Howick, in the KZN Midlands, began as a crossroads between the coast and the interior, but over the years it’s been a magnet for stories as well as for travellers.
Midmar Dam is Howick’s playground, surrounded by a nature reserve, with many places to camp and picnic beside the water.
Do this
1. Visit Howick Falls. The biggest drawcard is right in the centre of town and can be admired from the viewing platform. A nearby museum offers a history of Howick.
2. Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. The famous linear sculpture of Madiba’s face can be seen here, and the museum currently has a temporary exhibition on his life’s journey. A new exhibition hall is scheduled for opening in February. It’s 6km out of town on the Lions River road. Free entry. 072 351 0967
3. Get active at Midmar Dam. Besides paddling and boating, visitors can walk or cycle around it (Midmar Boat Hire rents out the toys you’ll need). The dam is in a nature reserve, so there’s also game viewing, or you can picnic or braai on its banks. Entry R60 per adult and R30 per child.
4. Explore the Midlands Meander. Howick is the start
of SA’s original arts-and-crafts route, where visitors will find anything from cheeses and metalwork to wind chimes and handmade leather shoes. midlandsmeander.co.za
5. Piggly Wiggly is also on the Meander but worth singling out. What started as a farm stall is now a ‘country village’ of 30 outlets, offering such delights as a candle-dipping factory and a chocolate shop, plus it’s on Highgate Wine Estate. Go for the Farmer’s Breakfast at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop. 060 344 9359
Eat here
6. The Farmer’s Daughter on Shafton Road, with a fine view of the Umgeni River Valley, is a local hang-out for breakfast and lunch. Menu favourites are the pork-belly burger, Chinese sticky pork ribs, breakfast brisket burrito and black-bean burger.
7. Il Postino Pizzeria & Wine Bar is a much-loved spot on the Dargle road. There are 40 flavours of thin-based pizza
to choose from, or make your own. Tuesday is half price; on Fridays there’s a live band. +27 72 905 9390
8. Tumble Downs, on the Curry’s Post road, is a cafe by day and restaurant by night. Converted from stables, with lovely views of Karkloof Valley, it has high- beamed ceilings and crackling fires, and an air of laid-back sophistication. The double-stack beef medallions with bacon and mushrooms is a winner (R148). 0828022837
Getting there
Take the N3 from Durban; after an hour (104km) take Exit 107 to Howick.
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