Our mission remains clear, our sights firmly set on getting the 3 expedition Defenders (‘Isibindi’, ‘Moyo’ and ‘Mamba’) from Hot Cape (Cape Agulhas) from where we left 145 days ago, to Cold Cape (Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle) – and now having to skirt the Russian invasion of Ukraine (what a terrible humanitarian disaster) – before heading to Anglesey in Wales where the first Land Rover design was sketched in the sand 75 years ago.
Thus far, the Zen of Travel has been good to us, with great adventures linked to humanitarian work through SA, Moz, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and now Uganda. Winston Churchill said in 1908 that “Uganda is a fairy-tale, the scenery is different, the climate is different and most of all, the people are different from elsewhere in Africa…so concentrate on Uganda! It is the Pearl of Africa.”
So we do. Crossing the Equator three times, equatorial rain beating down on our camp outside Fort Portal and next morning, the Rwenzoris reveal why they’re also known as Ptolemy’s ‘Mountains of the Moon’. A few years ago, Ross, Shova Mike and Andre summited the 5,109m Margherita peak on Mt Stanley – 3rd highest in Africa – and say it is one of the most beautiful climbs they’ve ever done; that’s quite something, considering Shova Mike and Andre are both Everest summiteers and have also climbed the 7 highest peaks in the world. “The surreal landscapes and weird and wonderful vegetation – straight out of Lord of the Rings,” reminisces Shova Mike.
Over the years, we’ve experienced gorillas in the mist in the Bwindi impenetrable forests and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, so now the Defenders drop down a narrow winding track that zigzags through a spectacular field of ancient volcanic craters and then by boat along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. “That was one of the most memorable wildlife experiences I’ve ever had,” says Fiona Nixon as we camp wild overlooking the channel. “The way the buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocs all hang out together, the incredible birdlife – never seen so many pied kingfishers!” That night around a crackling campfire on the floor of the western arm of the great African Rift Valley, not another human in sight, the sounds of grunting hippo, cackling hyena, lions roaring in the distance and the occasional trumpeting elephant – it’s Africa as we love it.
Shova Mike takes off for his last, tough training ride across the Equator (he’s still a bit post-malarial) before he flies back to Cape Town for his 18th ABSA Cape Epic attempt. He’s one of the Last Lions – one of only four riders in the world to have completed every race – so this is a big deal and he’s riding with good expedition mate Shane Barker. Our last message from them is that’s been really tough: sun-blistering temperatures, strong headwinds, bucketing rain, back-breaking climbs and rocky descents but they’re not giving up. Will keep you posted.
Adapted from the Kingsley Holgate Foundation Defender Transcontinental page here: https://kingsleyholgate.com/articles/defender-transcontinental-expedition/ and Kingsley Holgate Foundation Facebook Page.
Share this article
Written by : Ronnie Kyazze
Founder and Chairman of the Land Rover Uganda Club, I bring a strong technical edge to my roles within rugby, contributing to the game's organisation, integrity, and growth. A qualified IT Professional and Road Safety Ambassador, I combine structure and precision with a passion for rugby, motorsport and travel. I’m driven by curiosity, always eager to explore, and a passionate writer at heart.
