Defender Driver 2023: Cape Winelands and beyond in the Defender range

I had the privilege of participating in the Land Rover Defender Drive Experience in Cape Town, where I had the chance to explore their entire lineup of Defender vehicles. Our base for this adventure was the stunning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Defining the personality of a car is as challenging as it is to fake one, but I assure you, there’s something truly special about the Land Rover Defender that sets it apart in the SUV category.

I must admit, I’m captivated by the new Defender’s aesthetics. It strikes a perfect balance between rugged off-road vehicles like the Wrangler and Bronco and the luxurious Range Rover. Whether in its two-door 90 form or the four-door 110 configuration, the Defender exudes charm. Even the stretched Defender 130, with its generous three rows of seats, manages to maintain its appeal despite its unique rear design. My affection for the Land Rover brand and its products is what led me here.

So, how did I find myself surrounded by picturesque landscapes, adorable wildlife, and eight Defenders of various descriptions? My journey began in Cape Town, early in the morning, where I joined the final leg of the 2023 Defender Drive experience. This two-day event kicked off in Sir Lowry’s Pass and took us on an almost-uninterrupted caravan journey through the southern parts of the Overberg region, featuring cars from the British-turned-Tata Motors brand.

The Defender Drive Experience, often shortened to #DefenderDrive, is not a one-time event. It has been running for about two months now, offering Defender owners and potential customers the opportunity to experience these models in a unique setting. It taps into the deep enthusiasm that Defender, Range Rover, and Discovery owners have for their vehicles.

If there was ever any doubt that Defender drivers are a close-knit community, witnessing their interactions on the road dispels it instantly. A shared wave and a flash of headlights are the minimum gestures exchanged, and conversations are likely when they meet on their way to their cars. When gathered in significant numbers, it turns into a convention of non-conformists, each an individual enthusiast driving the Defender legacy forward.

Despite the grand scale of the Defender Drive, the route’s organization is kept flexible, reflecting the individualistic nature of its participants. I received the keys to a diesel-powered Defender 130 and a simple Google Maps link with directions. Our destination was Hermanus, and the journey was all about exploration.

This minimalist approach allows us to discover some of the region’s hidden gems. Shaun, one of the trusted Defender Experts accompanying us, skillfully guides us through winding roads and avoids mundane highways. Our journey takes us through remote places like Babilonstoring Nature Reserve, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Creation Wines, surrounded by bespoke sculptures worth over R1 million. I may have indulged a bit too much in their Confit Duck, Cauliflower, and Smoked Paprika Chickpea Puree dish.

One remarkable aspect of this trip is the rarity of filling stations along the way. Towards the end of the day, I wondered if we would need to refuel soon, but the Defenders proved to be impressively efficient.

After covering approximately 300 kilometers of scenic terrain, we finally reached our destination at the Chorus Restaurant, where our adventure had begun two days earlier. It was evident that the conclusion of this journey was just the beginning of the next Defender Drive Experience. Fellow journalists were buzzing around the Defender fleet, taking last-minute selfies and photos for their keepsakes. New friendships were formed, and old ones were rekindled. The room buzzed with energy, underscoring Jaguar Land Rover’s remarkable achievement in turning metal and glass into something more—a family.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.