This is a life-giving project, providing a
constant stream of fresh water for man
and beast. It is like having a permanent
spring on your farm. It has changed the
human settlement in the region drastically
over the past five decades.
When in the Kalahari, it is impossible to
miss the effect of hunting. Hunters come
from all over South Africa, and indeed all
over the world, for trophy hunting or to
get something for the pot or biltong for
the winter months. This is not only a
challenge for the hunter, but also for the
vehicle. Fortunately, we came with the
right wheels. In a bygone era, the only
vehicles seen at places like Loch Broom
were Chevs and Fords. Today, there is nohttp://www.4x4megaworldonline.com
Opposite page: The three Voetspore Land Cruiser V8 models for this year’s Voetspore in South
Africa expedition. Above: The team comprises Norbert Coetzee, Simon Wearne, Gideon Swart,
Johan Badenhorst, Stefan Sonnekus and Streicher Badenhorst. Below: The start of the journey,
near Pulai on the border of Namibia in the Kalahari.leisurewheels.co.za SEPTEMBER 2019 11
doubt this is Toyota country. Having a
petrol or diesel V8 is essential for tackling
these dunes.
Our first week ended with a beautiful
drive down the dry riverbed of the
Molopo to a spot close to where the
river joins the Gariep at a place called
Riemvasmaak. A decade ago, we passed
through this hamlet for the first time. We
met, among others, Norbert Coetzee.
Since then Norbert has become an integral
part of the Voetspore team. To come back
to Riemvasmaak was special.
Next, we continued to the Richtersveld,
Namaqualand and the Tankwa Karoo.
Voetspore in South Africa promises to be
one of our best journeys ever.