Sir Lowry's Pass was named after Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, Governor of the Cape in 1828. Today's modern, cantilevered four-lane highway is a far cry from the original pass, which was recklessly dangerous and steep. Prior to the pass being built, all wagon traffic from the Overberg routed through the Franschoek Pass - the preferred route for many years with its kinder gradients for wagons and oxen.
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Mountain Passes South Africa
Our website is dedicated to the research, documentation, photographing and filming of the mountain passes of South Africa.
Passes are classified according to provinces and feature a text description, Fact File including GPS data, a fully interactive dual-view map and a narrated YouTube video.
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Latest articles
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Berg en Daal - Wild Coast FM - Bedrogfontein-Kouga 4x4 Route
The Bedrogfontein-Kouga 4x4 Route. Listen to the interview:
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Latest News! 16th August, 2018
This week we head off to the bustling metropolis of Dirkiesdorp in the southern part of Mpumalanga, where… -
Latest News! 9th August, 2018
Rusty Gate Onbekendepas, Helderstroom Pass, Theewaterskloof Pass and Elandskloof Pass are all alternative names for the Rusty Gate… -
Berg en Daal - Wild Coast FM - Koringberg Pass north of Moorreesburg
A discussion about the Koringberg Pass north of Moorreesburg and the ever diminishing status of Renosterveld.
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Berg en Daal - Wild Coast FM - Rusty Gate Pass near Villiersdorp
The story of Sir David Pieter De Villiers-Graaff and his influence on Villiersdorp and our featured pass, the…
Mountain Passes South Africa
Mountain Passes South Africa is a website dedicated to the research, documentation, photographing and filming of the mountain passes of South Africa.
Passes are classified according to provinces and feature a text description, Fact File including GPS data, a fully interactive dual-view map and a narrated YouTube video.
Master Orientation Map
We are as passionate about maps as we are about mountain passes. A good map is a thing of beauty that can transport you into the mists of time or get your sense of adventure churning. It is a place to make discoveries about deserts and seas, mountains and lakes; of roads leading into places you have not been before; a place to pore over holiday destinations or weekend camping trips. A map is your window to the world.