Howick Falls
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Howick Falls

4.1
·3k reviews·Howick, South Africa

Witness the majestic 95m plunge of Howick Falls, a free natural wonder offering breathtaking views and a powerful spectacle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Spectacular views year-round

CrowdLow
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Howick Falls

Howick Falls

Best Time

Anytime

Spectacular views year-round

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the majestic 95m plunge of Howick Falls, a free natural wonder offering breathtaking views and a powerful spectacle.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"The falls are absolutely breathtaking, with the powerful drop creating a stunning view that makes you pause and just take it all in."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy the stunning views of Howick Falls without any entrance fee. A budget-friendly stop!

Easy Access Viewing

A short, easy walk from parking leads to the main lookout deck for fantastic photo opportunities. [:camerawithflash:]

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Plunge

The Majestic Plunge

Main viewing deck

Witness the powerful 95-meter (310 ft) drop of the Umgeni River into a deep gorge. A truly awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

The 'Place of the Tall One'

The 'Place of the Tall One'

Viewing area

Experience the Zulu name KwaNogqaza, meaning 'Place of the Tall One,' reflecting the waterfall's impressive height.

Gorge Views & Mist

Gorge Views & Mist

Near the falls

Feel the fine mist on your face and watch swallows skim the water. A peaceful spot to simply observe nature's grandeur.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Impact

Howick Falls offers breathtaking views for free! While upgrades are happening, the main lookout is accessible. Plan for a short, impactful stop on your journey.

Embrace the Natural Beauty

Despite some litter concerns, the sheer power and height of Howick Falls are undeniable. Focus on the magnificent waterfall and gorge for a memorable experience.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Spectacular views year-round
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
More powerful water flow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nothing like a little impromptu performance with the beautiful Howick Falls behind us✨💦 #upyc24 #upyouthchoir #upyc #choir #upyouthchoir🇿🇦 #howickfalls #kzntour #kznmidlands #waterfall #tourism #kholisifoundation @gaytonmck @kolisi_foundation @tuksmusic @artsculturesa
upyouthchoir
20.7K likes • 297.7K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy the stunning views of Howick Falls without any entrance fee. A budget-friendly stop! Instagram

Easy Access Viewing

A short, easy walk from parking leads to the main lookout deck for fantastic photo opportunities. [:camerawithflash:] Reddit

🇿🇦Nestled in the heart of Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, Howick Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder, plunging 95 meters (310 feet) into the Umgeni River below. Known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, meaning ‘Place of the Tall One,’ this stunning waterfall is a must-see destination that showcases the raw beauty of our region. #MidlandsMeander #CreateNewMemories #HowickFalls #KwaZuluNatal #ExploreKZN...
midlandsmeander
201 likes • 5.2K views
Howick Falls, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. #waterfall #southafrica #howickfalls #travel #seetheworld #liveyourbestlife #peaceful #lifeisforfamily #africa #scenery #wildafrica #greatview
lifeisforfamily
41 likes • 1.9K views

Prepare for Mist

On windy days, you might feel a fine mist from the powerful waterfall. Bring a light jacket if needed. [:sweat_drops:] Reddit

Cleanliness Varies

While the falls are beautiful, some areas may have litter. Focus on the natural wonder. [:wastebasket:] Reddit

Howick Falls.... #southafrica 🇿🇦 #howick #waterfalls #kzn #natureatitsbest #bestview2022 Traveled 3 countries, 10 000km in December and found this beautiful view in South Africa we have a beautiful country... 🤎
its.me.heila
759 likes • 5.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy the stunning views of Howick Falls without any entrance fee. A budget-friendly stop! Instagram

Easy Access Viewing

A short, easy walk from parking leads to the main lookout deck for fantastic photo opportunities. [:camerawithflash:] Reddit

Prepare for Mist

On windy days, you might feel a fine mist from the powerful waterfall. Bring a light jacket if needed. [:sweat_drops:] Reddit

Cleanliness Varies

While the falls are beautiful, some areas may have litter. Focus on the natural wonder. [:wastebasket:] Reddit

Great Road Trip Stop

Perfect for a leg stretch when driving between Durban and Johannesburg. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking and powerful spectacle of Howick Falls, highlighting its impressive height and the stunning gorge views. The free entry and easy accessibility are major draws, making it a highly recommended stop for road-trippers. However, some reviews mention that the surrounding viewing area could benefit from better maintenance and cleanliness.

"On my way to Durban on Thursday, the 28th, I decided to make a quick stop at Howick Falls - and I’m so glad I did! The falls are absolutely breathtaking, with the powerful drop creating a stunning view that makes you pause and just take it all in.

It’s a peaceful spot with a touch of raw natural beauty, and the viewing area makes it easy to get great photos. Even though my visit was short, it left a lasting impression.

I’d definitely recommend anyone traveling to Durban to make a little detour and experience Howick Falls for themselves. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how beautiful South Africa really is. 🌿💦"

Tebogo Sweatz

"Howick Falls is a truly beautiful natural wonder, and on a good day, the view of the waterfall and gorge is beautiful. The sheer power of the water and the height of the falls are impressive to witness, and it's clear that nature has created something special here.

However, the experience around the falls is unfortunately hampered by the general state of the viewing area. There is a noticeable amount of litter, which really detracts from the natural beauty of the place. It's a shame to see such a magnificent site not being properly maintained. While the waterfall itself is a five-star attraction, the surrounding environment brings the overall rating down.

This spot has so much potential, and it would be a truly incredible destination if the cleanliness and general upkeep were improved. It's worth a visit just for the falls, but be prepared to look past the less-than-ideal conditions.

Entrance is free of charge.
Toilets are R2 per for use."

Monique Beukes

"Well worth a visit. The falls are spectacular. Parking is easy and access to lookout is a short easy walk. The water tumbles into a deep gorge adding to the interest of the scene."

P G

What People Like

Breathtaking waterfall views
Impressive height and gorge
Free entry and easy access

What People Dislike

Litter in viewing areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Howick Falls is approximately an hour and a half's drive from Durban, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from the coast. Instagram Many travelers find it an easy detour when traveling between major cities in KwaZulu-Natal. Instagram+1

Yes, Howick Falls is well-signposted and easily accessible from the main road in Howick. There is dedicated parking available near the viewing area. Reddit

Absolutely! Howick Falls is located in Howick, which is very close to Pietermaritzburg, making it an ideal short excursion or stopover. Instagram

The roads leading to Howick Falls are generally well-maintained. Travelers have noted that upgrades are being done in the area, improving accessibility. Instagram

Yes, it's a highly recommended stop for a leg stretch and to witness a beautiful natural attraction on your journey to the coast. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Howick Falls is a free tourist attraction, meaning you don't need to pay an entrance fee to enjoy the views. Instagram+1

While entry is free, there is a small fee of R2 to use the public toilets. Reddit

As a natural attraction, Howick Falls is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for the optimal viewing experience. Instagram

No, booking tickets is not necessary as Howick Falls has free entry. You can visit spontaneously. Instagram

While beautiful at any time, visiting during daylight hours ensures you can fully appreciate the waterfall and its surroundings. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Howick Falls plunges an impressive 95 meters (310 feet) into the Umgeni River gorge. Instagram+2

You can admire the breathtaking views from the lookout deck, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty. Some visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observing wildlife like swallows. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a well-placed viewing area that offers excellent vantage points to see the waterfall and the gorge. Reddit+1

While the main attraction is the view from the lookout, the surrounding area offers opportunities for short walks. Specific gorge walks might be limited or under development. Instagram

The falls are known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, meaning 'Place of the Tall One,' highlighting its long-standing natural importance. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The main viewing deck provides the most accessible and dramatic angles for capturing the waterfall's power and height. Reddit+1

You can get close enough from the viewing deck to feel the mist and capture the scale of the falls, but direct access to the base of the falls is not typically available. Reddit

Daylight hours are best for clear, vibrant photos. Consider visiting when the sun is not directly overhead to avoid harsh shadows. Instagram

Look out for rainbows forming in the mist on sunny days, or capture the swallows that often skim the water's surface. Reddit

For capturing the water's movement, try a slightly longer exposure to create a silky effect. A tripod can be helpful for stability, especially in lower light. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Howick Falls is a fantastic, free stop for families. The easy access from the parking lot to the viewing deck means little legs won't get too tired. Reddit The sheer power and height of the waterfall are captivating for children, offering a great opportunity to talk about nature and geography. Instagram+1 While there might be some litter, the main focus can be on the impressive natural spectacle. Consider it a perfect, quick educational stop on a family road trip. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip, Howick Falls is an essential and easy detour. It's conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Durban and serves as a great leg-stretching break on longer journeys. Instagram+1 The free entry and straightforward access make it an ideal quick stop to break up driving time and experience a significant natural landmark without a major time commitment. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Howick Falls is a dream for budget travelers, offering spectacular natural beauty completely free of charge. Instagram+1 The only minor cost is for toilet use (R2). Reddit This makes it an excellent way to experience a significant South African attraction without spending a penny on admission, perfect for those watching their expenses. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Natural Wonder of Howick Falls

Howick Falls is a spectacular natural landmark in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, renowned for its impressive 95-meter (310 ft) drop. The water cascades powerfully into a deep gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The Zulu people historically referred to the falls as KwaNogqaza, which translates to 'Place of the Tall One,' a fitting name for its towering presence. Instagram+1 The sheer volume and force of the water, especially after rainfall, make it a truly awe-inspiring sight. Reddit

Visitors can observe this natural wonder from a dedicated viewing deck, which offers excellent vantage points for photography and contemplation. Reddit+1 While the immediate area around the falls is a testament to nature's power, some visitors have noted that the surrounding viewing area could benefit from improved maintenance and cleanliness. Reddit Despite this, the inherent beauty of the waterfall itself remains a significant draw, reminding visitors of the raw, untamed beauty found in South Africa. Instagram+1

It's a popular stop for travelers, often described as a peaceful spot with a touch of raw natural beauty. Reddit The experience can be enhanced by observing the small details, such as swallows skimming the water or the fleeting appearance of rainbows in the mist. Reddit The accessibility and free entry make it an attractive destination for a brief yet impactful visit. Instagram

Planning Your Visit to Howick Falls

Visiting Howick Falls is straightforward, with free entry making it an accessible attraction for all. The primary viewing area is easily reached from the parking lot, requiring only a short, easy walk. Reddit This makes it an ideal stop for travelers looking for a quick yet memorable experience, particularly those on longer road trips between cities like Durban and Johannesburg. Instagram+1

While the falls themselves are a natural marvel, it's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned the presence of litter in the surrounding areas, which can detract from the overall aesthetic. Reddit However, many travelers emphasize that the breathtaking view of the waterfall and gorge more than compensates for any minor upkeep issues. Reddit The falls are particularly impressive after periods of rain when the water flow is at its most powerful. Reddit

Practical considerations include a small fee for using the public toilets (R2). Reddit The falls are best viewed during daylight hours to fully appreciate their grandeur. Instagram Upgrades are reportedly underway in the area, aiming to enhance the visitor experience and safety. Instagram

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