Howick Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, the town of Howick is a charming and picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. With its lush green landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and rich history, Howick is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic South African experience.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Howick is the Howick Falls, a breathtaking cascade of water that plunges 95 meters into the pool below. Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring views of the falls from the viewing platforms or embark on a scenic hike along the surrounding trails. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there are also opportunities for abseiling and rock climbing in the area.

In addition to its natural wonders, Howick is also home to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, a significant historical site commemorating the arrest of Nelson Mandela in 1962. The site features a striking sculpture and an exhibition center that provides insight into Mandela's life and the struggle against apartheid.

For those interested in local arts and crafts, the Howick Falls Craft Market is a vibrant hub of creativity, where visitors can browse and purchase a variety of handmade goods, including traditional Zulu beadwork, wood carvings, and woven textiles. The market is also a great place to sample authentic South African cuisine and interact with local artisans.

Alternative names: Established: 1850 (174 years ago)Population: 28.7 thous.Elevation: 3346 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 29°28'59"S, 30°13'50"E

Location

KwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Howick Top Attractions

Howick Attractions - What to See and Explore

Howick offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Howick Falls, Midmar Dam, UMngeni Local Municipality. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • View point
Howick Falls
Howick Falls is a waterfall in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The waterfall is approximately 95 m in height and lies on the Umgeni River. The Zulu people called the falls KwaNogqaza, which means "Place of the Tall One".
Dam
Midmar Dam
Midmar Dam is a combined gravity & earth-fill type dam and recreation area located near Howick and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Boating, swimming, waterskiing, picnicking, and fishing are popular pastimes at Midmar Dam.
29°29'21"S • 30°13'37"E
UMngeni Local Municipality
uMngeni Local Municipality is an administrative area in the UMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The municipality is named after the Umgeni River that runs through the municipal area.

Day trips

Howick – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Howick, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Giant's Castle, KwaZulu-Natal Museum (Pietermaritzburg), KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (Pietermaritzburg).

46 milesW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Giant's Castle
Giant's Castle is a mountain located within the Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It includes a grassy plateau nestled among the deep valleys of the southern end of the central Drakensberg.
12 milesSE
29°36'16"S • 30°22'50"E
KwaZulu-Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg
History museum, Museum
11 milesSE
Garden, Park, Botanical garden
KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Pietermaritzburg
The KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden is situated along Mayor's Walk, in the western suburbs of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The identification code of the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden as a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, as well as the initials of its herbarium is NBGN.
13 milesSE
29°36'51"S • 30°23'43"E
Comrades House, Pietermaritzburg
Specialty museum, Museum
13 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Forest
Karkloof Forest
The Karkloof Forest is situated in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, 22 km north of Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is a large mistbelt forest containing yellowwoods and stinkwood. Wildlife includes Samango monkey, blue duiker and bushbuck.