Howick South Africa Map
Top Attractions
Howick is a small town located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Despite its size, it boasts a variety of top attractions that are worth exploring. The Howick Falls is a must-visit spot, where you can witness the magnificent waterfall dropping 95 meters into the Umgeni River below. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is another important landmark that commemorates the arrest of Nelson Mandela in 1962. The site features a sculpture and a museum that tells the story of the anti-apartheid struggle.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Howick has plenty of hidden gems to discover. The Karkloof Canopy Tour is a thrilling experience that takes you on a zip-lining adventure through the forest canopy. The Howick Museum is also worth a visit, where you can learn about the town’s rich history and culture. For a peaceful retreat, head to the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, where you can hike, bird-watch, and picnic in a tranquil setting.
Food Scene
Howick has a vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. For a taste of local cuisine, try the Bunny Chow, a popular Indian-inspired dish that features a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. The Farmers Market is a great place to sample fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local vendors. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, The Farmer’s Daughter is a popular restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine in a stylish setting.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money in Howick. The town has a number of free attractions, such as the Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. The Farmers Market is also a great place to find affordable meals. Additionally, there are a variety of budget-friendly accommodations available, including hostels, guesthouses, and camping sites.
Outdoor Adventures
Howick is a nature-lover’s paradise, with plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy. The Karkloof Forest Reserve is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching. The Midmar Dam is a great place for water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, and fishing. For a more leisurely activity, take a stroll through the Howick Falls Gorge, where you can admire the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Historical Landmarks
As a town with a rich history, Howick has a number of important historical landmarks to explore. In addition to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the Howick Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s past. The Umgeni Railway Station is also worth a visit, as it was one of the first railway stations in South Africa and played a key role in the country’s transportation history.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, Howick has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. The Karkloof Canopy Tour is a thrilling adventure that is suitable for children over 7 years old. The Howick Falls Gorge is a great place for a family hike, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery. The Howick Agricultural Show, held annually in August, is a fun event for the whole family, featuring agricultural displays, live music, and carnival rides.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path, Howick has plenty of options to choose from. The Midlands Meander is a scenic drive that takes you through the countryside, where you can visit artisanal shops, galleries, and craft markets. The Karkloof Farmers Market is a great place to find locally-sourced products, including organic produce, honey, and cheese. For a truly unique experience, visit the Howick Ghost Tour, where you can explore the town’s haunted sites and hear spooky stories.
Natural Wonders
Howick is surrounded by natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Howick Falls is a stunning waterfall that is best viewed from the viewing platform or the bottom of the gorge. The Karkloof Forest Reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare birds, monkeys, and antelope. For a more relaxing natural experience, take a dip in the Midmar Dam, where you can swim, fish, or enjoy a picnic on the shore.
Vibrant Nightlife
Despite its small size, Howick has a vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes. The Howick Hotel is a popular spot for live music and drinks, while The Farmers Daughter offers a more upscale dining experience. The local pubs and bars, such as The Corner Post and The Howick Arms, are great places to mingle with the locals and enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine.
Local Markets
Howick has a variety of local markets to explore, where you can find artisanal products, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. The Farmers Market is held every Saturday and features a variety of vendors selling everything from organic vegetables to homemade jams. The Karkloof Farmers Market is held every Saturday and Wednesday and is a great place to find locally-sourced products, including cheese, honey, and bread.
Beaches and Mountains
While Howick is not located directly on the coast, it is still within driving distance of some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Durban, the closest city to Howick, has a variety of beaches to choose from, including the popular Umhlanga Rocks. For a mountain getaway, head to the Drakensberg Mountains, where you can hike, camp, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Cultural Immersion
Howick is a town with a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Midlands Meander is a great place to explore the local arts and crafts scene, where you can visit galleries, studios, and craft markets. The Howick Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s history and culture, while the Howick Arts Society hosts regular exhibitions and events.
Art and Music Scene
Howick has a lively arts and music scene, with plenty of opportunities to experience local talent. The Howick Arts Society hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and events, showcasing the work of local artists. The Howick Hotel is a popular spot for live music, featuring a variety of genres, from jazz to rock. The Midlands Arts and Crafts Trail is a great way to explore the local arts scene, with a variety of galleries, studios, and craft markets to visit.
Walking Tours
For a more leisurely way to explore the town, take a walking tour of Howick. The Howick Falls Gorge is a great place to start, where you can hike through the scenic gorge and spot wildlife along the way. The Howick Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour that takes you through the town’s historic sites, including the Umgeni Railway Station and the Howick Museum. The Midlands Meander is also a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of scenic routes to choose from.
Architectural Marvels
Howick has a variety of architectural marvels to explore, showcasing the town’s rich history and culture. The Umgeni Railway Station is an impressive example of early railway architecture, while the Howick Museum is housed in a beautiful historic building. The Howick Falls Hotel is another notable landmark, with a stunning view of the Howick Falls from its terrace. For a more modern architectural experience, visit the Mandela Capture Site, which features a striking sculpture and a museum that tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s arrest.
Historical Sites
As a town with a rich history, Howick has a number of important historical sites to explore. The Howick Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s past, with exhibits on everything from local industries to the anti-apartheid struggle. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is another important landmark, commemorating the arrest of Nelson Mandela in 1962. The Umgeni Railway Station is also worth a visit, as it played a key role in the country’s transportation history.
Biking Routes
If you’re a biking enthusiast, Howick has plenty of routes to explore. The Karkloof Forest Reserve is a popular spot for mountain biking, with a variety of trails to choose from. The Midlands Meander is also a great place for a leisurely bike ride, with scenic routes that take you through the countryside and past local landmarks. For a more challenging experience, the Sani Pass is a challenging mountain biking route that takes you through the Drakensberg Mountains.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, Howick has plenty of options to choose from. The Karkloof Spa is a luxurious retreat that offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. The Umngeni Valley Nature Reserve is a peaceful retreat where you can hike, bird-watch, and enjoy the natural scenery. For a more spiritual experience, visit the Buddhist Retreat Centre, where you can participate in meditation and mindfulness practices.