Two Amazing & Inspiring Land Rover Journeys Around The World

The Land Rover is an enduring symbol of British design, and what began life as a humble post-war utilitarian vehicle is now firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. From Land Rover symbol weathervanes to appearances in James Bond movies, it’s a vehicle that has achieved an iconic status. 

The Land Rover is a highly capable off-road vehicle that’s used in agricultural and emergency response services, but it’s also a status symbol that is beloved by celebrities, royalty, and politicians. Above all, it is perceived as an agent of exploration and discovery, and it has conquered some of the most challenging terrains on the planet.

Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring Land Rover adventures from around the world.

Kingsley & Ross Holgate: South Africa to the Arctic Circle

The legendary explorer Kingsley Holgate, together with his son Ross, set themselves the ultimate ‘Hot Cape to Cold Cape’ challenge in 2022 as they drove through 33 countries from South Africa to the northernmost tip of Norway. 

The intrepid pair made their record-breaking journey in two P400 Defenders. The vehicles were already well broken in as they had previously been used for an 16,000km expedition to Mzansi Edge to deliver humanitarian aid during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020. 

During the Africa-Norway expedition, the two-man team incorporated anti-malaria projects such as the delivery of mosquito nets and clean water systems to remote African regions. They also deliberately chose to put the vehicles through their paces with the toughest terrain.

Ross explained: “There are going to be some extreme challenges. The route through central and east Africa will be at the height of the ‘big rains’, so we’re expecting very wet and muddy conditions for days on end. Crossing the dry and hot Sahel and Nubian Desert through Sudan and into Egypt will also be very testing for both man and machine.”

Ed Stafford: The Amazon Expedition

In 2010, the British explorer Ed Stafford became the first person to walk the length of the Amazon River, and it is recognised as an official Guinness World Record. The journey began in 2008 from the furthest source of the Amazon on the north face of Nevado Mismi, and finished two years later at the mouth of the River in eastern Brazil.

During the 860 day journey, Stafford was supported by back up supplies in a Land Rover, that proved to be well up to the task of conquering some of the least explored and most hostile terrain on earth. 

Stafford is now a global ambassador for Land Rover, and he uses his role to educate people about the environment and inspire future generations to take to the road.