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All South Africa Howick Howick Falls

Howick Falls

Local lore says a serpent-like beast lurks in the deep basin below the falls.

Howick, South Africa

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Alex
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Howick Falls.   Darren Glanville/cc by-sa 2.0
Howick Falls.   Darren Glanville/cc by-sa 2.0
A serpent is said to live in the basin.   Bjørn Christian Tørrissen/cc by-sa 3.0
Howick Falls.   Vaiz Ha/cc by 2.0
The falls as seen from a close-by viewing platform.   GingerAl / Atlas Obscura User
Signpost marking other waterfalls. Based on the platform.   GingerAl / Atlas Obscura User
The valley created by the Umgeni River.   GingerAl / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This picturesque waterfall is created by the Umgeni River plunging into a basin below. According to local folklore, a serpent-like creature dwells within the pool of water at the bottom of the fall.

The thunderous Howick Falls drop more than 300 feet. The falls also go by the name of KwaNogqaza, which translates to the "Place of the Tall One."

It’s said that only sangomas, the traditional healers of South Africa, can safely approach the falls. Legend says the Inkanyamba, a monstrous creature with a serpent’s body and a horse-sized head, lurks within the basin. The beast is believed to have the most power in the summer, when its rage sends storms rushing across the region.

The serpent isn’t the only powerful aspect of the waterfall. People wading into the river atop the fall have been swept over the edge and sent to a brutal, watery demise. At least 40 deaths have been recorded since the falls were discovered by European explorers in the 1800s.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Folklore Cryptids Monsters Water

Know Before You Go

A platform offers the best view of the falls and is easily accessed by the nearby road. An information board tells more about the stories regarding the waterfall. It's best to go during daylight hours. Take caution if hiking near the top of the waterfall, as the river can be dangerous.

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Community Contributors

Added By

GingerAl

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, hannahOish

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • hannahOish

Published

August 14, 2018

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howick_Falls
  • https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/howick-falls.htm
Howick Falls
Howick Falls
Falls Dr
Howick
South Africa
-29.486102, 30.235118
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Howick, South Africa

miles away

African Raptor Centre

Ilanga, South Africa

miles away

Mzinyathi Falls

Iqadi, South Africa

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Howick

Howick

South Africa

Places 2

Nearby Places

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Howick, South Africa

miles away

African Raptor Centre

Ilanga, South Africa

miles away

Mzinyathi Falls

Iqadi, South Africa

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Howick

Howick

South Africa

Places 2

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