The LR Defender 130 will power Kingsley Holgate’s upcoming adventure
The term explorer has evolved significantly over the years. Growing up, an explorer was a desirable person who travelled the world, discovering new lands, recounting tales of their adventures, and establishing settlements along the way. The modern adventurer, though, is quite different, but their stories remain riveting.
Kingsley Holgate has earned a reputation for his adventures and contributions to the communities he serves. He has been named the most travelled man in Africa and has several achievements under his belt. His accomplishments include being a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an author, a humanitarian adventurer, a TV personality, a speaker at the New York Explorers Club, and a Land Rover ambassador.
His most recent mission focused on distributing mosquito nets and aid throughout Africa, helping pregnant women and children seek shelter away from malaria. Travelling in central Africa is a difficult task, with pothole-ridden roads and often going off the beaten path to embrace adventure and, of course, lend a hand. So the vehicle in charge of enduring the abuse and transporting aid and equipment must be tough, dependable, and spacious.
The Land Rover Defender was the solution, and Kingsley Holgate and his team had previously used the 110; however, the need for more cargo capacity compelled the crew to seek added space in the larger 130. Immediately, the Defender 130’s departure angle was a concern as it adds a rather substantial overhang to the back of the vehicle.
Speaking with Ross Holgate, the expedition leader, he assured me that it has never been an issue for the team. The only real problem they experienced was a solid tow bar on one of the cars, which occasionally caught on the ground.
The first leg of their adventure brought with it various stories that left our jaws on the floor. Unfortunately, they were forced to return to South Africa as various political issues pulled the handbrake on the operation. After a moral boost and a resupply, the team returns to the maps as they plan on heading off into the great unknown with the deserts of Chad in mind.
The second leg will take the team across the west coast, passing through Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Benin before turning back home in Chad. As simple as it appears on Google Maps, Africa is bound to provide excitement, adventure, and plenty of surprises along the way.
The Holgate Foundation has five members and three vehicles. The fleet consists of two Landy Defender 130s and one 110. They have already completed the first leg of their tour, which covered over 50,000 kilometres and included 15 national parks. Ahead lie another 40,000 kilometres and seven national parks. Needless to say, there is a lot of action ahead, but nothing Kingsley and his team can’t handle in their Land Rover Defender.
