EL fans have chance to hear about latest ‘Voetspore’ Indian adventure
AFTER 17 years and eleven seasons exploring and filming in Africa, Voetspore team leader and producer Johan Badenhorst and his team of four-wheel drive adventurers have just returned from shooting in India and next week East Londoners will have the opportunity to hear first hand about their trip.
Badenhorst, 57, who is a guru to 4X4 enthusiasts and has driven through 40 African countries for the long-running SABC 2 series, will be braaing, breakfasting and dining with fans at Mpongo and Inkwenkwezi private game reserves next Friday and Saturday.
“I will talk to people about some of our most recent journeys,” said Badenhorst.
“Two years ago we visited Madagascar, an island which is strictly part of Africa with fascinating fauna, flora and landscape.”
With series names such as Agulhas to Alexandria, Cape to Kilimanjaro and Casablanca to the Cape, Badenhorst’s expeditions conjure up world explorers of old and Voetspore has been so successful that it has even spawned a “megaworld store” which sells gear for overland travellers.
Badenhorst said his most recent threemonth expedition to India was the first time the Voetspore team had left the African continent.
“This time we also included Royal Enfield motorbikes.”
While the highlight of the trip was a visit to the Himalayas in Jammu Kashmir, Badenhorst said driving in India was a hairraising experience. “The Indian techniques are very suspect.
“It is not strange to see a bus or lorry approaching you at speed on the highway on the wrong side of the road.
“Being on a motorbike, this was a little intimidating.”
Roughing it for long stretches meant missing a variety of home comforts, and in India this was red meat.
“There are no steaks or even mince on the menu, only chicken and occasionally mutton.”
He said his wanderlust stemmed from finding travel intoxicating.
“Once you start you can never stop. And I am in essence a reporter. So this is what we do. We travel and upon our return, report on the journey. That is what Voetspore is.”
He is itching to traverse the Sahara desert ( Casablanca to Cairo), but said political instability meant this was not currently possible.
“But I have my eye on Russia – I want to do all the Brics countries.”
A Voetspore shot in South Africa may also be in the pipeline, which would include touring the Eastern Cape.
“But that is only in a year or two’s time,” Badenhorst said.
“In Voetspore 2 we came past East London. I believe that was my last visit to your lovely city, so a visit is long overdue.”
Voetspore fan and “4X4 fanatic” Etienne Weyers, who is organising next week’s events, said he driving had watched every Voetspore episode more than once.
“When the season has been broadcast I wait until the DVDs are released and watch them over and over again.”
He said Badenhorst’s visit would be a fundraiser for the East Coast Foundation, an NPO which feeds and clothes less privileged East Londoners.
● Fans can meet Badenhorst at a braai at Mpongo Park on Friday at 6.30pm for R350, or on Saturday at an Inkwenkwezi buffet breakfast at 8.30am for R200, and a dinner and wine-tasting for R250 at 6pm.
He will be on hand at Inkwenkwezi at a mini 4X4 expo at R20 per person between 10am and 5pm next Saturday.
For more information and to book, call Weyers on 076 035 6599 — dispatch.co.za