Howick Falls
A 95-metre waterfall in the centre of Howick, on the Midlands Meander route.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
Howick Falls is a convenient, high-impact roadside stop that rewards a quick look but rarely demands a full day. It is a functional, accessible feature best used to break up a longer drive through the Midlands.
Howick Falls is a convenient, high-impact roadside stop that rewards a quick look but rarely demands a full day. It is a functional, accessible feature best used to break up a longer drive through the Midlands.
- Trip Role
- Quick Stop
- Ideal Stay
- 20 to 45 minutes, plus time for local shops
- Best For
- a quick roadside photo, breaking up a long drive, local crafts
- Skip If
- hikers seeking wilderness, travellers wanting a quiet nature escape
- Go If
- You are driving the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban and need a legitimate reason to stretch your legs. It suits travellers who appreciate a dramatic gorge view without the effort of a remote hike.
Why it's worth your time
A roadside waterfall you can see from the viewing platform in five minutes. The falls are part of the Midlands Meander; pair them with a lunch stop rather than making them a destination.
What we love
The sheer accessibility of the falls is its greatest asset. You can park your car and be standing at the edge of a ninety-five-metre gorge within minutes. The contrast between the town's everyday bustle and the raw, thundering power of the Umgeni River dropping into the basin is genuinely striking.
What to know
The main viewing platform is paved and free to access, but it is a public space that gets busy on weekends. While the falls are visible year-round, the volume of water varies significantly with the seasons. Always stay behind the safety fences, as the rocks near the gorge edge are notoriously slick and dangerous.
The full guide
The viewing platform experience
The primary way to see the falls is from the main viewing deck located just off the main road in Howick. This area is fully paved and accessible, making it a simple stop for anyone travelling through the Midlands. You will find the falls directly in front of you, plunging ninety-five metres into a rocky, forested gorge. Because the site is so close to the town centre, it is rarely empty. Expect to share the railing with other travellers, especially on weekends. There are craft stalls nearby where local artisans sell beadwork and wood carvings, which adds a layer of local commerce to the visit. If you only have a few minutes, this platform provides the complete visual experience without requiring any further effort or navigation.
Deciding on the gorge walk
If the view from the top is not enough, there is a rugged trail that descends into the gorge. This is a different experience entirely, trading the paved convenience of the top deck for mud, wet roots, and steep, uneven footing. The hike takes one to two hours depending on your pace and fitness. It is worth the effort if you want to see the scale of the cliffs from below and experience the riverine forest, but it is not a casual stroll. You should check the current trail conditions before starting, as the path can be affected by recent weather. If you are not prepared for a strenuous climb back up, stick to the viewing platform. The gorge is a wild environment with real hazards, and swimming in the plunge pool is strictly prohibited.
Integrating the stop into your day
Howick Falls works best as a brief anchor for a wider trip through the Midlands Meander. Because the visit to the falls themselves is short, you should plan to combine it with other stops in the area. The town has various cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the viewpoint, which are suitable for a lunch break. If you have more time, the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is only five minutes away and offers more extensive walking terrain. Do not treat the falls as a destination that requires a full day on its own. Instead, use it as a reliable, high-impact waypoint to break up a drive between Durban and the Drakensberg or Johannesburg. Grab a coffee, look at the water, browse the local crafts, and then continue your journey.
Before you book
Questions Howick Falls always raises
- Is it safe to swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls?
- No. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to the depth of the pool, unpredictable undercurrents, and the dangerous nature of the water. The area is a wild natural feature with significant hazards, and you should stay well away from the water.
- Do I need to pay an entry fee to see the waterfall?
- No. The main viewing platform is a public space and is free to access. There is also free designated parking available nearby, though you may encounter volunteer car attendants who look after vehicles in the area.
- How long does it take to walk to the bottom of the gorge?
- The gorge walk typically takes between one and two hours for a return trip. The time varies based on your fitness level and how much time you spend at the bottom. It is a rugged, steep trail, not a simple walk.
- Is the waterfall visible all year round?
- Yes. The falls are fed by the Umgeni River and flow throughout the year. However, the volume of water changes significantly depending on the season, with the summer months generally providing a more powerful cascade than the drier winter period.
More waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal
Karkloof Falls
A 105m falls in the KZN midlands — a forest walk, a picnic site, and the midlands' most accessible big drop.
Nandi Falls
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Tugela Falls
The world's second-highest waterfall, plunging off the Drakensberg escarpment at Royal Natal.