Defender Outbound 130s fuel Kingsley Holgate Foundation's ongoing 'Adventures with Purpose'

The Kingsley Holgate Foundation is set to continue its humanitarian and conservation efforts across Africa with the "Adventures with Purpose" in 2026 with two new Defender Outbound 130s.

The new vehicles take up the baton to continue this work, providing the team with elevated levels of comfort coupled with Defender’s legendary all-terrain capability.

Outbound 130

Available exclusively with five seats, the 130 Outbound offers 2,516 litres of loadspace and- 1,329 litres with the second row seats in use. The nearly flat loadspace floor, measuring 1.267 metres behind the second row, should easily accommodate all the necessary supplies, gear and the aid material to be distributed.

The Defender is equipped with the company’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 that they can cross any challenging terrain.

The 130 Outbound is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine producing 257kW and 700Nm, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels.

Added protection

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 ability, underbody protection plates have been fitted to safeguard critical drivetrain components, while a winch and integrated compressor will aid recoveries and tyre pressure adjustments. 

Focus on malaria

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 disease.

“Malaria prevention remains a cornerstone of all our journeys. Every member of our expedition team has contracted malaria in the past, so we know firsthand 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," said veteran explorer Kingsley Holgate.

Thousands assisted

The foundation’s recent Greater Gorongosa Expedition serves as a powerful example. 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.

“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, will help save and improve lives in the remote communities they serve,” said Janico Dannhauser, Defender brand manager, JLR South Africa.