South Africa · Southern Africa
Howick Falls
KwaNogqaza
A single sheer drop on the Mgeni River just outside Howick town, easily viewed from a roadside platform, holds deep Zulu spiritual significance as the home of a mythical serpent. Nelson Mandela was captured by security police on the road nearby in 1962, a site now marked by a nearby memorial.
A single sheer drop on the Mgeni River just outside Howick town, easily viewed from a roadside platform, holds deep Zulu spiritual significance as the home of a mythical serpent. Nelson Mandela was captured by security police on the road nearby in 1962, a site now marked by a nearby memorial.
Howick Falls drops 95 metres (312 ft) on the Mgeni. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Howick, with PZB the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Summer thunderstorms (Dec-Mar) swell the Mgeni River.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Summer thunderstorms (Dec-Mar) swell the Mgeni River.
Entry: Small viewing-platform fee
Getting there
- Base townHowick
- AirportPZB
- CountrySouth Africa
- RegionSouthern Africa, Africa
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
-29.4833, 30.2333
Quick answers
How tall is Howick Falls?
Howick Falls drops 95 metres (312 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Mgeni.
When is the best time to visit Howick Falls?
Peak flow is January to March. Summer thunderstorms (Dec-Mar) swell the Mgeni River.
What can you do at Howick Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Howick Falls?
The usual base is Howick, and the closest airport is PZB. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Small viewing-platform fee.
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