Thank You, Land Rover UK!

One of the most essential tools for doing conservation work in Kenya is a reliable vehicle, and Amara Conservation has been blessed thanks to Richard Van House of the Ford Motor Company and John Lloyd of Land Rover UK – with two Land Rovers over the past nine years.

Our original vehicle, a rare 1999 Defender with a BMW engine (there are only five like it in Kenya), has served us exceptionally well since 2002. In fact, it has been such a remarkable vehicle that Amara has developed something of a reputation for the ability to rescue other NGO’s vehicles when they become mired in Kenya’s challenging terrain.

However in 2006 we started to have ongoing problems with it; the vehicle was in and out of the shop with all manner of problems – sputtering, smelling of fuel, poor acceleration – frankly we were worried we might have to retire it.

That is, until after these numerous visits to the mechanic we had the good fortune to receive some advice from Rory Beattie of Land Rover South Africa in January 2009. Rory suggested we assess the Variable Timing Unit, and lo and behold, we discovered that one simple part was causing the vehicles electronics to mismanage the engine’s performance. One simple sensor and voila, we had our trusty Defender back.

A very special thanks to Rory, Nick Wilson, and Lucas, the BMW engine specialist.

The New Land Rover

Amara Conservation will be able to expand its work in the field considerably with the addition of a second Land Rover, a Defender TDI, graciously (once again) provided by Land Rover UK. Amara took possession of the vehicle in October 2008, and it was immediately put to use assisting the transport of paramedics for the Bill Woodley Mount Kenya 10 to 4 Bike Race, a fundraising event we were proud to support.

The second Land Rover is a powerful tool in expanding Amara’s outreach programs.

It is currently stationed at Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters in Tsavo West where Amara’s Project Manager, Isaac Maina, and Field Coordinator, Jacob Dadi, put it to work showing films and holding barazas with the aid of KWS Education Wardens and Officers.

Thank You Land Rover UK!