Howick

During the Great Trek, when Dutch settlers trekked into the interior of South Africa, their wagons followed the path of least resistance. The first major obstacle they encountered in this area was the Mgeni River.

They found a suitable fording place, but by 1850 the traffic became so busy that a new ford became a priority. This was built just above a 93m drop into a waterfall, and the need for a village with facilities for the transport riders soon became evident. The new village was named after the Viscount Howick (later Earl Grey, British Colonial Secretary).

The Government hired the local innkeeper to operate the ferry, but this ended in disaster when his son was swept over the falls during a flood, whilst attempting to get a horse over the crossing. A cairn of rocks at the bottom of the falls marks his grave.

He was not the only casualty. Over the years a number of travellers and their vehicles were swept over the falls. It became a rather fashionable suicide spot: about 20 people have lost their lives here.

Today Howick is a prosperous centre, known for its timber plantations, cattle ranching and dairy farming.

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