Howick Falls
Waterfall Scenic waterfall on the Umgeni River near Howick
Howick Falls, a roughly 95-metre drop on the Umgeni River near Howick, offers lookout platforms and short walking trails. Visitors come for views, picnics and local craft stalls beside the falls.
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Howick Falls is a waterfall on the Umgeni River near the town of Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, known for its high single drop of roughly 95 metres. The site is a local landmark and a frequent stop for visitors travelling inland from the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The main attraction is the dramatic single-drop cascade into a wooded gorge with a well-established rim viewpoint and walking paths. Nearby amenities include a small park area and interpretive signage about local natural and cultural significance.
The falls have long cultural importance for local Zulu communities and were a noted landmark during colonial and modern periods. Access is via short walks from the parking and viewing areas established on the site.
Howick Falls lies adjacent to the town of Howick, roughly inland from the Durban metropolitan area, set within a rolling, partly wooded landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Height: The falls have a single vertical drop of about 95 metres on the Umgeni River, forming a deep plunge pool at the base that is visible from the viewing area.
- Viewing tips: Best panoramic views are available from the fenced lookout points on the rim above the falls; late winter and spring produce higher flows after seasonal rains.
How to Get to Howick Falls #
Howick Falls is in the town of Howick in KwaZulu‑Natal, on the Umgeni River. By car, follow the N3 motorway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and take the turnoff for Howick, then follow local signs into town and to the Falls viewpoint; Howick is roughly a 40‑minute drive from Pietermaritzburg and about 1-1.5 hours from Durban depending on traffic. Once in Howick town centre the main falls viewpoint is a short 5-10 minute walk from the centre (follow signs to the Falls/Umgeni River viewing site).
Tips for Visiting Howick Falls #
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the falls with fewer visitors and to combine the stop with nearby sites before day‑trip coach traffic arrives.
- Park and viewpoint access are in Howick town rather than at the bottom of the gorge; use the official Falls Park entrance and viewpoint platforms for the safest, closest views.
- Combine the falls with a short drive to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site memorial and interpretive centre outside Howick to add historical context to your visit.
Best Time to Visit Howick Falls #
Visit during or shortly after the summer rainy season (November-March) to see the falls at their most impressive, with warm weather.
Weather & Climate near Howick Falls #
Howick Falls's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 3°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (829 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
