Driving the paved N2 National Road in the Western Cape through Sir Lowry's Pass
South Africa, africa
2,255 km
460 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sir Lowry's Pass in South Africa's Western Cape is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising south of Cape Town, weaving between Somerset West and the lush Elgin Valley, and suddenly you're climbing to 460 meters (1,509 feet) above sea level.
This beauty's got history! Originally used by the Khoi people, then later by settlers with ox-wagons (who probably weren't having a great time, let's be honest!). Thankfully, in the 1830s, they paved it, and since then, it's had a few upgrades (widening projects, railway lines, the works!).
Today, you'll find it fully paved as part of the N2, which is a whopper of a road at 2,255 kilometres (1,401 mi) long!
The road itself? Four lanes wide with some seriously steep sections in the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Heads up: it gets busy, especially around holidays, so drive carefully!
But trust me, the views are worth it. At the summit, there's a viewpoint with views that'll blow your mind, and you might even spot some paragliders taking off! If you're feeling active, hike the old ox-wagon trail – it's a pretty easy 3.6km round trip.
Where is it?
Driving the paved N2 National Road in the Western Cape through Sir Lowry's Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.7401, 21.2961
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 2,255 km
- Max Elevation
- 460 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -31.7401, 21.2961
Related Roads in africa
hardVlaknek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, so you're cruising through the Free State in South Africa, and you spot a turnoff for Vlaknek Pass. This isn't your nail-biting, hairpin-turn kind of pass, but it still climbs up to a cool 1,853 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). It's a pretty straightforward shot – think long, gently sloped sections rather than crazy curves. Now, here's the thing: when it rains, this track transforms into a mud-slicked adventure! Seriously, it can get super slippery and even impassable if the weather's bad, even for a 4x4. Under normal circumstances, though, a regular car with decent clearance can handle it, just take it slow and steady on those long, straight stretches. Keep an eye on the sky, though. Being up that high means you might encounter snow in the winter months, and trust me, you don't want to be caught unprepared!
hardHow to get by 4x4 to Tizi n'Tamatert in the High Atlas Mountains?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tizi n'Tamatert Pass in Morocco's Marrakesh-Safi region is calling your name. Perched way up high at 2,358 meters (7,736 feet) in the High Atlas Mountains, this pass is a wild ride. Find it nestled in the Ait Mizane Valley, in the western part of the country. Forget smooth asphalt, this is raw, unpaved P2030. You absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this baby! Think seriously curvy, bone-jarringly bumpy, with narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and oh-so-fun (but keep your eyes open) dangerous drops. Winter? Nope. From November to April, snow shuts this place down. But come springtime, especially in April when the cherry and apple blossoms explode, or in late autumn when the leaves are putting on a show, you're in for a visual feast. The climb kicks off from Aroumd and stretches for about 7.1 kilometers (4.41 miles). Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and grind. You'll be gazing out over the Imane Valley, back down the Aït Mizane Valley, and spotting the majestic Jbel Oukaimeden at 3,200 meters. Prepare to be blown away!
hardCan you drive through Gorges du Dadès?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Cruising through the Gorges du Dadès is an absolute must-do in Morocco! This epic canyon, carved by the Dadès River, snakes its way through the High Atlas Mountains. You'll find the road itself stretches about 61 km (38 miles) from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly, you'll want to budget at least 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in. Picture this: breathtaking rock formations, ancient kasbahs dotting the landscape, and panoramic views that seem to go on forever. After tackling a series of hairpin turns, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable vistas. The road, while paved, can get a bit slick, especially after rain, so keep that in mind. This drive isn't for the faint of heart! The road is super curvy, so pay attention. While the scenery is incredible, it's definitely a challenging drive, with steep drop-offs and not much in the way of safety barriers. The best time to explore the lower valleys is March to May, but if you're aiming for the high mountains, May to July is the sweet spot. And don't forget to stop at a cafe for a viewpoint! The Dadès River has carved deep gorges with greenery. Be sure to utilize the overlooks.
hardTizi n’ Ouanergui
🇲🇦 Morocco
Hey fellow roadtrippers! Let me tell you about Tizi n’ Ouanergui, a crazy-amazing mountain pass in Morocco's Azilal Province. We're talking about reaching a staggering 8,238 feet above sea level! The road is paved, which is nice, and winds its way to the tiny town of Anergui. But don't get too comfy—this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Picture a never-ending series of twists, turns, and narrow passages that will test even the most seasoned driver. Seriously, up, down, left, right—constantly! I wouldn't recommend tackling this one at night or if the visibility is poor. Word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this route or load up on ginger. Trust me, those countless twists can be brutal. And definitely don't overeat before you go! Take it slow and steady, because you're dealing with steep drops and a whopping 16 hairpin turns. The road eventually tops out near a peak (complete with a communication tower!). Oh, and just a heads up, you might also see it called Tizi n'Tibarchit. Get ready for some incredible views!