Defender is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, underscoring its commitment to humanitarian and conservation efforts across Africa. This continued support is symbolised by the handover of two new Defender 130 vehicles, which will power the foundation’s important “adventures with purpose” in 2026.
The Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s work is primarily focused on malaria prevention, alongside broader humanitarian and conservation initiatives in remote regions. This mission remains vital, especially at a time when malaria continues to plague the African continent.
According to the World Health Organisation’s latest Malaria Report, global malaria cases increased by 11 million in recent years, with 95% of these cases concentrated in African countries. Most malaria-related deaths are among young children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to the dreaded disease.
Veteran explorer Kingsley Holgate said: “Malaria prevention remains a cornerstone of all our journeys. Every member of our expedition team has contracted malaria in the past, so we know first-hand how life-threatening it is and how difficult it is to eradicate, especially in remote regions where healthcare facilities are scarce.
“It has thus become our personal mission to use our journeys to save and improve lives, and we thank Defender for powering these drives.”
Impactful Aid Delivered in Remote Areas
The foundation’s recent Greater Gorongosa Expedition serves as a powerful example. Using its Defender vehicles, the team distributed high-quality insecticide-treated mosquito nets and provided vital malaria prevention education to an estimated 3,000 mothers and children in Mozambique.
Beyond malaria, the expedition also provided eye tests and reading glasses to hundreds of poor-sighted, mostly elderly people. Furthermore, more than 1,000 schoolchildren participated in the Foundation’s wildlife education programme, which uses art and soccer to explain the importance of conserving wildlife and natural habitats for the benefit of all. The expedition was powered by the same two Defender 130s that successfully traversed 22 African countries during the gruelling 62,000km Afrika Odyssey Expedition, finishing their tenure with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation with close to 93,000 kilometres on the clock.
New Expedition Vehicles
The new vehicles, highly capable Defender 130 Outbound models, take up the baton to continue this work. These models provide the team with elevated levels of comfort coupled with Defender’s legendary all-terrain capability.
Available exclusively with five seats, the 130 Outbound offers up to 2,516 litres of loadspace – 1,329 litres with the second-row seats in use – ensuring effortless exploration and greater practicality for the Foundation’s needs. The nearly flat loadspace floor, measuring 1.267 metres in length behind the second row, is poised to easily accommodate all the necessary supplies, gear and, most critically, the aid material to be distributed.
The unstoppable 4×4 capability required for these expeditions is guaranteed by Defender’s proven Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and Terrain Response 2. Additionally, Electronic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics are fitted as standard, with the air suspension allowing up to 430mm of articulation and 900mm of wading capability, ensuring unstoppable progress across any challenging terrain.
The Kingsley Holgate Foundation Defenders will also benefit from several optional items, including a raised air intake for dust filtration, a black roof rack and roof ladder for easy access to additional overhead stowage space for the crew’s extra gear, as well as the iconic black side-mounted gear carriers for storing wet or muddy items.
To further enhance the Defenders’ off-road prowess, underbody protection plates have been optioned to safeguard critical drivetrain components. A winch and integrated compressor will aid recoveries and tyre pressure adjustments.
Defender’s Commitment to the Partnership
Janico Dannhauser, Defender Brand Manager, JLR South Africa, said: “Defender stands for much more than just capability. It stands for the ability to make a difference. We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, knowing that the legendary robustness and all-terrain capability of the Defender 130 will not only power their incredible journeys but, more importantly, it will help save and improve lives in the remote communities they serve.”
