Baboons Pass 26-29 April 2025

[Alex Roux]

Proposed date: 26 to 29 April 2025.

There is however a whole week 'off' as per SA school holidays between 26 April and 2 May. So, we can shift it slightly if need be.
(Also, it may be wise to have some spare days on the back in case we need to arrange for a recovery).
www.education.gov.za/Portals/0/Document ... ar2025.pdf

This event was last done by me and other Patrols in 2017.
I then decided I had to do it again. But need others to join in.
It is an obvious bucket-list item.

The challenge with Baboons is not how hard any specific section is, but fact that it is consistently technical.
I like to compare it with mountain climbing. You need to keep your concentration on every step as you start at around 1,800 meters and 20kms later end the pass at 2,800 meters. Usually, if there is damage, it happens in the final quarter, when people are tired and irritated.
Most vehicles can do it. Smaller tires (say minimum 31") just means more patience and potentially earth moving by gwala / rod. But 33" would be preferred.

This is a dual Patrol forum / 4x4 AG event.
So, members of Patrol forum and AG Forum have first right to put their names down.
I will keep the "Definitely committed" and "Very interested" lists up to date on both.
When you reply please indicate whether you should be added to the DC or VI list.
I would like to suggest a maximum of 10 vehicles and a minimum of 5.
If we are short, we can consider additions from elsewhere.


Plan:
The proposed date to start this tour will be to leave Gauteng on Saturday 26 April 2025 (early morning).
Day 1: Getting to the overnight point just before the pass at Ramabantla lodge and camping (Trading post).
Day 2: First day in the pass, depending on whether we want to do it over 1 or two days, we can aim to finish it in one day (as we did in 2017) or stay over on the pass. We will see how we progress.
Day 3: Second day in the pass, or having stayed at the over-night spot on the next town (Semonkong) after the pass, we head home
Day 4: Head home.

Accomodation the day before driving the trail:
Ramabanta lodge and camping (Trading post)
www.ramabantatradingpost.com/

Accomodation the day after completing the trail:
Semonkong. It has the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world as stated by Guinness World Records!
http://www.semonkonglodge.com/

I will book these two places once we have a better idea of numbers.
But given the spate of public holidays in SA in that week, I will not be able to wait too long on this.

[Alex Roux]

Attendee List

DI - Definitely committed
1. Me (PF & AG)
2. Muller
3. Mr mmg (AG)
4. Rem (AG)

And we are 4, of which only one is a Patrol driver. Eish

[iandvl]

VI: List - me. This will depend in terms of time and work commitments...

[Rooster]

Please add Andre (PF) to the DC list

[Ryan Smuts]

Please add Ryan (PF) to DC list

[CameronS]

Hello!

I see there hasn't been activity on this thread for a while. Is this trip still going ahead? If so, I would love to join you guys. Baboons has been on my bucket list for a good few years, I've just never had anyone to do it with.

If you'll have me, I will be on the DC list!.

I have a fully kitted Patrol and what I may lack in skill, I make up for in enthusiasm.

Thanks.

[Alex Roux]

Hi all

Just a reminder that this trip is still on.
For those whose details I do not have, I will PM you soon to get numbers for the WA group.

[Alex Roux]

Attendee List

DI - Definitely committed
1. Trolly Fan (AG & PF)
2. Psyphin (AG)
3. Andre du Preez / Rooster (PF)
4. Ryan Smuts (PF)
5. CameronS (PF)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

VI - Very interested
1. Bugjuice (AG)
2. Rechardt (AG)
3. IdV (AG & PF)
4. SaxJ (AG)
5. Muller (not on a forum)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

For those on the VI list, just note once the DI list reaches 10, it is tickets.
Also, I will prompt nearer to the time those on the VI list, as at some point closer to the time you should know whether you can commit.

As regards the event above, please can those that are still thinking about it, let me know, I will need firmer numbers to start making bookings for the night before and night after driving the pass.

Thanks

[Rooster]

Hi Alex, ek gaan nog besig wees met my Patrol en dink nie Baboons gaan die beste plek wees om die dinge te toets nie, So gaan dit moet skip.

[Alex Roux]

Attendee List

1. Me
2. Muller +2
3. Mr mmg (Marlan) +1
4. Rem +1
5. Leon vdWalt +1

And we have the sum total of 5!
Accommodation bookings have been done.

So this is the final number for Baboons 2025