Join renowned explorer Kingsley Holgate as he leads the exhilarating 18-month Afrika Odyssey expedition. Brace yourself as the rugged Land Rover Defender 130 tackles 50,000 kilometers of unforgiving terrain, showcasing its remarkable capabilities. As the team pushes boundaries, they also aim to raise awareness for wildlife conservation.
Renowned African explorer Kingsley Holgate and his team have embarked on an extraordinary expedition to some of the most remote and untamed regions of the African continent. What sets this adventure apart is the formidable challenge they face, not only in traversing harsh terrains but also in putting the new Land Rover Defender 130 to the test.
Just under a year after completing their gruelling transcontinental journey from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle, covering a staggering 35,000 kilometres and 30 countries, Kingsley Holgate, now 77 years old, refuses to hang up his expedition boots. Instead, he and his team are embarking on the Afrika Odyssey, the 41st geographic and humanitarian expedition, with a mission to draw attention to the preservation of Africa’s iconic wildlife, natural landscapes, and the needs of rural communities residing alongside these remote areas. Read more about his previous expedition here.
In a unique collaboration with African Parks, a prominent conservation NGO, the Afrika Odyssey is an 18-month legacy journey-of-purpose, themed around “conservation, culture, and community.” This extraordinary expedition will take the team through 12 diverse African countries, unveiling the splendour of 22 national parks managed by African Parks, which encompass a staggering 20 million hectares under protected area status. These parks are the backbone of the continent’s biodiversity and provide numerous benefits to local communities.
However, what truly sets this expedition apart is the challenge of conquering the treacherous African terrain with the new Defender 130. The expedition will push the limits of these two long-wheel-base expedition vehicles, covering an estimated 50,000 kilometres over some of the most unforgiving off-road routes and harshest terrains on the continent. From dirt roads and dense Congo forests to heart-stopping river crossings and arid deserts, the team will face extreme logistical obstacles, with limited access to essential resources like water and fuel. It is a true testament to the capabilities and endurance of the Defender 130.
As the team departs from South Africa, having received a lively African send-off from the Lesedi Cultural Village, their expedition aims to highlight the inspiring revival of African Parks’ national parks. Additionally, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s malaria prevention work continues, with the distribution of mosquito nets and community education programs to mitigate the impact of this deadly disease.
Throughout their journey, the team will carry a Scroll of Peace and Goodwill for Conservation, collecting messages of support from traditional leaders, park rangers, government envoys, and other supporters they encounter along the way.
The expedition’s name, Afrika Odyssey, holds special significance, as it pays homage to the very first major expedition undertaken by the Kingsley Holgate family in 1993 when they became the first South African team to travel from Cape Agulhas to Alexandria in Egypt, navigating the untamed waterways of Africa. Now, 30 years later, this 41st geographic and humanitarian expedition stands as a testament to Kingsley Holgate’s enduring legacy as Africa’s beloved modern-day explorer.
To stay updated on the remarkable journey of the Afrika Odyssey expedition and witness the Defender 130 in action, be sure to follow the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s Facebook page.
Keyword: Unleashing the Beast: Kingsley Holgate's Epic Afrika Odyssey with the Land Rover Defender 130