Howick Falls
Howick Falls serve as the primary draw of the historic town, first encountered by European travelers in the early 1800s. The Zulu people regard them with reverence as a sacred site, and local legends speak of a serpent-like creature believed to inhabit the depths of the falls. Historically, local Zulus and their sangomas, or witch doctors, would perform sacrifices of goats and chickens to honor the water god known as Inkanyamba.
The waterfall stands at about 111 meters, or 364 feet, tall and is located on the Umgeni River. The Zulu people referred to the falls as KwaNogqaza, translating to “Place of the Tall One.” Howick Falls, the second tallest waterfall in South Africa, boasts crowned eagles and offers activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, and boating along the lush subtropical river. The Gorge Walk offers an exceptional opportunity to experience breathtaking views of the falls and the gorge, along which the uMngeni River flows. The Walk is straightforward and accessible, guiding you through beautiful riverine forests, grottos, and winding streams, enveloped by the lush greenery of the Natal Midlands and the refreshing moisture that accompanies a riverside walk.
The walk begins at the Gorge Walk sign located at the bottom of Harvard Street in Howick and leads to the pool at the end. This segment will take you just over an hour, so plan for a couple of hours to complete the entire hike. It is also suitable for children. If you wish, you can arrange for a trail guide who can share insights about the Zulu legends. A nominal fee is associated with the walk, which supports the Howick Falls Conservancy. The sound of the falls below is intense, so please refrain from communicating until you are further up the path. If you’re seeking a bit more of a challenge, don a helmet and take on the surrounding cliff faces by scaling and abseiling, while exercising caution.
What to do at Howick Falls
Hiking
The hiking paths around Howick Falls provide breathtaking views of the falls, the surroundings, and the chance to see local wildlife. From several paths to fit various interests and fitness level, there is something for you.
The Howick Falls Trail offers amazing views of the falls and winds you across a verdant woodland. Completing the roughly 1-2 hour trail takes one kilometre or so.
The Umngeni Valley Trail provides breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and winds you across a picturesque valley. Completing the roughly 5 km long trail takes three to four hours.
Picnicking
Around Howick Falls, there are several approved picnic sites with breathtaking views of the falls and surrounds. There are braai (barbecue) facilities, benches and picnic tables in these areas.
Nestled next to the falls, the Howick Falls Picnic Area provides breathtaking views of the water tumbling down. This is a fantastic place to relax and have dinner with loved ones.
Situated beside the Umngeni River, the Umngeni River Picnic Area provides breathtaking views of the surroundings. This is a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy a dinner surrounded by natural sounds and sights.
Birdwatching
For those who enjoy birdwatching, close proximity of Howick Falls boasts a great range of species. Among the bird species you will find in the surroundings such African Fish Eagle among others.
Visit the museum Howick Falls
Situated close to the falls, the Howick Falls Museum is a small one. The museum provides information on the surrounds as well as the historical and cultural relevance of the falls.
Exhibits: The museum has displays on the falls’ geology, past, and cultural relevance. You can also study the flora and local animals.
The museum boasts a collection of objects connected to the falls and their surrounds. These cover tools, traditional attire, and other objects.
Explore Local Craft Markets
There are several local craft markets around Howick Falls where one may find distinctive handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Supporting local artists and carrying a bit of the local culture home is a great way these markets help.
Located close to the falls, the Howick Falls Craft Market showcases a great range of locally produced crafts including textiles, pottery, and woodcarvings.
Located in the Umngeni Valley, the Umngeni Valley Craft Market boasts a great range of locally made goods including basketry, jewelry, and carvings.
Abseiling
An exciting experience for the adventurous is abseiling down the face of Howick Falls. As you descend the falls, you will be safely tethered to a rope and under direction from experienced guides. The Abseil The abseil is approximately 95 meters long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. As you descend the falls, you will be tethered to a rope and under instruction.
Safety comes first, thus you will have a helmet, harness, and rope at hand. The teachers will guarantee your safety and walk you through the whole process.
White-Water Rafting
Experience an intense rush by riding the Umngeni River. As you negotiate the rapids and savor the breathtaking surroundings, seasoned teachers will be your guides.
The Umngeni River boasts a range of gentle to extreme rapids. Instructors will help you negotiate the rapids and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings.
Scenic Drives
Beautiful scenic drives abound in the vicinity of Howick Falls, with amazing views of the falls and surrounds. Some well-known picturesque drives are:
This drive, the Howick Falls Scenic Drive, winds you across a verdant forest with breathtaking views of the falls. Completing the drive takes one to two hours and covers around ten kilometers.
The Umngeni Valley Scenic Drive presents breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and leads you across a picturesque valley. Completing the drive takes two to three hours and covers around twenty kilometers.
Horse Riding
Horseback riding the nearby countryside will provide a different viewpoint on the surroundings. To suit varying degrees of experience and interests, there are several horse-riding paths to pick from. The Howick Falls Horse Riding Trail provides amazing views of the falls and winds you across a verdant forest. Completing the roughly 10km trail takes two to three hours. The Umngeni Valley Horse Riding Trail presents breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as it winds you across a picturesque valley. Completing the roughly 20 km long trail takes three to four hours.
Photography
With amazing views of the falls and surrounding scene, the area around Howick Falls presents fantastic photographic possibilities. Popular photography locations include:
Excellent location for photography, the Howick Falls Viewpoint provides panoramic views of the falls. Particularly during sunrise and sunset, the Umngeni River presents breathtaking views and is a fantastic location for photography.
