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HHowick Falls in KwaZulu-Natal province is a scenic point from which to explore the delights of Howick before embarking on a leisurely drive through the rolling countryside of the Midlands Meander with its home-baked outlets, crafters, pubs, second-hand stores, carpet weavers, leather works and so much more.
Just 24km from Pietermaritzburg in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Howick Falls drops in spectacular fashion to a turbulent pool that has long been believed to have mystical powers.
TThe Midlands Meander, which stretches from Pietermaritzburg to the Drakensberg Mountains, is a prime tourist attraction with its abundant forests, hills, rivers, lakes, dams and waterfalls, plus hundreds of arts and craft outlets, restaurants, pubs, tea rooms and coffee shops that are well worth browsing through.
Experience first-hand why the falls are revered by sangomas, and you may begin to understand why the cascade is believed to be inhabited by powerful ancestral spirits.
At the falls viewing site, visitors can enjoy the Umgeni River in its tireless flow to the Indian Ocean. Just listening to the power of the Howick Falls fills one with a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Access to the base of the falls is pretty easy, although it involves an hour-long walk to the foaming pool and gorge where tributaries of the main river create a turbulent vortex of water.
If you do not have the energy for a walk, set up a picnic and view the spectacular waterfall from the platform or enjoy one of the local eateries within walking distance.
After you have shopped around the town for some fine antiques and Zulu arts and crafts, lose yourself in the rest of the Midlands, starting from Balgowan, just north of Howick, and heading to Nottingham Road, Curry's Post and further afield.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
How to get here
Howick lies 24km north of Pietermaritzburg on the N3 freeway.
Things to do in the area
Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve, the Midlands Meander, the Karkloof Nature Reserve and Canopy Tour, Midmar Dam Nature Reserve and Sakabula Golf Course are all close to Howick.
Tours to do
Taking a tour of the Midlands Meander is a must. The Meander is quite extensive, so it's advisable to get a Meander map from any local outlet and choose your desired craft outlets carefully, so as not to be overwhelmed by the variety.
Get around
Three different trails offer visitors a means of getting closer to the action and to different vantage points from which to photograph the waterfall.
Length of stay
Half a day will afford time to visit the waterfall, take a walk along a trail and spend time at some of the intriguing shops to be found in Howick.
Where to stay
There is no shortage of suitable accommodation in Howick and surrounding areas: self-catering, guesthouses, guest farms, B&Bs and a hotel lie close by.
Best buys
Arts and crafts along the Midlands Meander.
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