South Africa

Howick

Howick

Located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Howick is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibran…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Wildlife safari travelers
  • Hiking and nature trails travelers
  • Visiting in December - February
Recommended stay
3-5 days days
Best time
December - February
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Howick is a strong pick for wildlife safari & hiking and nature trails — plan about 3-5 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: December - February.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 86/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈79.2 km span)

25 Places to explore
3-5 days Recommended days
December - February Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: December - February

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: May · September · October

Weather

Autumn

March - May

Spring

September - November

Summer

December - February

Winter

June - August

How to get there

How to Reach Howick in South Africa

Located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, Howick is a beautiful town that offers a variety of attractions and natural wonders. Whether you are traveling from within South Africa or from abroad, there are several ways to reach Howick conveniently.

By Air:

The nearest international airport to Howick is King Shaka International Airport, located in Durban. From the airport, you can hire a rental car or take a taxi to reach Howick, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away.

By Road:

If you are already in South Africa, you can reach Howick by road. The town is conveniently located on the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban. If you are driving from Johannesburg, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Howick. From Durban, it is a shorter drive of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

By Bus:

Several bus companies operate routes to Howick from major cities in South Africa. You can check the schedules and book your tickets in advance. The bus journey offers a comfortable and cost-effective option for reaching Howick.

By Train:

Although there is no direct train service to Howick, you can take a train to Pietermaritzburg, which is the nearest city with a railway station. From Pietermaritzburg, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Howick, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

By Tourist Shuttle:

If you prefer a hassle-free and guided transportation option, you can consider booking a tourist shuttle service that operates between major cities and tourist destinations in South Africa. These shuttles provide comfortable transportation and often include informative commentary along the way.

Once you reach Howick, you will be greeted by its picturesque landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and a welcoming community. Enjoy exploring the town's attractions, such as the Howick Falls, Midmar Dam, and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, which commemorates an important moment in South Africa's history.

Getting to know Howick

Located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Howick is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. The town is situated on the banks of the Umgeni River, surrounded by lush green hills and cascading waterfalls that make for a breathtaking view.

Howick is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, ziplining, and horse riding. Visitors can explore the Howick Falls, a majestic waterfall that is over 300 feet tall and is surrounded by lush forests and scenic trails.

The town is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where the famous African leader was arrested in 1962. The site features a powerful sculpture of Nelson Mandela, designed to commemorate his life and struggle against apartheid.

With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting adventures, Howick is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best that South Africa has to offer.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Pack sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for outdoor activities
  • Try local cuisine and traditional dishes
  • Respect wildlife and follow safety guidelines
  • Book accommodations and activities in advance during high season

Places worth exploring

25 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Howick?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days days in Howick, South Africa.

When is the best time to visit Howick?

High season is typically December - February.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Howick?

Travelers often find better value in May, September, October.

What kind of trip is Howick good for?

Howick suits Wildlife safari, Hiking and nature trails, Historical tours, Adventure activities.

Is Howick walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Howick?

Pack sunscreen and insect repellent

Build your trip

Add Howick and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Howick → Mooirivier → Estcourt · ≈54 km
  • Howick → Pietermaritzburg → Camperdown · ≈59 km
  • Howick → Mpophomeni → Camperdown · ≈59 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Mpophomeni

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Richmond

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Camperdown

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