Satellite map of Long Tom Pass

Mpumalanga · South Africa

Long Tom Pass

R37Lydenburg to Sabie

Distance29.3 mi47 km
Drive time59 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 5 of 10
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Named for the Boer Long Tom cannons used here in the Second Boer War, the R37 crosses the Drakensberg escarpment at about 2,150 metres between Lydenburg and Sabie. Sixty-six corners through forestry country, plus thick mist that turns up unannounced.

The R37 crosses the Drakensberg escarpment between Lydenburg (Mashishing) and Sabie, climbing to a tarred summit of about 2,150 m, and named after the Boer Long Tom cannons used here in the Second Boer War. It is one of South Africa’s highest tarred mountain passes, winding through forestry country with long mountain views. Mind the thick mist, heavy traffic and winter ice near the summit.

Scenery

MountainMoorlandForest

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

Where it runs29.3 mi · point to point

LydenburgStart · Mpumalanga
SabieEnd · Mpumalanga

Character

Corners66bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient10%≈ 1-in-10
Climb1,193 mtotal ascent
Summit2,148 mhighest point of the line · 7,047 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 15
71522 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%1,399.9 – 2,148 m
summit · 2,148 m 1,4001,6001,8002,000 m 01529 mi

Points of interest3 stops

  • The Staircase ViewpointViewpoint
    15 mi in
  • Long Tom PassViewpoint
    13 mi in
  • Long Tom CannonLandmark
    21 mi in

Hazards

  • Dense mist and low cloud
  • Heavy commercial traffic
  • Ice and snow in winter

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Long Tom Pass: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Long Tom Pass?
Long Tom Pass runs 29.3 miles (47 km) and takes about 59 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Long Tom Pass to drive?
We rate it moderate: 66 corners, a maximum gradient of 10%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Long Tom Pass?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

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