Howick City Guide

Howick’s food scene is casual and leans towards South African and Zulu dishes. Options for vegetarians exist but vegan choices are limited. Late-night eating isn’t common; most places close by 9 or 10 PM.

Nightlife is minimal. A couple of pubs or bars may open late, but it’s not a party town.

Several cafes serve good local coffee. The vibe is laid-back, with some specialty coffee spots along the Midlands Meander.

Tipping is standard—expect to tip 10–15% at restaurants and for most services. Small tips are also given to attendants and porters. Tipping is usually expected in restaurants, taxis, and for parking security.

Buy a SIM at mobile network stores or large retailers. Vodacom and MTN give the best coverage, and you'll need your passport for registration. eSIM is possible for some providers but usually requires visiting a store.

Town centers and main streets are usually clean, but maintenance varies by area. Recycling isn't as common as waste pickup.

24/7 services are rare. Some petrol stations have minimarts open late, but most town services keep standard hours.

Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar offer most basics and some international products. Local produce is available at markets on certain days.

Card payments are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. It's smart to keep some cash on hand for informal markets or small vendors, especially in case of power cuts.

There are plenty of ATMs at bank branches and shopping centers. Local and international bank cards are accepted, though some fees may apply.

Howick has local schools with instruction mainly in English or Afrikaans, and Zulu is often taught. International schools are not in town but found in larger cities nearby.

Howick is quiet with a limited digital nomad scene. Remote workers tend to use cafes or work from home. There are no formal nomad meetups or co-living spaces.

Lots of green space, including around Howick Falls and nearby parks. Good access to nature and shade in some areas.

Good options for running near Howick Falls, the countryside, or around the dam; mostly safe in daylight.

You’ll find a few local gyms and fitness studios in town.

Tennis courts are found at sports clubs and schools. Book ahead where possible.

Padel is not common but may show up at newer sports clubs in the area.

There are a few local studios and wellness options, mainly offering basic yoga classes.

Some common martial arts like karate or taekwondo may be taught at local clubs, but options are basic and not widely advertised.

No skiing anywhere near Howick—South Africa’s only ski resort is far off.

Kayaking and sailing are available at Midmar Dam, with rentals for main events or via private operators.

Surfing isn’t possible in Howick. Coastal spots like Durban are a drive away.

No diving or snorkeling options locally—these are coastal activities.

Howick has clinics and a hospital; English is spoken by most staff. Private care is better but costs more. Pharmacies like Dis-Chem and Clicks are easy to find for basic medication.

Tap water is treated and safe to drink by local standards, but bottled water is available if you prefer.

There are good options for families, with local parks, playgrounds, and child-friendly cafes. Many attractions in the Midlands Meander suit children.

South Africa protects LGBTQ+ rights, but Howick itself is small and fairly conservative. It's generally safe but with less visibility than in cities.

Many guesthouses accept pets. Veterinary care and pet supply stores are in town. There are few dedicated dog parks but plenty of open spaces for walks.