The Kingsley Holgate Foundation has completed the second phase of its Afrika Odyssey Expedition, a journey that saw 7,643 mosquito nets treated with long-lasting insecticide delivered to 13 African nations in two Defender 130 vehicles.
These nets, primarily given to pregnant women and young children under five, are estimated to shield at least three kids each from malaria. As a result, the foundation’s recent efforts have potentially safeguarded nearly 23,000 young lives across the continent from this deadly disease, which is responsible for the death of about 1,320 children daily.
Related: Watch: Reviewing the Land Rover Defender 130 D300 First Edition
Over the past six months starting from June 2023, the expedition covered over 40,000km, traversing countries including South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan in their robust Defender 130 vehicles.
The expedition’s leader, Ross Holgate, and son of the renowned explorer Kingsley Holgate, remarked on the journey’s challenges: “We’ve covered over 6000km each month, navigating some of Africa’s most demanding terrains. Our Defender 130s, affectionately named Moyo and Isibindi for ‘heart’ and ‘courage,’ have been outstanding in performance.”
He continued to praise the new Defender’s capabilities, which impressed both the team and locals they met along the way. The vehicle’s exceptional off-road capabilities allowed them to overcome various challenges, from Angola’s deserts to the Congo’s floodwaters, carrying vital supplies, aid, and equipment.
Related: Previous Kingsley Holgate expeditions
The Defender 130’s remarkable 900mm wading depth proved invaluable, especially with the unprecedented rainfall and flooding in Uganda and the DRC, allowing the team to progress despite adverse conditions. The Defenders’ advanced 3D Surround Camera with ClearSight Ground View was crucial for navigating through intense rains.
After a short break over the holiday season, the foundation’s team is set to continue their mission, moving towards the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, and Benin, marking the expedition’s next phase.
Alongside mosquito net distribution, the team’s mission includes offering reading glasses to those with vision impairments and leading youth-focused community conservation education initiatives.
For further details on the Afrika Odyssey Expedition, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation encourages following their Facebook page for updates.
