West Africa is one of the great cross-continent challenges for overlanders, combining at least 15 countries, more than 30 border crossings, and an endless sea of bureaucracy. Just the sticker visas and eVisas alone have been enough to cause travelers to tuck tail and drive back north to Europe.
Almost two months ago, my phone rang with a call from England. The subject was an ambitious attempt to break the world record for driving from Cape to Cape down West Africa—with two Grenadiers, a fuel trailer, and a team of travel professionals. John Balsdon asked a series of thoughtful questions based on my recent crossing of West Africa with the Milestones Expedition.
The XOverland trip down West Africa took us over 70 days. John and his team will attempt to cover Nordkapp, Norway, to Cape Agulhas, South Africa, in less than 28 days and 13 hours. The record was last set in 1984, so it is ripe for the taking.
Even though this effort is about speed, the team will undoubtedly have the adventure of a lifetime. John assured me that he plans to take his time returning north at a more traditional overland pace. We wish John and his team a safe and successful adventure.
John, the owner of Always Look Twice and the expedition leader, said:
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to tell the story of one of the world’s most unique and lesser-known land routes.”
The trip marks the first time a record attempt along this route will be fully documented through photography, along with a feature-length documentary created in collaboration with Ben Uttley of Stamp Productions.
For the journey, John selected an INEOS Grenadier and Quartermaster, both diesel for efficiency and increased range between fuel stops. The trucks were only lightly modified to allow for additional fuel storage and improved organization of safety and photography equipment.
The Grenadiers are well suited to the task. My own trip up East Africa in an early Grenadier was problem-free. Their trailer will help them carry quality fuel for regions where ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is not available.
INEOS Grenadier supported the preparation of the two 4×4 vehicles. The trailer was created by Bruder, whose co-founder Toby is part of the team. Extensive customization was implemented by Buzz Overland, with final safety adjustments to all vehicles completed by Mahker, whose founder Dave Lea is the lead engineer for the expedition. Outdoor equipment and clothing will be provided by Belstaff and Snow Peak.
“The Cape to Cape challenge is my most ambitious expedition to date and one that very few have experienced. I have always aimed to take the road less travelled with my work and feel privileged to be able to capture and share the experience. I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to discover the world, even if they can’t always go and see it themselves.”
— John Balsdon
The Team
John Balsdon | Founder, Artist, Photographer, and Expedition Lead | @always.look.twice
John Balsdon, an accomplished artist and photographer, created his photographic practice known as Always Look Twice. He focuses on highly detailed, abstract aerial imagery that challenges the viewer’s perception of scale and location. Often shooting from helicopters or gyrocopters with high-resolution equipment such as a 175-megapixel Phase One camera, he captures extraordinary natural patterns and textures.
Balsdon adheres to a strict rule of not cropping or significantly altering his images, ensuring that each photograph remains a faithful representation of what he saw. This meticulous process results in just one final image for every 500 shots taken.
Toby Bosschieter | Expedition Trailer and Overlanding Specialist | @bruder_expedition
Co-founder of Bruder, one of the world’s leading expedition trailer manufacturers, with platforms operating across six continents.
Matt Dean | Security & Risk Management
Head of intelligence operations at Prevail Partners, with extensive experience in security risk management across the private sector and UK government operations.
Phil Keating | Remote Medical and Rescue Specialist
A highly experienced immediate care practitioner and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, with decades of experience across offshore, remote, and high-risk environments.
Dave Lea | Vehicle Engineering Lead | @wearemahker
Royal Marines veteran, specialist vehicle mechanic, and founder of Mahker and 4×4 Fabrication.
Charlie Summers | Director of Photography | @charliesummersstudio
A filmmaker and photographer based in Botswana, Charlie has more than 20 years of experience producing cinematic visuals for major broadcasters and global brands, including the BBC, Disney, and Netflix.
Route
Norway → Finland → Sweden → Denmark → Germany → Netherlands → Belgium → France → Spain → Morocco → Mauritania → Senegal → Guinea → Ivory Coast → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Nigeria → Cameroon → Republic of Congo → Cabinda → D.R.C. → Angola → Namibia → South Africa
