Kingsley and Ross Holgate’s travel tales span three decades, the entire African continent and beyond. Their stories tell of wonder, danger and great reward. For 25 years, they have been driven by two things: Using adventure to improve and save lives, and the vehicles that help them do that – Defenders.
Next-gen Defender 130 on the Afrika Odyssey Expedition/Image: Defender
Long before I began writing for Getaway Magazine, the platform had described Kingsley Holgate as “the most travelled man in Africa”. The mighty beard, who has been to every country in Africa, and his son Ross, at his side since the late 90s, have been on 41 expeditions. On the 3rd of June, they got behind the wheel for the 42nd.
“Hello, friends. It’s been a while, but Afrika House is a swarm of activity as we prepare for another expedition – our 42nd!” reads a recent update on the Kingsley Holgate Foundation Facebook page.
ALSO READ: The Pebble and the Power of Time, with Kingsley Holgate
Kingsley and Ross observing a rhino collaring/ Image: Oliver Keohane
But this is not the first time I’m hearing of it, having had the opportunity to meet the Holgates at the beginning of the year, on a Defender trip to Limpopo which focused on Rhino conservation. I spent a few days in awe of the stories of our continent. In the same breath that the Holgates recounted their journeys through Africa – and with equal excitement – they spoke of the next. In June, the Kingsley Holgate foundation would head into Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, to add to the 15,880 mosquito nets distributed in their last expedition. While the expedition’s focus would be on malaria, given Mozambique’s status as a hotspot, it would continue to provide reading glasses in the Rite to Sight campaign, and forge ahead with the Wildlife Art campaign, aimed at inspiring youth and readers’ awareness about animal conservation.
“Would you like to come with?”
Limpopo 2025 – Kingsley Holgate shares a parting story/ Image: Defender
In a week, I’ll be joining the Holgates and a fleet of Defenders, new and old, to cover the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts throughout Mozambique. Leading the fleet are two new-generation Defender 130s – ‘Moyo’ (Heart) and ‘Isibindi’ (Courage), which recently completed the gruelling 62,000-kilometre Afrika Odyssey Expedition (the 41st). Supporting the modern-day adventure machines are the vehicles that originally drove the Holgates through Africa’s toughest terrain: four classic Defenders. The original Defender is a global icon of adventure and exploration, and for 20 years served as a partner to the Holgates in Africa and abroad. Classic will support contemporary in carrying tonnes of essential supplies and gear.
The two generations of Defender could not be further apart in comfort and design, but setting off for Mozambique, they remain close as ever in ethos. I’m both a driver of an old Defender and an admirer of the new one. The rugged appeal of the predecessor can never be lost, nor can the absolute comfort of the next generation. “You don’t have to travel in discomfort to do good,” Ross Holgate pointed out, as we discussed the differences in the two vehicle series this year.
Next-gen Defender 130 on the Afrika Odyssey Expedition/ Image: Defender
Speaking on the upcoming trip, Ross said, “It will be an incredible blend of heritage between the old and new Defenders, both having achieved geographical world firsts. Whilst the new Defender is more capable with its incredible technology and comfort, we must still salute those older models that got us there in the first place. Defender is an iconic brand that not only stands for a combination of history, capability and durability but also promotes a legacy of purpose into the future.”
I’m honoured and excited to be joining the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s 42nd expedition, and continuing Getaway’s long-standing coverage of the storied explorers. Armed with a journal and an extensive list of photography and videography gear – thanks to Orms – I’ll be documenting every piece of the journey. Keep an eye on our social media channels, as well as my own.
Follow Oliver’s adventures on Instagram.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
