Walks & nature · Howick
Howick Falls
A drop of about 95 metres on the uMngeni River, with a viewing platform a short walk from the main street.
- Address
- Centre of Howick, a short walk from Main Street
Howick
Howick is the seat of uMngeni Local Municipality and sits on the N3 at about 1,050 m. The 2011 census counted 21,639 residents. The town has grown with retirement villages such as Amberfield, Amberglen, Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, BrandonsField and Amber Lakes.
Highlights
- Howick Falls, where the uMngeni River drops about 95 m over dolerite cliffs
- Midmar Dam, for boating, fishing and the Midmar Mile swim each February
- Nelson Mandela Capture Site on the R103 about 5 km outside town, with a visitor centre and a sculpture of 50 steel columns
- Howick High School, a co-educational, English-medium public high school with weekly boarding, overlooking Midmar Dam
Places in and around Howick
Walks & nature · Howick
Midmar Dam
A large dam and nature reserve for sailing, paddling, fishing and picnics, and home to the Midmar Mile swim each February.
- Hours
- Day visitors 06:00–18:00 in summer, 06:00–17:00 in winter
- Fees
- Day visitors (SA/SADC): R70 adult, R35 child. Fishing needs a permit.
- Address
- Midmar Nature Reserve, off the N3 at the Midmar/Howick exit
Heritage · Howick
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Near the spot on the R103 where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962. A visitor centre and the 50-column steel sculpture tell the story.
- Hours
- Thursday to Monday, 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:15); closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Fees
- South Africans R120, international visitors R180, ages 13–17 R40, under-12s free
- Address
- R103, about 5 km outside Howick
Shops & makers · Howick
Falls craft stalls
Local crafters sell their work near the falls viewpoint, where a precinct upgrade with new crafter shelters is under way.
Walks & nature · Howick
uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve
A 900 ha WESSA reserve in the valley below Howick, dropping from 1,044 m near the entrance gate to the valley floor. Grassland, woodland, thicket and forest with zebra, giraffe, blesbok, impala, nyala, bushbuck and blue wildebeest; nature trails, rock climbing, picnicking and rock pools. Also an environmental education centre, chalets, cottages and rustic camps.
- Fees
- R40 adult, R30 child under 12, under-2s free
- Address
- 1 Karkloof Road, Howick, 3290 (entrance on the Howick-Karkloof road)
Heritage · Howick
Howick uMngeni Museum
A local museum on the edge of Howick Falls with stories of settlement, life and change along the uMngeni River.
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 08:45–12:30 and 13:30–15:30; Sat 10:00–13:00; Sun 10:00–15:00
- Address
- Next to Howick Falls, Howick
Eat & drink · Howick
Terbodore Coffee Bar & Roastery
Coffee roaster that moved its roastery and coffee bar to Howick after 18 years at Curry's Post. It sells its own blends and flavoured coffees alongside bakery items.
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30; Sat 07:00–15:00; Sun closed
- Address
- 70 Main Road, Howick, 3290
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Eat & drink · Howick
Bluebird Coffee Roastery
Specialty coffee roaster with a coffee bar and training centre in a building it put up in 2022. It sells single-origin coffees and blends, and supplies wholesale customers.
- Hours
- Daily 07:30–16:00 (Sun closes 15:00)
- Address
- 36 Main Street, Howick
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Eat & drink, Gardens & farms · Howick
The Old Mushroom Farm
Former mushroom farm whose tunnels and sheds now hold artisan shops, eateries, a food garden, event spaces and walking paths. It also has self-catering apartments and cottages.
- Hours
- Mon 09:00–16:00; Tue–Wed closed; Thu–Sun 09:00–16:00; closed Christmas Day
- Address
- 11 Karkloof Road, Howick, 3290
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Stay · Howick
The Green Lantern Self-Catering Cottages
Four self-catering cottages on a garden property in a residential part of Howick, each with a full kitchen, braai area, Wi-Fi and secure parking. It suits overnight and business stays close to town.
- Address
- 36 Fraser Street, Howick
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Family · Howick
Horse Shoe Bend
Small shopping centre next to the Capture Site with local-maker shops and a restaurant. For children there are play areas, an animal farm, pony rides and an obstacle course.
- Hours
- Shops Monday–Sunday 09:00–16:00; restaurant & bar Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–16:00
- Address
- 1 Curry's Post Link Rd, Tweedie, Howick (next to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site)
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Eat & drink · Howick
Forty One Restaurant and Bar
Mediterranean-style restaurant in the Yard41 development that cooks over open wood fires and in a wood-fired pizza oven. It has valley views and is family-friendly.
- Hours
- Mon–Wed 07:30–16:30; Thu–Fri 07:30–21:00; Sat 08:00–21:00; Sun 08:00–15:30; closed Good Friday, Christmas and New Year
- Address
- Yard41, 4 Shafton Road, Howick