Howick

Howick is a small town near the Midmar Dam in the uMngeni Valley of the Natal Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a major stop on the famous Midlands Meander mainly because of the many waterfalls in the area and particularly the 95m Howick Falls. Although the falls are a major attraction there is much else to attract visitors to the town.

There is a wealth of genuine Africana, antiques and locally inspired arts and crafts on the Town Trail. For nature lovers there are nature reserves, hiking and mountain bike trails, watersports, fishing and bird watching – all set in magnificent surroundings. The Gorge Walk at the Howick Falls should not be missed.

The quaint taverns, cafes and restaurants will delight and accommodation establishments are varied and attractive. The town is an ideal place to stay for visitors and competitors taking part in the largest swimming event in the world, the Midmar Mile.

Merrivale, sometimes seen as a separate town on maps, is actually part of Howick.

Another claim to fame for the town is that this was where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. The Zulu influence is also quite marked.

Howick has an abundance of activities for visitors to enjoy. Abseiling the Howick Falls, nature walks in the surrounding forest areas, mountain bike trails and trips to the nearby Midmar Dam are popular.

Getting there: From Durban, take the N3 going inland to Howick.