The new Defender Trophy: Reviving the spirit of adventure and conservation

The Camel Trophy is back!

Well, it’s not called that anymore, obviously, but the ethos of those gruelling and epic challenges in yellow Land Rovers returns with the new Defender Trophy.

Inspired by Trophy and Challenge events of the past, this Defender Trophy will create its own legacy across three demanding rounds of training and competition.

Defender says only those who embrace the impossible, with a passion for global conservation, need apply, as well as individuals who embody the values of the original British adventure brand..

They are inviting entries from more than 50 countries. Local selections will begin this year, before national finals early next year determine who will make it to the global final hosted with Defender conservation partner Tusk – in Africa – in 2026.

New model

They have also launched a new Defender 110 Trophy Edition in a choice of two exclusive heritage-inspired colours – Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green – featuring a specially chosen adventure-ready specification.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements include: entrants are resident in a participating country, over 23-years-old, can swim 50 metres, eligible to drive and travel internationally, and speak English. 

An unstoppable spirit is also essential, they demand.

Applications are open now and the deadline for entries is 31 July 2025.

For full eligibility requirements, visit www.landrover.co.za/defender/defender-trophy/index.html.

Once applications close, competitors from more than 50 countries will begin their quest to reach the global final through a series of local selection events. 

Early next year, regional finals will identify the national winners who will head to Africa for the global final in 2026.

Format

More details of the final’s format will follow, but global finalists will go up against one another across a series of stages hosted in Africa with Defender conservation partner Tusk. 

Competitors will be scored individually but compete in pairs, with the lowest-ranked competitor given the first pick of potential teammates ahead of each stage.

Each stage will see the teams complete a variety of driving challenges, ingenuity challenges and physical challenges. 

Driving Challenges: Demanding tests of driving ability and navigation skills as teams tackle tough trails, rocky inclines and hidden drops.

Ingenuity Challenges: Innovation will be the key to success as teams have to think fast, work smart and keep their cool.

Physical Challenges:  Daunting feats of physical strength, coordination and teamwork as teams traverse canyons and cross rivers.

The teams’ progress will be shared with a global online audience and the winners of the global final will get the opportunity to leave a positive legacy with the people and places touched by Defender Trophy, by completing a unique Tusk conservation mission.

Trophy Edition

The new Defender Trophy Edition features a contrasting Gloss Black finish on the bonnet, lower bodyside, brake calipers and rear recovery eyes. Deep Sandglow Yellow is a modern interpretation of a colour synonymous with Defenders used on international Trophy-style events, while Keswick Green celebrates rural exploration in Defender’s UK homeland. 

Both colours can be finished with an optional Matte Protective Film providing an added layer of protection to the bodywork.

It gets  gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tyres, a dark rear scuff plate and gloss black wheelarch protection, with a black front undershield.

The exterior receives Trophy decals on the bonnet and C-pillar graphic and Trophy rear badging.

Interior

Inside, it stands apart with Trophy illuminated treadplates and Ebony Windsor Leather seats. The exposed cross car beam is finished in the same colour as the exterior and features laser-etched endcaps with Trophy branding.

Accessories

It comes standard with a selection of accessories that include an expedition roof rack, a black deployable roof ladder, a gloss black side-mounted gear carrier providing extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items, front and rear classic mud flaps and a raised air intake for dust filtration.

The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition is available to order now, priced at R2,227,800.