Page 7 - Howick Directory 2024-25

5
E, CT XCDVO QE
Howick's fame is undoubtedly due to the imposing Howick
Falls, in the centre of this attractive town.
This 100m spectacular display was first seen by European
adventurers in the early 19th Century, as transport riders
and wagon trains pioneered routes inland from the coast.
English missionary James Archbell was granted a farm here,
but the rapid increase in horse-drawn traffic soon compelled
the government of the day to expropriate a portion for the
establishment of a village.This settlement was duly named
Howick, in tribute to the Northumberland home of then
British Colonial Secretary, Earl Grey.
Farming remains the defining activity in Howick and the
Cedara College nearby is an agricultural centre of learning.
Howick is some 1000- metres above sea-level and is filled
with opportunities to engage in activities like - fishing
expeditions on bountiful waters, bird-watching,game-viewing,
equestrian pursuits and golfing challenges, plus a modern
addition to the world of keep-fit regimes - mountain biking.
While up-market, well-appointed and secure retirement
complexes are becoming the new landmarks, gracious
smallholdings attract 'gentleman farming'. These factors, in
addition to many outdoor activities, present the entrepreneur more waterfalls!
with tempting small-business ventures.
Dam Fine Fun
More thrilling 'aqua-entertainment' awaits only 7-kilometres
from Howick at the 1618-hectare Midmar Dam Public Resort
and Nature Reserve. Zoned for yachts and powerboats,
canoeists and row-boaters, it's definitely 'swimmers only'
on a special, widely televised day each February when
thousands swim the famed 'Midmar Mile'.
Chalets, cabins and campsites intersperse the 15-kilometres
of developed shoreline, making ideal bases for the adjoining
1000-hectare game-park home of white rhino, black
wildebeest, springbok, zebra, oribi, blesbok and red
hartebeest.
Into the Bush
A 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, 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 cottage.
Sakabula Golf Course lies just outside the dam's environs,
en route to Hilton, while Howick Golf Club's 18-hole,
6259-metre, par-72 course is a source of particularly great
pride among the locals. Visitors are also welcome.
Reflecting on history again, Howick's get-away appeal had
by 1851 seen the village evolve into a 'favourite resort of
pleasure-seekers...who fill the pockets of a former ship's
purser, now keeping a small house of entertainment on the
river bank'.While that pioneering haunt may well belong to
the past, Howick is today fairly abuzz with a noteworthy
array of quaint and inviting taverns, cafes and restaurants to
suit the mood of any discerning palate.
For the day tripper requiring an introduction to the wonders
of Zulu and other traditional cultures there is a wealth of
genuine Africana, plus European-inspired handicrafts and a
treasure trove of antiques, bric-a-brac and bygones in the
curio stalls adjacent to the Howick Falls. Howick is also the
starting point to the well known Midlands Meander.
This 'meander' traverses undulating countryside dotted with
yet more arts & crafts, nature reserves and trails, outdoor
sporting and recreation venues, historic sites, quaint
restaurants, inns and B&B establishments plus, of course,
Karkloof Falls - 12kms from Howick, situated in the middle
of a forest, owned by SAPPI. Picnic area provided.
Waterfall 105m tall. No charge.
Tel Sappi Research: 033 330 2455.
Karkloof Canopy Tours - Foefie-slide above the magnificent
indigenous Karkloof forest on a Tarzan and Jane adventure.
Pause at Seven Tree-top level platforms to experience nature
from a vantage never seen before.
A tour combining adrenalin, tranquility, nature and
adventure.
Tel 033 330 3415 • Cell 076 24I 2888