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KZN - Howick |
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KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, on the N3 national highway. A friendly, attractive, busy little town that has played host to some distinguished travellers and still welcomes visitors with a smile; the American writer Mark Twain and American explorer Henry Morton Stanley (of 'Dr Livingstone-I-presume' fame) stayed at the Howick Falls Hotel, which made its appearance in the 1870s. Howick Museum: on display is an intriguing variety of exhibits, including costumes and military memorabilia. The Howick Falls themselves are perhaps the area's best-known natural feature - they descend 95 metres into the Mgeni River, but are probably more impressive for their beauty than for their size. Among other cascades in the vicinity is the Shelter. Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, below the Howick falls, encloses a number of different habitats and serves as a conservation education centre. Giraffe, antelope and an impressive number and variety of birds are in residence. Albert Falls, also on the Mgeni River (towards Greytown), are modest enough but provide the centrepiece of a lovely nature reserve which also embraces a lake (popular among anglers, yachtsmen, bird-watchers and picnickers). Karkloof Falls are a lot more spectacular - they plunge down 106 metres and are quite stunning to behold. They're inside the Karkloof Falls Nature Reserve, a privately run wildlife complex that manages to combine luxurious hospitality with strict nature conservation. This is regarded as one of the region's finest bird-watching spots; other animals include Cape buffalo and various antelope. Midmar Public Resort and Nature Reserve The Midlands region's principal outdoor leisure area, hugely popular among watersports enthusiasts. The resort hugs the spacious Midmar Dam; activities on offer include bathing (in both dam and pool), fishing (carp, bass), boating, tennis, squash. The annual 'Midmar Mile' swimming race attracts national coverage. Of special interest is the Midmar Historical Museum, which features among other things a Hindu temple and a Zulu homestead. The next-door nature reserve hosts zebra, antelope and some splendid birds (rather special are the kingfishers and waterfowl). Nearest towns: Pietermaritzburg lies a few kilometres down the N3 to the south-east. To the north are Mooirivier and Escourt. |
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HOWICK Western Cape
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