The uMngeni Footprints Route was named because it is located in the uMngeni Valley in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands. The route region is known as the Gateway to the Midlands (the word uMngenena means ”the gateway” in Zulu) as it comprises the southern portion of the Midlands area. The area is also renowned for the capture site of South Africa’s first democratically-elected president, Nelson Mandela.
The route covers the two main towns of Howick and Mpophomeni – approximately twenty minutes’ drive north of Pietermaritzburg on the N3 national road. The two towns have such varying attractions between them that a stay of at least a few days is essential.
Reasons to visit:
The route boasts a number of attractions such as the Howick Falls, the Howick Museum, the Mandela Memorial Site, the Zulu Mpophomeni Tourism Experience, a range of local craft and the Midmar Dam, all set in the beautiful surroundings of the KZN Midlands.
