Howick Falls

The falls are located in the town of Howick, and the area offers opportunities to hike and explore along the Umgeni River, which feeds the falls. Howick rests on the outskirts of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, which are often included on tours. Otherwise, make a day of it and enjoy a wander up Howick’s Main Road, home to cozy restaurants and cafés, including The Treatery at Yard 41 and Woodstone Restaurant and Wine Bar.

• If you plan to hike the gorge, give yourself at least 2.5 hours. It takes about an hour to hike each way, and you’ll want to make time to admire the scenery.

• Wear shoes with a good tread, as the trail is quite steep.

• Entrance to the gorge hike costs a small fee, which goes to the Howick Falls Conservancy.

It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Durban along the N3, a route that takes you through the city of Pietermaritzburg. There are plenty of accommodations in Howick if you’re interested in exploring the nearby Drakensberg Mountains, and tours of the region typically depart from Durban if you don’t have your own car.

The winter months—from May to September—offer pleasant temperatures and dry weather, which are ideal if you’re looking forward to hiking in KwaZulu-Natal. The dry season is also the best time to spot animals along the river, as they congregate around permanent sources of water.

If you don’t want to spend a few hours hiking to the base of the falls, opt for a speedy trip down with an abseiling adventure. Getting the chance to rappel down the cliff face next to the falls—the second-highest in South Africa—is an unmissable experience.