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Howick
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The KwaZulu Natal Midlands
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Near the small town of Howick, 24kms north of Pietermaritzburg, the Umgeni river plunges 300ft over a waterfall.
Pioneers found that the easiest ford of the river was just above the falls, but many wagons and people were swept over the falls in attempting the crossing. Howick arose as a small post at which a hostelry (whose owner also lost his son over the falls) and blacksmith service was provided for the pioneers.
The town was named after the Secretary for State for the Colonies, Henry Grey, who had recently acquired the title of Lord Howick after his ancestral home in Northumberland. Two other towns were also named Howick at the same time - one in Canada and one in New Zealand.
By the turn of the century, it had established itself as a small resort away from the humidity of the coast. Within the town boundaries, there are several walks such as the Umgeni River Trail, the Howick Falls/Gorge Trail to the base of the falls, the Stables Trail and the Howick Town Trail.
Other items of interest are the Howick Falls Hotel (1872) behind which are the laager walls built after the 1879 defeat at Isandlwana. Craft Southern Africa, located in the huge old agricultural hall displays surely the largest selection of ethnic souvenirs and curios in KwaZulu-Natal if not the whole country.
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| Howick Museum
The Howick Museum offers a glimpse into the old Howick and Lions River areas. The displays include an informal settlement dwelling, the settlers' early history, militray badges and a medical display.
The Military Cemetery is close to the site of an Anglo/Boer War military hospital and concentration camp.
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PO Box 5 Howick, 3290 09.00 - 12.00 & 14.00 - 15.30 Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 Sun: 10.00 16.00 Closed Mon.
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| The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Below Howick Falls is the Umgeni Valley Project, a 650ha reserve owned and managed by the Wildlife Society of Southern Africa. It contains giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, eland and other mammals.
Although there are many self guided driving and six hiking trails open for the public to enjoy the game and profuse bird life, more than 15,000 students come here each year to participate in bush craft, adventure and ecology courses.
A popular option is the four day hiking trail between the Howick Falls and Karkloof Falls. There are many picnic spots for those of a less adventurous disposition! There are three fully equipped cottages with lovely views.
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PO Box 394, Howick, 3290 08.00 - 16.30 0322 303931 304576fx
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| Gold Fields Education Centre
Within the Project is the Gold Fields Education Centre which is a low cost workshop venue.
Its functions are to provide environmental education courses for educators, disabled people, preschool groups and to facilitate resource/community development, networking and cultural activities by means of student leadership courses and practical hands-on experience.
There are six trails along the Umgeni valley.
To this end it can accommodate 56 people in dorms and 4-6 teachers, has a kitchen for 100 people, a meeting room and a computer room. It also has wheelchair accessibility.
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PO Box 394, Howick, 3290 0322 303931 304576fx
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| Nelson Mandela
The struggle against apartheid eventually lead Nelson Mandela to adopt a life of constant movement and he became known as the Black Pimpernel he was so wanted.
Eventually however, he was apprehended very close to Howick at Tweedie on 5th August 1962. A plaque marks the spot.
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