Free to roam - the Karingani story
When myself and two colleagues from Ironman 4x4 Africa accepted an invitation from conservation marvel, Michelle Pengilly, to join her on an expedition through the southern parts of Mozambique, we expected something inspirational and exciting. And oh my, did she deliver!
I do realise that calling her a marvel is a very bold statement, but please allow me to explain why she is a hero in the modern world of conservation. Michelle made the bold move of abandoning a successful career in banking to pursue the promise of freedom and fresh air in Africa. After a few years spent as a guide, she realised that her calling was even bigger, and that she wanted to actively contribute to the preservation of the natural world. Her husband, Grant, felt the same way, so they decided to take a year’s sabbatical in an old Defender, aiming to volunteer their time wherever help was needed. And so Wild Wonderful World was born.
Moving into a Land Rover full-time obviously required some upgrades, and that is when their relationship with Ironman 4x4 Africa began. Armed with a vehicle that could traverse any terrain, and a will to succeed, they travelled all over Africa to gather experience and insight into the realities of that very ambiguous notion: conservation.
Fast forward a few years and Wild Wonderful World is now a multi-faceted operation. It is well known that money is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to any conservation work, so naturally raising funds is one of the many things they do. A trust was set up that allows them to support numerous pioneering projects, but also to make funds available in emergencies where there is
