Howick Falls

Howick Falls drops about 95 metres on the uMngeni River right on the edge of Howick, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Its Zulu name, KwaNogqaza, means "place of the tall one".

Why visit Howick Falls

A viewing platform sits a few steps from the town centre, and guided walks descend into the gorge. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where he was arrested in 1962, is a few minutes away.

Best time to visit Howick Falls

Summer rain from November to March fills the falls.

How to get to Howick Falls

Howick is just off the N3, about an hour and a half from Durban.

What to see

Howick Falls drops about 95 metres off the Umgeni River into a gorge on the edge of the town of Howick, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. A viewing platform is a few steps from the town centre. Guided walks lead down into the gorge to the foot of the falls. In Zulu, the falls are called KwaNogqaza, "place of the tall one".

Practical information

Howick is just off the N3, about an hour and a half from Durban, and an easy stop on the way to the Drakensberg. The falls are fullest in summer, November to March. Combine them with the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the Midlands Meander craft route and Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. Use an official guide for the walk to the base.

Pair Howick Falls with a safari

A natural stop between Durban and the Drakensberg on our 8-day KwaZulu-Natal journey.

Tips for visiting Howick Falls

The main viewpoint is a few steps from the car park; for a better view take the guided walk down into the gorge. Combine the stop with the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and the craft shops of the Midlands Meander. For planning, see our South Africa guide and the month-by-month water levels, or compare it with Africa's two most visited falls, Victoria Falls and Murchison Falls.

National parks and sights nearby

• Midlands Meander
• Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• Drakensberg