Overview
Howick is a small town of roughly 20,000 people situated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands at an elevation of about 1,000 metres, approximately 20 km from Pietermaritzburg and 80 km from Durban. It sits alongside the Mgeni River and is best known for Howick Falls, an 95-metre plunge waterfall considered sacred by the local Zulu community, who associate it with a large serpent spirit known as the inkanyamba.
Beyond the falls, Howick functions as a practical service town for farms and estates across the Midlands, and as an access point for the famous Midlands Meander arts and crafts route. Its position on the N3 highway makes it a common stopping point for travellers moving between Johannesburg and Durban.
The town also carries significant historical weight: it was in this district, on 5 August 1962, that Nelson Mandela was arrested by apartheid police while travelling along the old main road — an event commemorated by a landmark sculpture and interpretive site a short drive from the town centre.
Before You Go
Visas
South Africa operates a visa system that varies by nationality. This guide does not list specific rules, which can change. Please check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official South African Department of Home Affairs website for the requirements relevant to your passport before booking travel.
Health
No routine vaccinations beyond standard travel immunisations are required for the Midlands, but confirm current advice with your doctor or a travel health clinic. Malaria is not a significant risk at Howick's altitude, though it is a concern in lower-lying KwaZulu-Natal coastal and game reserve areas. Tap water in established urban areas of Howick is generally treated; verify locally if in doubt.
Weather
The Midlands experience warm, wet summers (October–March) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and cool to cold winters (June–August) with occasional frost at night. Pack layers year-round. Summer visits mean lush green scenery; winter visits offer clearer skies and easier driving conditions on rural roads.
Connectivity
Mobile data coverage from major South African networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) is generally good in town and on the N3 corridor. Rural Meander routes can have patchy signal. Local SIM cards are available at network stores in Howick and can be significantly cheaper than roaming charges.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban (approximately 80–90 km via the N3 highway). O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg is roughly 550 km away by road. Car hire is available at both airports and is the most practical option for reaching Howick.
By Road
Howick is directly accessible from the N3 national highway. From Durban the drive takes roughly 60–90 minutes depending on traffic; from Pietermaritzburg it is about 20–30 minutes. The N3 is a toll road at several points; carry cash or a compatible payment method for toll plazas.
By Bus and Shared Taxi
Long-distance coach services (including Greyhound, Intercape, and FlixBus South Africa — verify current routes) stop at Pietermaritzburg rather than Howick itself. Local minibus taxis run between Pietermaritzburg and Howick, but schedules are informal and routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. Confirm options locally on arrival in Pietermaritzburg if you plan to travel this way.
By Rail
Passenger rail to this area is not a practical option for tourists at the time of writing.
Getting Around
A private vehicle is strongly recommended for getting around Howick and the surrounding Midlands Meander. The town centre itself is compact and walkable, but the waterfalls viewpoint, the Mandela Capture Site, and the Meander's farms, studios, and eateries are spread across rural roads that have no reliable public transport.
Road conditions on secondary and gravel Midlands roads can deteriorate after heavy summer rain; a standard sedan is usually adequate, but check conditions after storms. Fuel is available in Howick town; it is wise to fill up before venturing onto rural Meander routes.
Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber have limited or inconsistent coverage in Howick compared to Durban or Pietermaritzburg. Local taxi numbers can sometimes be obtained from your accommodation — worth arranging in advance if you are not self-driving.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in and around Howick range from guesthouses and B&Bs in the town centre to self-catering cottages, farm stays, and boutique lodges scattered across the Midlands countryside. Farm stays are a particularly popular and characterful way to experience the area, often set on working farms or estates.
Midlands Meander accommodation tends to book out on long weekends and school holidays — South African school holiday calendars and public holiday weekends see a notable spike in domestic tourism. Book ahead if your dates fall in these windows.
Budget travellers will find options limited in the immediate area; backpacker hostels are rare in Howick itself. Pietermaritzburg has a broader range of budget accommodation and is close enough for a day trip base.
For specific accommodation recommendations, cross-reference the official Midlands Meander Association listings and platforms such as SafariNow, which focus on South African domestic accommodation.
Things to See & Do
Howick Falls
The 95-metre waterfall on the Mgeni River is the town's centrepiece. A paved public viewpoint allows you to look directly into the gorge. Access to the falls area and surrounding paths — verify any entrance arrangements locally, as management has changed over the years. The falls hold deep spiritual significance for Zulu culture; treat the site respectfully.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Located on the R103 near Howick, this interpretive site marks the spot where Mandela was arrested in 1962. A large steel-rod sculpture by Marco Cianfanelli, composed of 50 columns that resolve into Mandela's face from a specific viewing angle, is internationally recognised as a powerful work of public art. Allow time to walk the full viewing path. The site includes a small museum and interpretive displays. Confirm current opening hours and admission fees on-site or through the official KwaZulu-Natal Tourism channels before visiting.
Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is a self-drive arts, crafts, food, and accommodation route linking dozens of small producers, studios, galleries, cheeseries, breweries, and farms across the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Howick is one of the main gateway towns. A free printed map is widely available at petrol stations and accommodation; the route is also mapped digitally. Allow at least a full day — ideally two — to explore meaningfully.
Karkloof Nature Reserve and Surrounds
The Karkloof area east of Howick includes forest walks, the Karkloof Falls, birding (the forest is known for species such as the Crowned Eagle and various forest birds), and horse trails. Access arrangements and fees vary by specific reserve or private property — verify locally.
Crafts and Local Markets
Howick hosts periodic craft markets in and around the town centre. Dates and frequency change seasonally; ask at your accommodation or check local noticeboards.
Food & Drink
Howick has a modest but reliable selection of cafes, restaurants, and farm-to-table eateries, many of which cater to the traveller and Meander visitor demographic. Expect good coffee, light lunches, and baked goods at several spots in and just outside town. The Midlands more broadly is known for artisan food production: look for locally made cheeses, craft beer, smoked meats, and jams along the Meander route.
For a fuller dinner selection, Pietermaritzburg (about 20–30 minutes away) offers a wider variety of cuisines and price points. Major supermarkets are present in Howick for self-catering supplies if you are staying in a cottage or farm stay.
Alcohol is sold at bottle stores (liquor shops) and licensed restaurants. Sunday trading hours for alcohol can be restricted — verify locally. Tipping is conventional at sit-down restaurants; 10–15% is standard for good service.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in Howick town centre (major South African banks). Card payment is accepted at most established restaurants, shops, and accommodation, though smaller craft vendors and farm stalls may prefer cash. Carry some rand in smaller denominations for markets and tips.
Emergency Numbers
South Africa's national emergency number is 10111 (police) and 10177 (ambulance/fire via Netcare). These are widely published and applicable nationwide. Always verify the local hospital or clinic location with your accommodation on arrival.
Electricity
South Africa uses Type M plugs (large three-round-pin) at 220–230V, 50Hz. Adapters are not always easy to find locally — bring one from home.
Load Shedding
South Africa has experienced periods of scheduled power outages (load shedding) in recent years. The schedule changes frequently. Ask your accommodation about backup power arrangements. Many guesthouses and lodges in the Midlands have generators or inverters.
Safety
Howick and the rural Midlands are generally considered lower-risk compared to South Africa's larger urban centres, but standard precautions apply. Avoid displaying valuables openly, lock your vehicle, and keep bags close in town areas.
Driving on rural Midlands roads after dark is not recommended — livestock, unlighted pedestrians, and potholes are genuine hazards. Plan your Meander driving to be back at your accommodation before nightfall.
The Mgeni River gorge around Howick Falls has steep and sometimes slippery edges. Stay on designated paths and observe any safety barriers — the gorge has claimed lives over the years.
For up-to-date safety information and travel advisories specific to KwaZulu-Natal, consult your national government's travel advisory service before and during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Howick sits within predominantly Zulu cultural territory. The Mgeni River and Howick Falls carry strong spiritual associations in Zulu tradition — the inkanyamba, a large mythological serpent said to dwell in the pool at the base of the falls, is a respected and feared presence in local belief. Visitors should approach the falls and surrounding area with that context in mind and avoid any behaviour that might be seen as disrespectful near the water.
The Mandela Capture Site is a place of historical gravity. Many South African visitors treat it as a site of reflection and remembrance. A quiet, respectful tone is appropriate.
The Midlands have a long history of settler farming communities — English-speaking and Afrikaner — alongside Zulu communities, and this layered history is visible in the landscape, architecture, and place names. The arts and crafts culture of the Meander reflects a tradition of small-scale artisanship that has roots going back several decades.