Howick

The small town of Howick, in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, is aptly known as the place of many waterfalls.

As the Umgeni River flows from the Drakensberg mountain range to the Indian Ocean, it tumbles over a series of falls including Howick Falls (just outside the town) and Karkloof Falls (an hour's hike along the gorge trail).

This peaceful area if prefect for leisurely hikes and a bit of bird watching; you can also go trout fishing at the river; explore the surrounding hills on horseback and mountain bike or go on a Karkloof Canopy tour.

If you'd like to stay in Howick, we'd recommend the thatched cottages at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

History

Howick has interesting, if somewhat dark history. 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 Umgeni 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 the 93m river drop, now known as Howick Falls. The need for a village with facilities for the transport riders soon became evident, and this 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.

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