Defender is proud to announce its continued support for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation as it embarks on its latest humanitarian and conservation mission – the Greater Gorongosa Expedition. Setting off on 3 June 2025, this journey from South Africa to Mozambique will see a fleet of legendary Defender vehicles play a crucial role in enabling the expedition team to deliver vital aid and educational resources to communities around the Gorongosa National Park.
For more than 25 years, Defender has been the trusted companion for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s incredible expeditions, traversing some of Africa’s most challenging terrains to reach and offer humanitarian support to remote communities. This enduring partnership is built on a shared spirit of adventure and a commitment to making a tangible difference.
The Greater Gorongosa Expedition will once again showcase the unparalleled capability and versatility of the Defender. The fleet includes two new-generation Defender 130s, named ‘Moyo’ (Heart) and ‘Isibindi’ (Courage), which recently conquered the formidable 62,000-kilometre Afrika Odyssey Expedition. These vehicles, equipped with advanced technology and renowned for their comfort and capability, will be joined by four classic Defenders, each a testament to the model’s iconic status and storied history of exploration and service in Africa and abroad. Together, they will carry tonnes of essential supplies and gear.
Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager, Defender, said: “We are immensely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation. Its work in malaria prevention, providing reading glasses, and inspiring youth through the Wildlife Art campaign aligns perfectly with Defender’s ethos of going above and beyond. The Greater Gorongosa Expedition is another chapter in this legacy, and our vehicles, having conquered all types of unforgiving terrain in the recent Afrika Odyssey Expedition, are ready to tackle whatever challenges Mozambique presents.”
The expedition’s focus on malaria prevention is particularly critical. As highlighted by the World Health Organisation’s most recent Malaria Report, the fight against this disease requires sustained effort, especially in acutely affected regions such as Mozambique where malaria remains endemic, affecting mostly children under five. Through the Greater Gorongosa Expedition, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation aims to add to the total of 15,880 mosquito nets distributed in its last expedition, with each net estimated to protect at least one mother and two children. Defender is honoured to play a role in facilitating the Foundation’s efforts in this regard.
Expedition leader Ross Holgate commented on the unique blend of vehicles: “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.”
The Greater Gorongosa Expedition departs on 3 June following a send-off at the Koru Environmental Kids Camp near Hoedspruit.
Follow the journey and show support for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation on its social media channels.
Backstreet
Vinny Lingham was an internet entrepreneur before South African venture capitalists were even investing in the internet. He emigrated to the US to pursue his business dreams and launch Yola. In 2007, he raised USD5 million. Lingham went on to found a few more internet businesses including incuBeta and Gyft, which he sold from more than R500 million. He\’s currently working on his latest business Civic, which is an identity protection and management start-up. Vinny Lingham put his weight behind the Silicon Cape Initiative, to increase South Africa\’s global competitiveness and place the Cape on the global entrepreneurial map. He went on to become one of the \”dragons\’ on the South African edition of Dragons\’ Den, as well as one of the \”sharks\’ on M-Net\’s Shark Tank.