Howick Falls plunges 95 metres into a churning pool on the Umgeni River, making it one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most striking natural landmarks. Just 24km north of Pietermaritzburg on the N3 freeway, the falls sit at the heart of the Midlands Meander—a region famous for its arts and crafts routes, farm stalls, and rolling countryside.
Choosing the right base for your visit can shape the entire trip. A hotel close to Howick Falls means less time on the road and more time exploring hiking trails, browsing craft markets, or simply soaking in the view from the main deck. ANEW Hotel Hilton, located on Hilton Avenue in Pietermaritzburg, puts guests roughly a 12-minute drive (11.8km) from the falls via the N3, making it a genuinely convenient option for anyone planning a Midlands getaway.
Why is Howick Falls worth visiting?
Howick Falls draws visitors for reasons that go well beyond its impressive height. The waterfall’s scale alone, 312 feet, on par with sections of Victoria Falls, creates a dramatic backdrop for photography, particularly during the early morning golden hour or in the softer light of late afternoon.
Beyond its visual impact, the falls carry deep cultural weight. Known to local Zulu communities as KwaNogqaza, meaning “place of the tall one,” the site has long served as a place of spiritual consultation. Traditional healers, or sangomas, regard the plunge pool at the base as home to the Inkanyamba, a serpent-like creature believed to cause the region’s dramatic summer storms.
History enthusiasts will also find significance nearby. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, marking the spot where Mandela was arrested in 1962, sits a short distance outside Howick town and features a well-known sculpture installation.
For active visitors, three hiking trails wind through the area, including the Howick Falls Gorge Trail, which descends through riverine forest toward the pool below. A craft market sits adjacent to the main viewing deck, and the wider Midlands Meander adds hundreds of shops, restaurants, and studios to explore. Half a day is generally enough to take in the falls, walk a trail, and browse the shops in town.
What are the best hotels near Howick Falls?
Accommodation options around Howick Falls range from self-catering cottages and guesthouses to guest farms scattered throughout the Midlands. For travellers wanting a full-service hotel experience with reliable amenities, ANEW Hotel Hilton stands out as the premier four-star choice in the area.
Located on the doorstep of the Midlands Meander, ANEW Hotel Hilton pairs comfort with proximity, an important combination for visitors who want to explore Howick Falls without sacrificing the conveniences of a proper hotel stay.
Why choose ANEW Hotel Hilton for a Howick Falls trip?
ANEW Hotel Hilton first opened its doors in 1936 and remains an architectural showpiece, with Tudor-style lines and old-world charm that set it apart from more generic hotel options in the region. The property has since been updated with 100 recently renovated rooms, offered across Standard, Deluxe, and Executive Suite categories to suit different budgets and travel styles.
On-site amenities support both leisure and business travellers. Guests have access to a gym, a swimming pool, and a relaxing tea garden, alongside practical extras like complimentary WiFi, secure parking, an EV charging station, and a shuttle service. For events, the hotel offers seven conference rooms and a ballroom that seats up to 200 guests, making it a popular venue for weddings and corporate functions in the Midlands.
Choose ANEW Hotel Hilton if a blend of heritage character and modern comfort matters more to you than a budget self-catering stay, it suits travellers who want a full-service base rather than a purely rustic experience.
What activities are near ANEW Hotel Hilton?
The hotel’s location makes it easy to build a full Midlands itinerary. Howick Falls itself is a short 12-minute drive away via the N3, ideal for a morning of hiking and photography. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site offers a meaningful historical detour, while Karkloof Canopy Tours and the surrounding nature reserves appeal to visitors chasing more adventurous outdoor experiences.
The Midlands Meander itself deserves a full day or more. Its craft outlets, coffee roasters, chocolate shops, and small breweries reward slower, unhurried exploration; pick up a Meander map locally to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of stops.
What dining options does ANEW Hotel Hilton offer?
Ellingtons Restaurant & Café serves a modern contemporary menu built around local cuisine, with both à la carte and buffet options depending on the occasion. For special events, a private dining room, styled in the same Tudor character as the hotel’s exterior, complete with its own fireplace, suits birthdays, client dinners, or small celebrations.
Guests looking for something more relaxed can unwind in the tea garden or by the pool, while room service remains available for those who prefer to dine without leaving their room.
How should I plan my stay near Howick Falls?
Early morning, around 6 am, offers the clearest views of the falls with minimal mist, while late afternoon provides the best light for photography. Since half a day covers the falls, a trail, and the shops in town, many visitors pair their trip with additional Midlands Meander stops to fill out a full day or weekend.
ANEW Hotel Hilton’s position directly on the N3 makes it a practical base for this kind of itinerary, cutting down on travel time between the hotel, the falls, and the wider Meander region.
Make ANEW Hotel Hilton your base for Howick Falls
Howick Falls remains one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most rewarding natural attractions, and the right accommodation can make all the difference in how you experience it. ANEW Hotel Hilton combines heritage architecture, modern comforts, and genuine proximity to the falls, making it a strong first choice for travellers exploring the Midlands Meander.
Book your stay at ANEW Hotel Hilton to enjoy Howick Falls and its surrounding attractions with comfort and convenience close at hand.
