...

Granny Mouse Spa
With a Spa and Wellness Center this retreat has one of the most complete and indulgent all-round packages in Kwazulu Natal. The spa offers a full...

Karkloof Farmers Market
For the ultimate in fresh produce, delicious indulgences, and family fun close to Durban, the Karkloof Farmers’ Market is your weekend go-to duri...

Spend a day at the Midmar Dam
Day visitors to the Midmar Dam will find shady picnic spots along the shoreline of the dam and braai (barbecue) facilities that make picnicking h...

Abingdon Wine Estate
Many farmers have tried to make a go of viticulture in the Natal Midlands. The altitude, the cool climate (it gets below freezing in winter) and ...

Mandela Capture Monument
If you didn’t already know this former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was arrested on 5 August 1962 when traveling illegally from Dur...
Noteworthy attractions

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 undula...

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...

Bosch Hoek Golf Club
Bosch Hoek Golf Course in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands must qualify as one of the most picturesque layouts in the country. The estate is convenient...

Gowrie Farm Golf Course
Gowrie Farm Golf Course, one of KwaZulu Natal’s finest golf courses, was built in the traditional way with push up greens and rugged bunkers. The...

Maritzburg Golf Club
The Maritzburg Golf Club in Pietermaritzburg is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa, dating back to 1886. It has lush, smooth cynodon gr...

Sakabula Golf Club
Sakabula Golf Club is a unique combination of agricultural smallholdings around a delightful 18-hole, par 73, golf course in a scenic rural envir...

Victoria Country Club
Less than five minutes from the CBD of Pietermaritzburg, the Victoria Country Club is superbly located in the scenic parklands adjoining the Quee...

Battlefields Route
The KwaZulu Natal hinterland has witnessed some of the most brutal and significant battles to be fought in South Africa. These historical sites f...

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 c...
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