Sir Lowry's Pass Viewpoint
A breathtaking viewpoint on the N2 offering sweeping coastal vistas and mountain panoramas, famous for its views and baboon encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Sir Lowry's Pass Viewpoint
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking viewpoint on the N2 offering sweeping coastal vistas and mountain panoramas, famous for its views and baboon encounters.
"The scenery was breathtaking, but man, there was a lot of wind."
🔒 Lock Your Car!
Baboons are notorious for opening unlocked car doors. Keep everything secured!
🧥 Bring a Windbreaker
It gets surprisingly windy and cold here, even on warm days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Gordon's Bay to Cape Town
Stunning vistas stretching from Gordon's Bay, across the Strand and Somerset-West, all the way to Table Mountain.
Helderberg Mountain Range
Inland view
Admire the majestic Helderberg mountain range and the expansive landscape beyond.
Paragliding Launch Site
Adjacent to viewpoint
Witness or even partake in paragliding with a beautiful launch site offering incredible aerial perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware of the Baboons!
Dress for the Wind
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔒 Lock Your Car!
Baboons are notorious for opening unlocked car doors. Keep everything secured!
🧥 Bring a Windbreaker
It gets surprisingly windy and cold here, even on warm days.
Looking for a nice drive/destination for a day trip
Popular stops along the garden route.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are breathtaking, perfect for memorable photos.
🚫 Don't Feed Wildlife
Resist the urge to feed the baboons; it's harmful and dangerous.
Coastal Drive Ideas
Tips
from all over the internet
🔒 Lock Your Car!
Baboons are notorious for opening unlocked car doors. Keep everything secured!
🧥 Bring a Windbreaker
It gets surprisingly windy and cold here, even on warm days.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are breathtaking, perfect for memorable photos.
🚫 Don't Feed Wildlife
Resist the urge to feed the baboons; it's harmful and dangerous.
🚗 Easy Stopover
Perfect for a quick break on your drive to or from Cape Town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the coast to Table Mountain, making it a prime photography spot. However, many note the strong, persistent winds and caution strongly against feeding the bold baboons, which can be a nuisance if not managed carefully.
"Sir Lowry's Pass View Point is an ideal spot to stop on your way to Cape Town and take in the view from Gordon's Bay to Table Mountain.
You'll meet a number of tourists here and everyone is pretty easy going and you may even be asked to take a picture of others.
It's also an area where baboons will frequent so be on your guard.
Please don't feed them and don't leave visible food in your car. Remember, they can open unlocked car doors quite easily."
Duncan Alfreds
"Great view of Strand, Somerset-West and Cape-Town in the distance! An array of plants with the off baboom here and there, it makes for a great picture and really a serene environment. A dam is below left and some railway tracks below to the right. A great view also of the Helderberg mountain range and beyond. Parking is sufficients.
Can get a little windy, but a must see!"
Cj Jacobs
"Take a jersey or jacket along when you visit this prime spot. Being of high altitude and windy it can get quiet cold. However the view is breathless and well worth the stop
Allow enough time to just take in the view."
Jurgens Pieterse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The viewpoint is located on the N2 highway as you ascend Sir Lowry's Pass, heading towards Cape Town from the east. It's a well-marked stop with ample parking.
Absolutely! The drive itself, especially over Sir Lowry's Pass, offers stunning scenery of the Western Cape landscape.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to the viewpoint. It's best accessed by private vehicle or ride-sharing service.
Yes, there is sufficient parking available at the viewpoint, though it can get busy during peak times.
The most direct route is via the N2 highway. If coming from the Garden Route, you'll ascend the pass; if coming from Cape Town, you'll descend.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Sir Lowry's Pass Viewpoint. It's a public roadside attraction.
The viewpoint is accessible 24/7 as it's an open roadside location. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views.
There is no admission fee to enjoy the views at Sir Lowry's Pass Viewpoint.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and limited visibility of the views.
No booking requirements are necessary. It's a free, public stop.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic coastal views, the Helderberg mountains, and the dramatic skies offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the vastness of the landscape.
Sunset can be spectacular here, with the light casting a warm glow over the landscape. Sunrise is also beautiful, though can be challenging with the wind.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant details. A tripod might be tricky due to wind.
No specific restrictions on photography, but be mindful of other visitors and the baboons.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local aviation rules before flying a drone in this area.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife Encounters
The most prominent wildlife are the baboons that frequent the area. You might also spot various indigenous plants and birds.
Maintain a safe distance, never feed them, and keep all food and valuables secured inside your locked car. Do not leave windows open.
Baboons can be aggressive if provoked or if they associate humans with food. They are wild animals and should be treated with caution.
Stay calm, do not make eye contact, and slowly back away. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response.
No, it is not safe. Baboons are known to open car doors to access food. Always keep food hidden and car doors locked.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack snacks and drinks, but keep them securely stored in the car. The wind can be a factor, so a light jacket for kids is a good idea. It's a great place for a quick leg stretch and to break up a longer car journey, offering a memorable natural encounter.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider combining a visit with a trip to the Elgin Railway Market or exploring the coastal towns nearby. The drive over the pass itself is scenic, and the viewpoint offers a moment of reflection before continuing your journey. Just be mindful of the baboons and the wind!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Breathtaking Views
Beyond the immediate coastal panorama, the viewpoint also overlooks a serene dam and the remnants of old railway tracks, adding layers of visual interest. The diverse flora contributes to the natural charm, making it a place of both grand scale and subtle detail. It's an ideal spot to appreciate the geographical diversity of the region, from the mountains to the sea.
Many visitors recommend allowing ample time to simply take in the view. The wind can be a factor, so dressing appropriately is key to fully enjoying the experience. The combination of natural beauty and the expansive horizon makes this viewpoint a memorable stop on any journey through the area.
Navigating the Baboon Encounters
The most important advice from locals and visitors alike is to never feed the baboons. Feeding them not only harms their health but also encourages them to associate humans with food, leading to more aggressive behavior. Keep all food items securely stored inside your vehicle, and ensure all doors and windows are locked. Baboons have been known to open unlocked car doors to access food, causing damage and distress.
When you encounter baboons, maintain a safe distance and avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a challenge. Do not run, as this might trigger their predatory instincts. Instead, slowly back away. The presence of baboons adds an element of wildness to the experience, but responsible visitor behavior ensures a safer and more enjoyable visit for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit