Sir Lowrys Pass, Cape Helderberg
Early travellers would not have had an easy time of attempts to negotiate the Hottentot's Holland Mountain range, which stretches along the eastern side of Somerset West and Gordons Bay.
The summit provides one with the most awe-inspiring backdrops in the Western Cape - on a clear day you can view the range all the way from the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Today, Sir Lowry's Pass allows easy passage across this daunting natural barrier.
The beauty of this pass, often shrouded in mist and rain, more than makes up for the unsynchronised traffic lights that grace the N2's tardy passage through Somerset West and around Gordons Bay, invariably resulting in bumper-to-bumper snarl-ups and quick sales amongst the posse of self-employed salesmen who dart in amongst cars with the latest sunglasses, hats, cell phone chargers and the like.
The town side of Sir Lowry's Pass has some truly awesome views over False Bay, whilst over the other side of the mountain one enters a beautiful valley that is home to forests, orchards, fruit, flowers and vineyards - the Elgin Valley. In spring this part of the world is a display of blossoming fruit trees and heavy with grapes on the vine
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Lalapanzi Lodge
Hidden in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards on the edge of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Somerset West is the luxurious Lala...
Ongegund Lodge
Offering both self catering and bed and breakfast accommodation, Ongegund Lodge is centrally located between Somerset West, Gordon's Bay and the ...
Phezulu Lodge
Phezulu Lodge is hidden in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards on the edge of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Somerset West. Phe...
Ezantsi Lodge
Ezantsi Lodge is located in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards on the edge of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Somerset West on ...
Capelands Resort
Capelands Resort offers luxury accommodation on Sir Lowry's Pass in Somerset West. At Capelands Resort you will find a communal sauna, a garden a...
Things to do in the area
Onderkloof Vines and Wines
Onerkloof's owner, Danie Truter, has been making wine for over 30 years. He studied Cellar Technology at Stellenbosch University's Elsenburg Agri...
Waterkloof Wines
The terroir of Waterkloof can be likened to that of Provence where they also use natural farming practices and organic and biodynamic vineyard pr...
Wagon Trail
If you want to see old ox wagon trails, stunning scenery and enjoy nature around you then you should visit the Wagon Trail on Sir Lowry's Pass. I...
Wedderwill Wine Estate
This estate gets its name from the old German for ‘the will of the weather'. The winemaker of Wedderwill, Nico Vermeulen, states, “We do the utmo...
Journeys End Winery
Journey's End produces both red and white wines. With Leon Esterhuizen as General Manager and winemaking, they are in good hands. The berries for...
Boegoekloof Hiking Trail
Start: Hottentots Holland Nature ReserveFinish: Hottentots-Holland Nature ReserveDuration: 17 km, roughly 8 hoursFitness: moderate to toughOur ti...
Somerset Mall
Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West through to Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainmen...
Self Drive Cape Town to Stellenbosch
Route: Cape Town, Muizenberg, Sir Lowry's Pass, Grabouw, Franschhoek, Pniel, StellenboschDescription: explore the passes of the Boland Mountains ...
Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend
Start: Hottentots Holland Nature ReserveFinish: Hottentots Holland Nature ReserveDuration: a 17 km circular route, which easily takes 9 hours; st...
Noteworthy attractions
Helderberg Wine Route
The 25 members of the Helderberg route follow distinctly different methods of growing grapes, from a 300-year old historical cellar to state-of-t...
Cape Helderberg Beaches
Where? The eastern coast of False Bay, ± 45 minutes from Cape Town. Includes Gordons Bay, Strand, Bikini beach, Kogel Bay. Go there for family ou...
Erinvale Golf Club
Having proudly hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1996 and twice the SAA open of Golf, Erinvale falls into the premium category of course. Designed ...
Somerset West Golf Club
Somerset West Golf Club is the oldest golf club in the area. It was officially founded in 1908. Until about 1985 the course was divided into 11 a...
Strand Golf Club
This golf course is situated close to the sandy beaches of the False Bay in a peaceful area surrounded by sea and mountains. Ducks and swans glid...
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The 42,000 ha Reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north, and from the Stellenbosch mountains in the west, eas...
Somerset Mall
Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West through to Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainmen...
Helderberg Wine Estates
The Helderberg Region is part of the wine-producing hub of the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape. It comprises the Strand, Somerset West and Gor...
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Set on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains, this 402 hectare reserve is a beautiful escape with breathtaking views, sef guided walks,...
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