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Voykit pocket guide · South Africa
Howick
Spend a half‑day to see Howick Falls and the Mandela Monument; add an overnight if you want the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve.
Howick is a small KwaZulu‑Natal town centred on the 94‑m Howick Falls and nearby historic sites. The attractions are close together, so a half‑day covers the main sights; a night lets you explore the surrounding nature reserve.
- Country
- South Africa
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- Avoid
- Jun–Jul (peak heat)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- ZAR
- Money
- Currency is the South African rand (ZAR, R), about 17–18 per US$ in 2026 (check). Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted almost everywhere in cities and at lodges; carry small cash for tips.
- Daily spend
- Budget R6,000–9,000 excl. bed · Mid R9,000–13,000 excl. bed · High R13,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage; Cell C and Telkom are cheaper. Buy at the airport shop with your passport (RICA registration is required).
- Emergency
- Mobile emergency 112
- Plugs
- Types M, C, N · 230 V · 50 Hz · The big round-pin type M is rarely used elsewhere; buy a local adapter at the airport or any supermarket.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: 10–15%; check if a service charge is added for large groups.; Fuel attendant: R5–20, more if they wash windows and check tyres.; Car guard: R5–20 when you leave.; Safari ranger and tracker: About R150–300 per guest per day for the ranger, R100–200 for the tracker — check lodge guidance.; Hotel porter: R10–20 per bag.
- Water
- Tap water is safe in most cities and towns; in some municipalities with failing infrastructure, ask your host.
- Toilets
- Clean Western toilets at fuel stations (Engen, Shell, Ultra City), malls and park camps.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | R20–R35 |
| Pancake meal | R80–R130 |
| Beer (draft) | R30–R45 |
| Car rental (compact, per day) | R350–R700 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- DUR · King Shaka International Airport
- about 150 km (93 mi) north on the N3; shuttle or rental car neededabout 93 mi (150 km) north on the N3; shuttle or rental car needed
Typical fares
- N3 Durban → Howick (car)
- ≈R350 fuel + tolls; 2 h drive (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
By car; the N3 provides the main access, and local roads lead to the falls and nature reserve.
See and do
Known for
- Howick Falls
- Mandela Monument
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve | Drive 5 km (3.1 mi) south of town on Karkloof RoadDrive 3.1 mi (5 km) south of town on Karkloof Road | ≈15 min each way |
Sleep
- Stocklands Farm Bed and Breakfast
- 150‑year‑old stone house; basic rooms, good for a night stay
- The Lodge @ Currys Post
- Farm lodge on a hill with mountain views; family‑run
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Uxolooo‑kso‑lo |
| Thank you | Ngiyabongangee‑yah‑bong‑ga |
| How much is this? | Kangakanani?kah‑ngah‑kah‑nee‑tee |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Say hello and ask how someone is before any request; avoid: Launching straight into a question
- Handshakes: Three-part African handshake with friends; a normal handshake with strangers; avoid: Refusing an offered hand
- Elders: Use Mr/Mrs or 'Mama', 'Baba' respectfully in townships and rural areas; avoid: First names with older people you have just met
- Braai invitations: Bring meat or drinks, and arrive on 'African time'; avoid: Taking over the fire
- Photos: Ask first, especially in townships and villages; avoid: Photographing children without a parent's permission
- Politics and race: Ask questions and listen; avoid: Lecturing on history or crime
Scams and watch-outs
- Two of the three N3 exits have speed bumps; use the Tweedie/Howick exit for low‑slung cars.
- Check opening hours of the Mandela Monument and nature reserve (may vary seasonally).
Generally safe; stay alert for stray dogs, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Howick yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Howick Falls
- Mandela Monument
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve Facebook: www.facebook.com/WESSAUmngeniValley/
- Wikivoyage: Howick, revision 5245986 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5245986
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Howick
Sicela ungibekele le ndawo
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Mobile emergency112
South African consulates are in major cities; nearest to Howick is Durban.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/howick). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.