Liaisons Dangereuses (Video Added)

[Minxy]

And to think we were just across the road in Sigonde camp, that same week.
Trip looks awesome.

I couldn't believe it when MonkeyNot told me you guys had a hunting trip there that same time. The world is too small!!!

 

[Minxy]

Bonus content!

We still had one day left to go riding and decided to explore the Popallin farm some more. Oom Frik, who normally takes the hunters out on their expeditions, also mentioned a very sneaky trail following the Limpopo River just out of the vicinity of their farm.

 

[Minxy]

It took a bit of looking around, but we eventually found the track running along the river outside of Popallin's boundaries. It was overgrown and fairly rough/rocky. The track also eventually came to a bit of dead end. There were some old tracks going into the riverbed from where we stopped, but we were pretty moeg and decided we'd rather come back for this at another stage. There are SO many little smuggler tracks in and around the river it will take you ages to explore them all.

 

[Minxy]

After scouting about a bit at the "dead end" to see if there's any obvious place the road goes, we turned around and headed back to the Popallin farm again. On top of a rocky koppie we found an incredible lookout point equipped with some lapa facilities, looks like an awesome hangout! I was tempted to fetch the tent and camp right up there.

 

[Oubones]

Very nice! Very jealous!
I worked against the Moz border, but never the area where you went.
I would love to go there.

 

[big oil]

Why the bike switch on the trailer on your way to Popallin Ranch?  6-days went from the drivers side in the da first pic to da passenger side in the second pic.

That photo was taken on the way back actually, thought I'd throw it in as well. Good observation! :thumleft:

 

[chicco]

What happened to Skinny v Schalkwyk? She still active on the forum?

 

[Minxy]

Back at De Wet's camp we look at the last beautiful white lion (which is now in a safe monitored enclosure). There used to be many more but poachers poisoned them. A truly sad story!

We pretty much laze around for the rest of the afternoon and enjoy another night around the campfire, what an awesome place to visit, truly something special.

 

[Minxy]

What happened to Skinny v Schalkwyk? She still active on the forum?

I don't believe she is really active on the forum anymore, she is however still biking and going on adventures You can read her newsletters here:

https://www.tankgirls.co.za/the-newsletters

 

[ClimbingTurtle]

What happened to Skinny v Schalkwyk? She still active on the forum?

I don't believe she is really active on the forum anymore, she is however still biking and going on adventures You can read her newsletters here:

https://www.tankgirls.co.za/the-newsletters

I actually have Jolandi's X-Challange - they both had them at one point - that I think they used on their Crooks Corner ride - I did a De Wildt ride with it yesterday....

 

[Minxy]

What happened to Skinny v Schalkwyk? She still active on the forum?

I don't believe she is really active on the forum anymore, she is however still biking and going on adventures You can read her newsletters here:

https://www.tankgirls.co.za/the-newsletters

I actually have Jolandi's X-Challange - they both had them at one point - that I think they used on their Crooks Corner ride - I did a De Wildt ride with it yesterday....

Awesome! I saw your photos, we also want to go ride there soon.

For this specific trip Jolandi used a friends BMW X-Challenge, I remember it had the big tank and rally fairing fitted. Skinny was on her DR 650, I'm pretty sure Skinny never owned a 650 X-Challenge of her own though.

Here is the link to their RR, great read
https://www.tankgirls.co.za/single-post/2016/11/17/TG-Newsletter-TWO-JILLS-AND-A-JACK?fbclid=IwAR3hJW87MnNkopdDFc3hLWTjGE-WDYy8DwvflQrCoQ_aSMshU9HzU5XN4Wk

 

[Minxy]

An important note about this area - 

Jack’s Pass, as well the Madimbo corridor are part of a militarized zone which is strictly off limits to travellers unless permissions are obtained. The tarred border patrol route may be traversed, but again it is paramount to get permission from the SANDF to do so first, as live ammunition practice is carried out in the area regularly. Crossing more than halfway through the Limpopo River also puts you on Zimbabwean territory, which can lead to your arrest.

The owners at Popallin Ranch are however keen to accommodate bikers and show them the best of their farm and in the Limpopo river.

 

[big oil]

What's the backstory on the White Lion?  As in, last WL on that farm?  Area?  Province?  Africa?  In existence, lol?

What an amazing looking carnivore. 

 

[Sheepman]

Excellent RR laced with beautiful pics  :thumleft:

 

[Minxy]

What's the backstory on the White Lion?  As in, last WL on that farm?  Area?  Province?  Africa?  In existence, lol?

What an amazing looking carnivore.

Last white lion on the farm at least. The owner said they had over 20 previously (if memory serves me right). Poachers however poisoned all the rest and hacked out their teeth and claws etc. Absolute savagery :'( There was supposedly a syndicate exporting lion parts to China which operated quite heavily in the area. The only reason this guy survived is because he's very fussy and didn't take the poisoned meat. Shame they are keeping him in a smaller enclosure now so he can be safe as they are scared the poachers return.

 

[Elmer Fudd]

Just look at that playground, that's riding heaven. Wow

 

[bud500 (R.I.P)]

An important note about this area - 

Jack’s Pass, as well the Madimbo corridor are part of a militarized zone which is strictly off limits to travellers unless permissions are obtained. The tarred border patrol route may be traversed, but again it is paramount to get permission from the SANDF to do so first, as live ammunition practice is carried out in the area regularly. Crossing more than halfway through the Limpopo River also puts you on Zimbabwean territory, which can lead to your arrest.

The owners at Popallin Ranch are however keen to accommodate bikers and show them the best of their farm and in the Limpopo river.

Yeah, I actually discussed getting a trip organised, with the owners. They are very keen and can arrange permission to ride on trust land and are even willing to cater a lunch stop up the river. The camp where we stayed has some safari tents and a lot of camping spots. So might be something to look into.

To add to your word of caution. To do this route you not only enter the zone as mentioned, but you also enter private property. This property hosts hunters all year round. So please be diligent in making the correct arrangements. Not to mention, buffalo roam freely there and you often get elephant "breaking in to" the farm.

 

[MonkeyNot]

An important note about this area - 

Jack’s Pass, as well the Madimbo corridor are part of a militarized zone which is strictly off limits to travellers unless permissions are obtained. The tarred border patrol route may be traversed, but again it is paramount to get permission from the SANDF to do so first, as live ammunition practice is carried out in the area regularly. Crossing more than halfway through the Limpopo River also puts you on Zimbabwean territory, which can lead to your arrest.

The owners at Popallin Ranch are however keen to accommodate bikers and show them the best of their farm and in the Limpopo river.

Yeah, I actually discussed getting a trip organised, with the owners. They are very keen and can arrange permission to ride on trust land and are even willing to cater a lunch stop up the river. The camp where we stayed has some safari tents and a lot of camping spots. So might be something to look into.

To add to your word of caution. To do this route you not only enter the zone as mentioned, but you also enter private property. This property hosts hunters all year round. So please be diligent in making the correct arrangements. Not to mention, buffalo roam freely there and you often get elephant "breaking in to" the farm.

Awesome pics and report [member=15496]Minxy[/member] and [member=2800]Hondsekierie[/member]! It's a truly wild place!
[member=217]bud500[/member] can we combine a hunting and riding trip? :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Riding this area in summer is not my cup of tea

 

[Minxy]

An important note about this area - 

Jack’s Pass, as well the Madimbo corridor are part of a militarized zone which is strictly off limits to travellers unless permissions are obtained. The tarred border patrol route may be traversed, but again it is paramount to get permission from the SANDF to do so first, as live ammunition practice is carried out in the area regularly. Crossing more than halfway through the Limpopo River also puts you on Zimbabwean territory, which can lead to your arrest.

The owners at Popallin Ranch are however keen to accommodate bikers and show them the best of their farm and in the Limpopo river.

Yeah, I actually discussed getting a trip organised, with the owners. They are very keen and can arrange permission to ride on trust land and are even willing to cater a lunch stop up the river. The camp where we stayed has some safari tents and a lot of camping spots. So might be something to look into.

To add to your word of caution. To do this route you not only enter the zone as mentioned, but you also enter private property. This property hosts hunters all year round. So please be diligent in making the correct arrangements. Not to mention, buffalo roam freely there and you often get elephant "breaking in to" the farm.

Awesome pics and report [member=15496]Minxy[/member] and [member=2800]Hondsekierie[/member]! It's a truly wild place!
[member=217]bud500[/member] can we combine a hunting and riding trip? :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Riding this area in summer is not my cup of tea

Thanks for extending the warning Bud500.

I absolutely love that the owners are keen to host bikers and arrange for access to these beautiful places, not many people have seen this part of the world.

Actually I can't wait to go back! Do let us know if you guys plan to get a group together  :biggrin:

[member=24549]MonkeyNot[/member] , agree absolutely, this place will be brutal in summer, even in winter it's too hot

 

[bud500 (R.I.P)]

Awesome pics and report [member=15496]Minxy[/member] and [member=2800]Hondsekierie[/member]! It's a truly wild place!
[member=217]bud500[/member] can we combine a hunting and riding trip? :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Riding this area in summer is not my cup of tea

Winter is their peak hunting time. They would prefer we don't do it then.
Yes it will be damn hot. Nice pool at the camp though....