4x4AG Most Extreme Trip-Baboons Pass 9-11 August 2019.

[Jeanvn]

Guys, Baboons is more about the trip with some good mates than a hectic 4x4 trail.

If your vehicle has plenty of clearance, good departure, approach and break over angles and it is not too wide you can do the pass rather easily.

In my little TJ I did not hit the rock sliders or protection plates once on the trip.

If you go with a standard independent suspension vehicle or a bakkie it will give you more hassles but also more fun.

Now the big game changer can be snow or heavy rain, so let’s hold thumbs for bad weather and go prepared.

If it snows I reckon we will need good protection including diff covers.
Some snow chains and a few of the vehicles with a winch will come in handy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Woolf]

LesseW has pipped me to it. I also wanted to ask if I can tag along with someone. If necessary I can drive to Ramabanta and leave my car there and then pick it up on the way back.

I tagged along with Paul Carter Brown for a trip in Dec 2011 and it was an incredible experience. Shortly after that the pass was repaired and lost some of its appeal but it sounds like it has reverted to how it used to be.

I am including a link to a trip report. It is on the other forum. Unfortunately I don't have a PDF of the report and while it is on the LCCSA forum one needs to be a member to be able to view it.

https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sh ... highlight=

[Panda]

i did the trip in October 2017. Like any trail you need the right tool for the Job. De Wildt is an EXTREME trail to do in a 3series BMW.

Baboons is NOT a playground and concentration can not be lost, a mistake will not necessary cause rock rash but death.

The Trail is very remote and it necessitates good first-aid knowledge and kit.

We Were 5/6 Nissan patrols with 33" tyres, and i had 35"tyres on Panda. We camped at ramabanta the evening, next morning hit the trail at 9am and finished it by 4:30 pm. with the bigger vehicles it is a mental challenge as the roads are very narrow and the drop off is severe and can be measured in kilometers and not meters. The trail it self is not that difficult/technical (good weather) but for 7 hours it just keeps coming at you. if i remember correctly there was 3/4 sections were you need your navigator.

It really is a fun trip and not to be missed. some pointers.

1. Warm clothing and rain coats is a must. weather can change in a few minutes
2. Don"t use a roof rack, keep your center of gravity as low as possible.
3. keep your recovery an repair gear close don't want to unpack everything to get to a jack or wheel nut key
4. communication is a must between vehicles.
5. Decide beforehand if you are going to sleep on the pass or stick it through to Semokong and make sure you have a booking. they have a small campsite but with snow in the area most lodges and campsites are fully booked. if something goes wrong and we need to sleep on the pass then so be it but at least then we had a booking.
6.Pack lite and take your spare parts that you know your vehicle is most likely to use. CV or sides hafts if you can.

[Martin de Jager]

Panda,
thank you, helpful and best reflection on what to expect so far, I am in contact to book in Ramabanta, Semonkeng is another matter, I need contact details if you can help.

[Panda]

Semonkong lodge
Email: info@semonkonglodge.com

Telephone/Fax: +26627006037

Mobile: +26662021021/+26658881021

Fax-2-Email: +266 2226 4043


Address:
1 Riverside Road,
Semonkong

Postal Address:
Semonkong Lodge (Pty) Ltd
PO Box 21
Semonkong
120
Lesotho


GPS:
S29˚50’35.3” E28˚02’36.4” z

[Martin de Jager]

Thanks Panda

[Striker63]

Really looks like one for the books, the Chap with the trailer, comments at the end that you cannot buy experience, and he is toted as the 4x4 guru, i for one am not sure about his guru'ness or his experience.
TEAM work is key here, mybe we should consider a skills day before then....

[Martin de Jager]

Striker, I fully agree on two points Skill, and teamwork, itis essential that we apply teamwork, pull everyone through right to the end. Well one of the golden rules in 4x4 Action Group.

[Jaco Jeep RIP]

Myself are keen on going, not sure how many credits i have. Martin, please add my name.

Sent from my SM-J106F using Tapatalk

[Jaco Jeep RIP]

Believe that i have 8 credits.

Sent from my SM-J106F using Tapatalk

[Martin de Jager]

Jaco,

thanks noted,

[Martin de Jager]

hello all,
I have been busy this week, focused on work, boring. Now we can talk Baboons Pass again, and start reflect on where we stand to date. Only people with a real desire for some extreme stuff and guys will real balls will be interested in this one.
to date the list reads:
1) Mad Manny 15 credits
2) Martindj 12 credits
3) Jaco C 8 credits
4) Kurt G 7 credits
5) Panda 4 credits
6) Grips 3 credits
7) Bugger 7 credits
8) Mr LX 4 credits
So as can been seen if all the above commit then we can already close.

however let's give everyone a last shot, we will close at end of Monday 14th January.

so go for it.

[Martin de Jager]

listening to Manny and Kurt, maybe Lost Horizon's will be the tester to see if the above would be good enough?

[LesseW]

Hi Martin, i will co drive with someone first but i can only confirm late March as i start a new job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Martin de Jager]

Hi Martin, i will co drive with someone first but i can only confirm late March as i start a new job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

noted