Howick is a historic residential, agricultural and tourism town in the uMngeni Local Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District. Situated beside the uMngeni River near the N3 and R103, it lies approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Pietermaritzburg. Wooded neighbourhoods, rolling farmland, river valleys and the misty hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands create an attractive setting at the southern end of the Midlands Meander.
The town began developing during the mid-nineteenth century after land was allocated to settlers and farms were established north of the uMngeni River. Travellers originally crossed the river at nearby drifts before a route was moved closer to the top of the waterfall. The settlement was proclaimed during the 1850s and named Howick after Viscount Howick, a title held by British Colonial Secretary Earl Grey.
Howick Falls is the town’s best-known natural and historical landmark. Here the uMngeni River plunges approximately 95 metres over a dramatic cliff into the gorge below. The waterfall is traditionally known as KwaNogqaza, commonly translated as “Place of the Tall One”, and has long held cultural and spiritual significance for local Zulu communities. Viewing areas near the town centre provide the safest and easiest way to appreciate the falls.
Agriculture, tourism, retail, education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and professional services support Howick’s economy. Dairy farming, livestock, maize, vegetables, forestry and other agricultural activities occur throughout the surrounding Midlands. The town serves nearby farms and residential communities through shopping centres, schools, medical facilities and public services, while the Midlands Meander attracts visitors to craft studios, farm stalls, restaurants and country accommodation.
Howick has a temperate, elevated Midlands climate. Summers are generally mild to warm, green and rainy, with afternoon thunderstorms, mist and humid periods. Winters are considerably drier, with sunny days, cool mornings and cold nights, while frost may occur in exposed rural areas. Visitors should carry a warm layer because temperatures and visibility can change quickly when mist moves across the hills.
uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve protects approximately 900 hectares of grassland, woodland, thicket and forest close to Howick. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, picnicking, birdwatching, photography and game viewing, with animals including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and several antelope species occurring in the reserve. Midmar Dam offers fishing, paddling, boating and waterside recreation where current rules and conditions permit. Wildlife sightings naturally vary according to the season and environmental conditions.
Accommodation in Howick includes Biggy Best Boutique Hotel, Slee Guest House, The Green Lantern Self-Catering Cottages and accommodation at The Old Mushroom Farm. uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve also offers self-catering cottages, chalets and rustic camps. Visitors can enjoy meals at Forty One Restaurant and Bar, Yellowwood Café, Terbodore Coffee Roasters and Tumble Downs Café and Restaurant. These choices range from coffee shops and casual family dining to wood-fired dishes and countryside meals.
Nearby attractions include Howick Falls, Howick Museum, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Midmar Dam and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, which marks the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962. Further outings can include Karkloof Falls, the Karkloof forest district, Hilton, Curry’s Post and the galleries, shops and farms of the Midlands Meander. Whether you are exploring its history, enjoying its natural surroundings or simply relaxing, Howick offers a memorable KwaZulu-Natal experience. Discover accommodation, restaurants, local businesses, historical places, outdoor activities and nearby attractions through BlyLekker, and experience the distinctive character of Howick.