The Fascinating KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Town of Howick

Detailed Overview: Out and About in Waterfall Country

Staring awestruck at the sheer volume of water thundering down the high Howick Falls, it's impossible to avoid pondering on the human sagas played out in this spectacular natural amphitheatre. The first recorded death took place in 1851 - within a year of Howick's proclamation - when the son of Lodge the Ferryman lost his grip on the horse he was fording a little way upstream. A stone cairn has since marked his small grave on the valley floor. Many people have subsequently ignored demarcated 'no-go' areas and perished accidentally, or chosen to end their lives here in dramatic fashion. The most lurid newspaper headlines, though, belong to the 1950s - soon after the Falls were declared a National Monument - when detectives discovered that a Durban-based 'township gangster' had been disposing of his rivals over the approximately 100-metre-drop!

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The Safe Routes

There is, however, absolutely no need to put one's life in danger for a satisfying experience of the Falls. Having said that, prior arrangements can be made to abseil alongside the cascade, down the gorge and into the pool. For the less adventurous, a perfectly positioned Viewing Platform offers panoramic vistas just a short walk from the car park. Lying somewhere between these extremes is a steep yet clearly established and safe trail that descends to the riverbed. The view is breathtaking from down there, but remember to keep that 'second wind' in reserve for the return climb! Alternatively, don t even set foot outside your motor vehicle, and absorb the entire scenario via the 6-kilometre auto trail hugging the valley rim...

Into the Bush

This self-drive track lies within the 656-hectare Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve that winds along river frontage from the base of the Howick Falls to a view-site facing Otto's Bluff and the Albert Falls and dam. An environmental education centre much visited by school groups, the Reserve abounds in interesting plant life plus many small animals and more than 200 bird species. Nature lovers on a brief excursion can choose between the auto-trail and a variety of well-marked footpaths, or spend the weekend in a fully equipped rustic cottage and explore the entire spectrum on offer.

A Sporting Chance

The term 'great outdoors' was surely coined with the rural atmosphere of Howick and environs in mind. Fly-fishing is a gentle art, introduced during the mid-1800s, that's flourished to the point where enthusiasts from around the country converge on our bountiful waters. Here lies the ideal base for mounting the fly-fishing expedition of a lifetime - our streams and dams are fairly brimming with trout! The hills in and around town are, in addition, a favourite playground for mountain-bike fanatics, and our rapidly elevating status is borne out by the regular competitions that attract entrants of all ages from all points. Horse trails also criss-cross the countryside, adding to the 'equestrian ambience' generated by two polo clubs and a general abundance of stables. While the Zulu Kingdom is liberally dotted with demanding challenges for pro and amateur golfers, Howick Golf Club's 18-hole, 6259- metre, par-72 course is a source of particularly great pride among the locals. Visitors are also more than welcome to hone their skills at our bowls, tennis and squash clubs.

Dam Fine Fun

More thrilling 'aqua-entertainment' awaits a mere 7-kilometres or so from Howick at the 1618-hectare Midmar Dam Public Resort and Nature Reserve. Zoned for yachts and powerboats, but also a magnet for board-sailors, canoeists and row-boaters, it's definitely 'swimmers only' on a special, widely televised day each February when thousands pit their strength and endurance against the famed 'Midmar Mile'.

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Chalets, cabins and campsites intersperse the 15-kilometres of developed shoreline, making ideal bases for exploring - on foot or bike or by vehicle - the adjoining 1000-hectare game-park home of white rhino, black wildebeest, springbok, zebra, oribi, blesbok and red hartebeest. Camera-shooting only here, but an easily obtainable, local fresh-water license will afford the opportunity to bag some of the dam's bluegill, bass, carp and scalies. Sakabula Golf Course lies just outside the dam's environs, en route to Hilton, should the urge arise to knock a ball about!

Overview continued....

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