A Smoke-Free Camel Trophy is Returning
Photo Land Rover
The Camel Trophy was one of the world’s toughest automotive adventures that saw teams from across the globe compete in Land Rovers over gruelling terrain and, in 2026, it’ll be back.
This time it will be called the Defender Trophy, and be funded by Land Rover, with no tobacco sponsorship, but it sure sounds like the spirit of the Camel Trophy will live on in the new challenge. “Entrants will face obstacles and a selection of mental and physical challenges in a unique test of wit, willpower, and teamwork,” says Land Rover.
Although full details of the competition have yet to be revealed we do know that it’s set to take place in Africa and that competitors will forge their own path on routes where there are no roads to be found.
In order to take part those with an appetite for adventure will first need to get through a national qualifying competition, and must be over 23 years-old, have a full driving licence and be able to swim at least 50 metres. Fluent English is also a requirement for entrants in over 50 countries (oddly, not including the UK).
These brave souls will drive special edition Defender 110 Trophy vehicles, complete with throwback yellow paintwork and extra equipment such as a snorkel for fording rivers, a chunky roof rack to carry spare wheels, fuel and other gear.
In the Camel Trophy entrants were often tasked with building infrastructure projects in remote areas as part of the challenge and the Defender Trophy looks set to follow the same ethos. “At the Global Final, competitors will work with TUSK, unleashing their skills to drive impactful conservation efforts” adds Land Rover.
If you’re up for the drive of a lifetime then you can find out more at the Defender Trophy website.
The Camel Trophy was one of the world’s toughest automotive adventures that saw teams from across the globe compete in Land Rovers over gruelling terrain and, in 2026, it’ll be back.