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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular views year-round

Howick Falls
Best Time
Spectacular views year-round

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the majestic 95m plunge of Howick Falls, a free natural wonder offering breathtaking views and a powerful spectacle.
"The falls are absolutely breathtaking, with the powerful drop creating a stunning view that makes you pause and just take it all in."

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:]

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:]
Prepare for Mist
On windy days, you might feel a fine mist from the powerful waterfall. Bring a light jacket if needed. [:sweat_drops:]
Cleanliness Varies
While the falls are beautiful, some areas may have litter. Focus on the natural wonder. [:wastebasket:]
Tips
from all over the internet
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:]
Prepare for Mist
On windy days, you might feel a fine mist from the powerful waterfall. Bring a light jacket if needed. [:sweat_drops:]
Cleanliness Varies
While the falls are beautiful, some areas may have litter. Focus on the natural wonder. [:wastebasket:]
Great Road Trip Stop
Perfect for a leg stretch when driving between Durban and Johannesburg.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Many travelers find it an easy detour when traveling between major cities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Yes, Howick Falls is well-signposted and easily accessible from the main road in Howick. There is dedicated parking available near the viewing area.
Absolutely! Howick Falls is located in Howick, which is very close to Pietermaritzburg, making it an ideal short excursion or stopover.
The roads leading to Howick Falls are generally well-maintained. Travelers have noted that upgrades are being done in the area, improving accessibility.
Yes, it's a highly recommended stop for a leg stretch and to witness a beautiful natural attraction on your journey to the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Howick Falls is a free tourist attraction, meaning you don't need to pay an entrance fee to enjoy the views.
While entry is free, there is a small fee of R2 to use the public toilets.
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.
No, booking tickets is not necessary as Howick Falls has free entry. You can visit spontaneously.
While beautiful at any time, visiting during daylight hours ensures you can fully appreciate the waterfall and its surroundings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Howick Falls plunges an impressive 95 meters (310 feet) into the Umgeni River gorge.
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.
Yes, there is a well-placed viewing area that offers excellent vantage points to see the waterfall and the gorge.
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.
The falls are known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, meaning 'Place of the Tall One,' highlighting its long-standing natural importance.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The main viewing deck provides the most accessible and dramatic angles for capturing the waterfall's power and height.
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.
Daylight hours are best for clear, vibrant photos. Consider visiting when the sun is not directly overhead to avoid harsh shadows.
Look out for rainbows forming in the mist on sunny days, or capture the swallows that often skim the water's surface.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Wonder of Howick Falls
Visitors can observe this natural wonder from a dedicated viewing deck, which offers excellent vantage points for photography and contemplation. 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. Despite this, the inherent beauty of the waterfall itself remains a significant draw, reminding visitors of the raw, untamed beauty found in South Africa.
It's a popular stop for travelers, often described as a peaceful spot with a touch of raw natural beauty. 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. The accessibility and free entry make it an attractive destination for a brief yet impactful visit.
Planning Your Visit to Howick Falls
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. However, many travelers emphasize that the breathtaking view of the waterfall and gorge more than compensates for any minor upkeep issues. The falls are particularly impressive after periods of rain when the water flow is at its most powerful.
Practical considerations include a small fee for using the public toilets (R2). The falls are best viewed during daylight hours to fully appreciate their grandeur. Upgrades are reportedly underway in the area, aiming to enhance the visitor experience and safety.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit