After tracing the length and breadth of the continent on their mammoth Afrika Odyssey, one would forgive the Kingsley Holgate Foundation for taking a bit of a breather. But rest is clearly overrated when there’s humanitarian work to be done and new paths to chart. On 3 June 2025, the team set off once again – this time on the Greater Gorongosa Expedition, a new mission that blends adventure with purpose in true Holgate fashion.
Bound for Mozambique’s Gorongosa region, the team will traverse challenging landscapes in a convoy of trusty Defenders – both classic and contemporary – delivering essential aid and spreading conservation awareness along the way. And just like their previous expeditions, this one is about far more than where the tyres touch the earth. It’s about changing lives.
From the bushveld to the beating heart of Mozambique
The expedition began with an enthusiastic send-off at the Koru Environmental Kids Camp near Hoedspruit, where a group of excited young conservationists gave the team a proper bushveld goodbye. From there, it’s a long haul to the communities around Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa’s most spectacular conservation success stories, and a fitting backdrop for an expedition rooted in both humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
The foundation’s work in the region will focus on three key areas: malaria prevention, access to reading glasses, and youth education through the much-loved Wildlife Art campaign. While these initiatives might sound familiar, they continue to evolve with each new expedition, and in places like Mozambique, they couldn’t be more urgently needed.
Malaria remains a stubborn adversary in this region, particularly for children under five. On the last expedition, the team distributed nearly 16 000 mosquito nets, each one protecting at least a mother and two children. The aim this time? To reach even more families and bring hope to communities where malaria is still part of daily life.
A fleet built for purpose
As always, the expedition’s wheels come courtesy of long-time partner, Land Rover’s Defender, but as any member of the Holgate team will tell you, these vehicles aren’t just about transport. They’re trusted teammates. Leading the charge are two Defender 130s, nicknamed Moyo (Heart) and Isibindi (Courage) – veterans of the recent 62 000km Afrika Odyssey and still showing no signs of slowing down.
They’re joined by four classic Defenders that have travelled thousands of kilometres through deserts, swamps and savannahs. While the new-generation models offer plush interiors and clever tech, it’s the rugged classics that serve as a rolling homage to where it all began. It’s a rare and wonderful thing to see both generations rolling side-by-side, representing past and present, heritage and innovation.
According to expedition leader Ross Holgate, this mix of old and new Defenders perfectly captures the spirit of the journey: grounded in legacy, but always looking forward. And when those vehicles are packed to the rafters with mosquito nets, reading glasses and art kits, their real purpose becomes abundantly clear.
Following the road less travelled
The Greater Gorongosa Expedition isn’t just another box ticked on the Holgate team’s map of Africa. It’s a return to roots of both the continent and the foundation’s founding values. In a world increasingly preoccupied with speed, this team continues to prove the power of slowing down, connecting, and doing some good along the way.
And while the Defenders may get the glory shots, it’s the people – the ones giving and receiving – that make these journeys truly unforgettable.
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