Sir Lowry’s Pass

Visitors are advised to travel in groups due to safety concerns.

Sir Lowry’s Pass, whilst being a route across a formidable mountain range, offers excellent bird watching. To access the area the best way is to stop at the car park, on the western side of the N2 near the top of the pass. The area is covered predominantly by mountain fynbos with the higher areas being covered in rocky slopes. In the lower areas, streams become densely vegetated.

After parking the car visitors must cross back over the N2 (the heavy traffic is a hazard) and pass through the fence and onto the upper of the two roads leading along the eastern side of the mountain range. The first part of the upper track leads through mountain fynbos. Species that may be seen include Cape Grassbird, Karoo Prinia, Neddicky, Grey-backed Cisticola, Cape Sugarbird, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. Although not always easy to see, listen for the repetitive call of the Victorin’s Warbler from the thicker vegetation.

The rocky slopes may reveal species such as Cape Siskin, Familiar Chat, Cape Bunting, Cape Rock Thrush, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Ground Woodpecker. The Cape Rockjumper is usually found on the rocky hill slopes.

The stream leading up to the cannon becomes densely vegetated and holds Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Malachite Sunbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. On the slopes in the vicinity of the old cannons species that may be seen are Cape Rockjumper, Cape Siskin, Ground Woodpecker and Cape Rock Thrush.

Raptors that can be observed flying above the ridges include Verreaux’s Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, White-necked Raven, Peregrine Falcon and Rock Kestrel. On occasions Black Harrier, Martial Eagle and Red-breasted Sparrowhawk have been recorded.

Lower down on the southern slopes, the streamside vegetation holds Victorin’s Warbler and Yellow Bishop. Difficult to spot, both Striped Flufftail and Red-chested Flufftail can be found on the lower slopes of Sir Lowry’s Pass near the railway line. The former of the two lurks in thick undergrowth in damp areas, while the latter prefers more marshy areas. Other birds recorded irregularly at Sir Lowry’s Pass include Protea Canary and Cape Eagle-Owl.

Directions: The Pass is reached via the N2 from Cape Town, about 45 minutes drive. As one approaches the top of the pass on the N2, move into the right hand lane and turn right into the lookout car park situated on the western side of the N2.

An alternative to avoid crossing the busy road is to continue along the N2, go round the left hand bend and a little further on you will see a gravel road on the left where you can turn in and park. There is only space for a few cars here.

The area is relatively accessible, and it can take between three to four hours to explore the area. Visitors are advised to travel in groups due to safety concerns.

Sir Lowry’s Pass GPS S34.149149 E18.927753