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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Milton Pass
The pass is named after the farm in the middle of the traverse of the same name and… -
Kaprivier Pass
This lovely pass packs a technical and scenic punch well above its category. It provides access over the… -
Latest News! 18th October, 2018
The week that was.... * Ride the Dragon Tour - report back and a particpant's perspective * Links… -
Berg en Daal - Wild Coast FM - Joubertspoort - north of Montagu
A talk on the little known but fabulous Joubertspoort, north of Montagu, with a special focus on the…
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Meidepoort
This is one of many poorts in the mountainous region between Steytlerville and Willowmore in the Eastern Cape.…
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.