Howick Falls South Africa
Witness the breathtaking 95-meter cascade of Howick Falls, a free natural wonder steeped in Zulu folklore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the falls in full, powerful flow.
Howick Falls South Africa
Best Time
Witness the falls in full, powerful flow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the breathtaking 95-meter cascade of Howick Falls, a free natural wonder steeped in Zulu folklore.
"A beautiful, awesome view and a great place to stop to experience the beauty of nature."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Howick Falls without any entry fee. A true natural treasure!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs 💰
Local vendors near the falls sell unique artwork and designs. They accept both cash and card.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Howick Falls
Umgeni River
Witness the powerful 95-meter cascade of the Umgeni River. Known as KwaNogqaza ('Place of the Tall One') by the Zulu people.
Inkanyamba Folklore
Near the falls
Learn about the legendary Inkanyamba, a serpent said to control storms, deeply rooted in Zulu and Xhosa folklore.
Souvenir Shopping
Near the falls
Browse unique artwork and designs from local vendors. Both cash and card are accepted.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Natural Wonder
Beyond the Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Howick Falls without any entry fee. A true natural treasure!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs 💰
Local vendors near the falls sell unique artwork and designs. They accept both cash and card.
Combine with Nearby Sites 🗺️
Consider visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site or Midmar Dam for a fuller day trip.
Pack a Lock for Memories 🔒
Some visitors like to leave a lock with their name to mark their presence.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Howick Falls without any entry fee. A true natural treasure!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs 💰
Local vendors near the falls sell unique artwork and designs. They accept both cash and card.
Combine with Nearby Sites 🗺️
Consider visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site or Midmar Dam for a fuller day trip.
Pack a Lock for Memories 🔒
Some visitors like to leave a lock with their name to mark their presence.
Check Out The Hall Cafe ☕
This cafe next to the falls offers good food and a cozy fireplace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Howick Falls for its stunning natural beauty and the impressive height of the cascade, noting it's a 'beautiful, awesome view' and a 'great place to stop.' The fact that it's a free attraction is a significant plus. Some mention the presence of souvenir vendors and nearby cafes. A few reviews touch upon the need to be aware of local residents in nearby areas and suggest bringing a lock to mark one's presence.
"Very good rainfalls so awesome view. And if you look closely laundry day as well."
Pieter Ferreira
"Beautiful, there are also vendors near the fall selling souvenirs and stuff, check out The Hall Cafe next to the fall, good food and also a fireplace in the cafe"
Mike & Bike Adventures
"This was our first stop towards our 3 day trip and i had a great time. I had an excellent first impression and i loved every aspect about the falls but i think something needs to be done about those people who are residing at shiyabazali a place nearby the falls. Make sure to bring a lock 🔒 embedded with your name so that you can leave it there to Mark your presence. There are even souvenir shops whith great artwork and designs bring cash or card because they take both.this was the best experience I've ever had and im visiting again when im old enough♥️"
Nzuzo Aphiwe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Howick Falls is a short detour, approximately 25 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. It's easily accessible by car and a popular stop on the way to the coast.
Yes, Howick Falls is a well-known landmark in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. Follow signs for the falls once you are in the town.
Absolutely! Howick Falls is a key attraction along the scenic Midlands Meander route, offering a beautiful natural stop. 
Parking is generally available near the falls, though it can get busy during peak times. Be mindful of your belongings.
While the main viewing areas are generally accessible, some paths might be uneven. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that Howick Falls is a free tourist attraction! You can enjoy the spectacular views without any admission fee.
Howick Falls is a natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
No, tickets are not required as Howick Falls is a free public attraction. You can visit spontaneously.
While generally open, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Upgrades have been made to enhance safety for tourists.
Swimming is not recommended at Howick Falls due to the strong currents and the height of the waterfall. It's best to admire the falls from the designated viewing areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points for capturing the grandeur of the falls. Consider visiting after rain for a more dramatic effect.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Howick Falls.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography conditions.
Beyond the falls themselves, the surrounding greenery and the chance to capture the Inkanyamba folklore imagery can add unique elements to your photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially if you want to smooth out the water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
For lunch, consider Meadowlands, which has several options. Anh's Vietnamese offers large portions, Number 1 Spring Caking roll is delicious, and the Chinese place nearby has amazing dumplings.
Yes, you'll find vendors near the falls selling souvenirs and snacks. The Hall Cafe, located next to the falls, also serves good food.
You can find a variety of cuisines, from Vietnamese and Chinese to Thai (at Taste of Thai Restaurant, a short drive away).
While not explicitly stated, the surrounding natural beauty suggests picnic spots might be available, especially in nearby Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve.
With diverse dining options like Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants, it's likely you can find vegetarian or vegan dishes. It's always best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more extended family adventure, combine the falls with a visit to the nearby Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve for hiking opportunities or Midmar Dam for outdoor activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
While souvenirs are available from local vendors, bringing cash can sometimes lead to better bargaining.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the falls and consider a tripod for smoother water effects. Beyond the main waterfall, look for opportunities to capture the surrounding lush greenery and the unique folklore associated with the Inkanyamba.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Inkanyamba
Many visitors are fascinated by this legend, with some TikTok videos even referencing the 'indlondlo' (snake) associated with the falls.
Exploring the area around Howick Falls offers a chance to not only appreciate the natural beauty but also to connect with the rich cultural heritage of South Africa.
Exploring the Midlands Meander
+1Visitors often combine a trip to Howick Falls with other nearby points of interest. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, a significant historical landmark, is a short drive away and offers a poignant experience.
Midmar Dam is another nearby attraction, known for its recreational activities and scenic beauty. The combination of natural wonders and cultural experiences makes the Midlands Meander a compelling destination for a day trip or a longer stay.When planning your Midlands Meander adventure, remember that Howick Falls itself is a free attraction, making it an accessible highlight.
+1The Power of the Falls
+2 The Zulu people aptly named it KwaNogqaza, meaning 'Place of the Tall One,' a testament to its impressive height. +2Witnessing the falls after significant rainfall is particularly awe-inspiring, as the Umgeni River swells and the cascade becomes a thundering torrent.
This powerful display of nature's might is a key reason why many travelers find the falls to be a 'neat town' and a 'beautiful, awesome view.' While the falls are a constant natural wonder, their appearance can vary. The 'full flood' after late summer rains, as noted by one local, highlights the dynamic nature of this attraction.
This variability adds to the allure, encouraging repeat visits to see the falls in different conditions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit