Howick Falls
 | This article needs more citations. (May 2009) |
| Howick Falls | |
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 Howick Falls in November 2009 | |
 Interactive map of Howick Falls | |
| Location | Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Coordinates | 29°29′12″S 30°14′20″E / 29.48667°S 30.23889°E |
| Total height | 364 feet (111 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Watercourse | Umgeni River |
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Howick Falls is a waterfall in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The waterfall is approximately 95 m in height (310 feet) and lies on the Umgeni River. The Zulu people called the falls KwaNogqaza, which means "Place of the Tall One".
Identified geographical feature
The KwaZulu-Natal province has known human occupation for well over 30,000 years and KwaNogqaza was a well known site prior to any western influence, given the rich legend surrounding the area.
Human interaction
Many people have been swept over the falls, especially in the pioneer days of the province, as some settlers thought the easiest place to cross the river was just above the falls. There have been a recorded 40 deaths surrounding Howick Falls with the first recorded death occurring in 1851. Most of these have been recorded as suicides but accidents and murder have also been known to happen, contributing to, if not maintaining, the local legendary status of the waterfall. In 1999, Jeb Corliss had a near-fatal BASE jump into the waterfalls where his chute opening went asymmetric and he could not avoid flying into the downpouring water.
Myth and folklore
According to local legend, the pool at the bottom of the falls is the residence of the Inkanyamba, a giant eel-like serpent or dragon. According to lore only sangomas can safely approach the falls and then only to offer prayers and other acts of worship to the inkanyamba, ancestral spirits and the 'Great God'.
Tourism
Despite, or perhaps because of, its chequered history, kwaNogqaza has become a principal tourist attraction for the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
See also
References
- 1 2 "What is the Howick Falls Monster – a myth or popular folklore - HowickVillage.co.za". howickvillage.co.za. Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- ↑ Sterne, Matt (18 June 2021). "The 7 most impressive waterfalls in South Africa". Getaway Magazine. Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- ↑ Erasmus, BPJ (2014). On Route in South Africa: Explore South Africa Region by Region. p. 236. ISBN 9781920289805.
- 1 2 Neethling, Bianke. "The historic South African town with a 95-metre-high waterfall that was voted the best in KwaZulu-Natal". Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- ↑ The Jeb Corliss Story
- ↑ Claybourne, Anna (2024). The Dragon Atlas Legendary Dragons of the World. p. 18. ISBN 9781510231030.
- ↑ Andrews, Tamra (2000). Dictionary of Nature Myths Legends of the Earth, Sea, and Sky. Oxford University. p. 96. ISBN 9780195136777.
- ↑ Michael, Jordan (2004). "Inkanyamba". Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses (2nd ed.). Facts On File Inc. p. 139. ISBN 0-8160-5923-3.
- ↑ "Uncovering the Legend of the Inkanyamba: The Mythical Serpent of Howick Falls - Howick Falls". 11 August 2026. Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- ↑ Anthony, Lauren (16 February 2026). "Howick Falls in the KZN Midlands is getting a glow-up!". Time Out Durban. Retrieved 22 October 2026.
- "Howick Falls in the World Waterfall Database". Archived from the original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved 19 May 2009.
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