22.16 Howick and Umgeni Environmental Centre, two walks/hikes that made Howick worthwhile.

We spent a restful short period in Howick, before heading to Lesotho. Nevertheless, we took a hike in the
Umgeni Environmental Centre followed by a walk down to the Howick Falls. In addition, the walk in the
park (literally) provided an opportunity to view the falls from an unusual angle rather than the common
over the top sighting or our other destination, a favored view from the bottom of the falls. The 350 feet
falls with a strong water flow barreling over the top provides the viewer with quite an experience. We also
meandered into the thick brush below the falls down river and achieved some unusual sights. Perhaps the best
of all occurred because of the position of the sun; it created incredible reflections off the pond below the
waterfall as well on the river.




We did a little exploring and found the vegetation as 'thick as concrete'. (Editor was sharp as
she picked up great reflections.)




Howick Falls, more than just a waterfall.





Howick reflections.






A little wild, a little blue.





Editor spots an opportunity in the Umgeni Park and sucker lines up for the usual.




A little recreation a few feet from the ledge of a waterfall in Umgeni Park Falls.





A view of the Falls from a distance in Umgeni Park to the east, not a common sight.




Pretty impressive and not even at full strength.


The pamphlet produced by the park management mentions the many species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, baboons
and a host of other animals on view. We looked forward again to facing these animals on foot while observing
them in their natural habitat. After spending two hours roaming the park, crossing a couple of waterfalls and
covering most of the area, we managed to spot a few zebra. Perhaps it was a holiday and the animals were away
or our eyes are failing.



In the close-by wild park, we only 'met' zebra. If we were redesigning the animal, we might consider a black
stripe in the appropriate position so as to make it 'half-decent'.





Reflections sometimes more attractive than the original.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey