DRIVE AS CLOSE AS POSSILE ALONG
21° LONGITUDE SOUTH TO NORTH
FROM MOUTH OF THE DUIWENSHOK RIVER TO ASKHAM
18 – 26 OCTOBER 2025
AN OVERLAND TRIP DONE IN TRUE EXPIDITION STYLE
The lines running from pole to pole are called Meridians or lines of longitude. The zero Meridian is called the Greenwich Meridian and runs through the Greenwich observatory near London. These lines of longitude run from 0° to 180° East and 0° to 180° West around the world
We are planning to drive as close as possible to the line of 21° Longitude East from south to north through South Africa. The expedition will start at the mouth of the Duiwenshok River near the Puntjie Nature Reserve and the small town of Vermaaklikheid. Our goal is to collect water from the mouth of the Duiwenshok River and transport it to the border between South Africa and Botswana near Askham in the Kalahari and empty the water on the border of Botswana.
All latitude and longitude trip are done in true expedition style. As we do not know what distance will be driven each day, no advance bookings can be made. This factor and the numerous route options we will decide on during the trip, all add to the adventure and mystique of exploring the unknown. Some of the most amazing off-the-beaten-track places and overnight camps have been visited and used on previous latitude and longitude trips. If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten track places, this trip is the one for you.
The rendezvous for the trip will be at Rietkuil approximately 10km from Buffeljagsrivier, near Swellendam. Water will be collected in the mouth of the Duiwenshok River near the Puntjie Nature Reserve in the traditional Cederberg 4x4 calabash used on the latitude and longitude trips. Our first challenge enroute to the north is to negotiate a route over the Swartberg Mountains to Laingsburg, which is close to the 21° longitude line. The Karoo, characterized by vast open plains, rolling mountains and distinctively shaped “koppies” is one of the world's most diverse and unique arid areas, spanning over four provinces. The Karoo will ensure many highlights on our route north.
The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province, with desert landscapes, wildlife and gemstones and shares the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, whose red sand dunes shelter lions and falcons with Botswana. Kimberley, the provincial capital in also home to the The Big Hole mine that was the centre of the 1870s diamond rush. Negotiating the vast open space of the Northern Cape, enroute to our destination on the Botswana border, we will pass in proximity to another well-known landmark. The Verneuk Pan, where Malcolm Cambell tried to break the land speed record in 1929, would be excellent opportunity to set camp at another incredible off-the-beaten track destination. Destinations like this are what makes the latitude and longitude trips so special and unique. Our final kilometres through the red dunes of the Kalahari to the actual border fence between South Africa and Botswana will be the final highlight of the trip. Once the water collected in the mouth of the Duiwenshok River is emptied on the border fence, half in South Africa and half in Botswana, our trip is officially complete. All things equal we will endeavour to set camp at least for one night surrounded by the red dunes of the Kalahari.
EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN AND LIVE LIFE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles : Vehicles with and without low range can be accommodated.
Trailers : Off-Road Caravans & Trailers CAN be accommodated on this trip.
Guide : Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : RIETKUIL is approximately 11km past Buffeljagsrivier. Directions upon booking.
DATE : SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 2025.
TIME : Respect your fellow participants and be on time and not arrive later than 17h00.
AGENDA
Rendezvous will be at a private campsite in Rietkuil some eleven kilometres pass Buffeljagsrivier on the N2. After an enjoyable evening at Rietkuil we will depart for the mouth of the Duiwenshok River near the Puntjie Nature Reserve. Having collected the water from the Duiwenshok River in the traditional calabash, used on the latitude and longitude trips, we will depart on our journey north to the border of Botswana where the water in the calabash will be emptied on the border fence between South Africa and Botswana.
Many places of interest in the Western Cape, Karoo and Northern Cape not normally visited will be on our route north. Numerous stops will be made allowing time to visit and explore places of interest. Places like Vermaaklikheid, the Swartberg Mountains, Laingsburg, Williston, Verneukpan, Kenhardt, Upington and Askham. The route through the Swartberg Mountains will be an interesting choice of roads enroute to Laingsburg. Another well-known place of interest along the line of 21° longitude is the Verneuk Pan, where Malcolm Campbell tried to break the world land speed record in 1929. Here we might have the opportunity to set camp for one evening on or in very close proximity of the Verneuk Pan. Another new landmark on the horizon of the northern cape is the Khi Solar One, also referred to as the KSO, a 205m high tower surrounded by 4000 heliostats (mirrors) focusing solar energy on a boiler on top of the tower generating 50MW of electricity. The route north of Upington will not leave us with many options on our way to Askham, a small town in the heart of the Kalahari and very close to the line 21° longitude. Here we will endeavour to set camp surrounded by some of the red dunes of the Kalahari, as close as possible to the border fence between South Africa and Botswana.
This trip will officially end once the water that was collected in the mouth of the Duiwenshok River, transported in the Cederberg 4x4 calabash, is emptied on the border fence between South Africa and Botswana. This is the first time that Cederberg 4x4 will be driving the 21° longitude line south to north and envisage new and exciting places where camps will be set. This adds to the mystique and adventure of partaking in the latitude and longitude trips offered by Cederberg 4x4.
FUEL STOPS EN-ROUTE
Sufficient fuel stops will be made en-route eliminating the necessity to carry additional fuel.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for all meals for the duration of the trip.
ACCOMMODATION
As this expedition is offered as a camping expedition, everyone must be equipped accordingly.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
Ablution facilities cannot be guaranteed at any of our overnight stops en-route. However, we will endeavour to make use of campsites with ablution facilities close to the line of 21° Longitude wherever possible.
GENERAL INFORMATION
• DRINKING WATER - Always advisable to bring own drinking water on trips.
• WATER – Always advisable to carry sufficient water for your washing and shower needs.
• ELECTRICITY – Cannot be guaranteed at our campsites en-route.
• WOOD – Vehicles to always carry at least 2 x bags of wood and replenish en-route.
• Bring black bags. What we take in, we take out.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
• Only one fire permitted for the group.
• Portable braais welcome in the communal braai area.
• Bring braai grid, braai stand, tongs and other cooking/eating utensils.
• The days could be warm and the nights cooler. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
• Advisable to have a broad rim hat and sun block on hand.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles and Off-road trailers must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap and 2 x shackles will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres. Pack where accessible.
• Carry a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
• Always carry your personal medical kit. Pack where accessible.
• All other recovery equipment will be supplied.
29 MHz RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on the 21° Longitude adventure is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on the adventure, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation, not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants during the long distances we need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R600-00 for this trip.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have double adapter handy as well as spare fuses.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14, 15 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
Should you wish to make a once-off investment and purchase a 29MHz radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Coenie on 022 492 2040.
INCLUDED
• Cederberg 4x4 facilitating, coordinating and guide fees.
EXCLUDED
• Any camp fees that we may encounter en-route.
• Any additional activities you may wish to partake in during the trip.
COST
Adults – R3950-00 per person.
Children 16yrs and older – R3950-00 per person.
Children 6 – 15yrs – R2250-00 per child.
Children 5yrs and younger – FREE.
Radio hire should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz two-way radio – R600-00.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this trip, please contact Coenie via e-mail to obtain the booking form.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 8 vehicles on this excursion.
• This Cederberg 4x4 excursion is subject to a minimum of 4 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Reference on all BANK EFT POP (proof of payments) – Your Surname / Trip Name / Date.
Example of reference – Scott/Long/Oct25.
• Cederberg 4x4 will only confirm a booking upon receipt of your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) of a 50% deposit for the number of people as per your booking form.
• Cederberg 4x4 requires your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) for the total outstanding amount for the trip and two-way radio hire if applicable on or before Wednesday 8 October 2025.
• Your completed and signed booking form binds you to the conditions on page one and two.
• Should you wish to cancel or withdraw from this trip after returning your completed and signed booking form together with your BANK EFT POP (proof of payment) to Cederberg 4x4, you will be required to find a replacement before any credits or refunds be considered.
• Should you not arrive at the rendezvous to partake in this excursion or choose to leave the excursion before it officially ends, you will not be entitled to any refunds.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COENIE on 022 492 2040 OR CELL / WHATSAPP on 083 675 6194
