Long Tom Pass Switchback

Long Tom Pass is one of South Africa’s most celebrated mountain passes — a 22km tarred switchback pass on the R37 between Lydenburg (on the Highveld) and Sabie (in the Escarpment forest zone) that drops 800m through a series of dramatic switchback curves. Named for the Long Tom cannon used by Boer forces during the Anglo-Boer War, the pass is a legendary road cycling descent that is equally rewarding on an MTB.

What to Expect

Tar and gravel pass road on a technically demanding, high-speed descent with 800m of elevation drop. The pass’s sweeping switchback corners, dramatic Escarpment views and the increasing warmth and subtropical vegetation as the road descends into the Sabie forest zone create a visceral, rewarding descent experience. A vehicle shuttle is needed for point-to-point descents — the loop option climbs the forestry tracks back to the pass top.

Safety Note

The Long Tom Pass carries significant tourist traffic on weekends — ride with high-visibility gear and be aware of vehicles on the switchback corners.

Getting There

Long Tom Pass on the R37 between Lydenburg and Sabie. GPS: -25.2623, 30.5023.

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