Kenyan adventurer Becky Kim has completed an extraordinary 28,254-mile expedition in an unmodified INEOS Grenadier, travelling through more than 60 countries in just 122 days before finishing her remarkable journey at The Grenadier Pub in Belgravia, London.
Departing Nairobi on 13 February, Becky, alongside co-driver and navigator Bonnie Koko, embarked on one of the most ambitious overland expeditions ever undertaken in a production INEOS Grenadier. Their route took them from eastern Africa to the southern tip of the continent before heading north along Africa’s western coastline, crossing Europe and eventually reaching the Arctic Circle before returning to London on 12 June.
The adventure is believed to have made Becky the first woman from Kenya to drive from Cape Agulhas in South Africa – the southernmost point of Africa – to Nordkapp in Norway, Europe’s northernmost point.
Across Deserts, Mountains and the Arctic
During the four-month expedition, the pair navigated some of the world’s most demanding landscapes without the support of a professional crew or specialist expedition teams.
Their journey crossed the scorching terrain of the Kalahari, Namibian and Sahara deserts, before continuing into Europe and eventually reaching the freezing conditions of the Arctic Circle.
Remarkably, the entire expedition was completed using traditional navigation methods, relying on paper maps rather than sophisticated route-planning technology.
As a reminder of every border crossed, Becky attached commemorative national flags to the Grenadier’s rear window, representing countries including Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Republic of the Congo, Bulgaria, Greece, Switzerland and Denmark.
Following the completion of the Cape-to-Cape challenge, the team travelled south to London, where they visited the Kenyan Embassy before concluding their adventure at the historic Grenadier Pub in Belgravia — the very establishment that inspired the vehicle’s name.
Standard Grenadier Proves Its Expedition Credentials
Perhaps most impressive is that Becky’s Grenadier Trialmaster remained completely standard throughout the journey.
The vehicle relied solely on its factory specification, including:
- BMW B57 six-cylinder diesel engine
- Centre, front and rear locking differentials
- Raised air intake
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres
- Standard expedition-ready chassis and suspension
No performance modifications or specialist expedition upgrades were required.
INEOS Automotive says its growing service network across Africa also allows owners planning similar expeditions to access routine servicing more easily along key overland routes.
Becky Kim: “The Wagon of Wonder”
Reflecting on the achievement, Becky praised the Grenadier’s durability throughout one of the world’s toughest overland routes.
She said:
“I can truly testify that INEOS have built the Grenadier to last a lifetime of adventure. I like to call it ‘The Wagon of Wonder’. From the BFGoodrich tyres to its overall capability, it copes tremendously.
“The car draws interest wherever it goes and I’m very grateful for the support from Jack at Wootton Automotive in Kenya (the supplying dealer) and Gilles (INEOS Automotive’s Business Manager in Africa).”
INEOS Automotive Praises Historic Journey
Jonathan Hill, Chief Marketing Officer at INEOS Automotive, congratulated Becky on her accomplishment.
He said:
“We congratulate Becky on this remarkable achievement, another epic adventure undertaken by a customer with an out-of-the-box Grenadier.
“To do something like this without a support crew is impressive. That’s one hell of a drive for a pint!”
The expedition further reinforces the Grenadier’s reputation as a purpose-built off-roader designed to tackle some of the world’s harshest environments straight from the factory.
Motoring Echo Top Tips: Planning Your Own Overland Adventure
If you’re considering a long-distance overland expedition, careful preparation is just as important as choosing the right vehicle.
✔ Service Before You Leave
Ensure your vehicle receives a full mechanical inspection and service before departure, paying particular attention to brakes, suspension, cooling systems and driveline components.
✔ Carry Essential Spares
Pack basic replacement items such as belts, filters, fuses, bulbs, hoses, recovery equipment and tyre repair kits—especially when travelling through remote regions.
✔ Know Your Vehicle’s Limits
Understand your vehicle’s payload, fuel range, wading depth and tyre pressures for different terrains before tackling deserts, mountains or river crossings.
✔ Plan Fuel and Service Stops
Research fuel availability and authorised service centres along your intended route, particularly across sparsely populated regions.
✔ Navigation Backup Matters
Even if using satellite navigation, carry detailed paper maps and download offline mapping in case of signal loss.
✔ Border Documentation
Check passport validity, visas, Carnet de Passage requirements, insurance cover and temporary vehicle import regulations for every country on your route.
✔ Prepare for Changing Climates
A single expedition may include extreme heat, heavy rain and freezing temperatures. Pack clothing and emergency supplies suitable for every environment.
✔ Allow Extra Time
Unexpected road closures, weather conditions and border delays are common on international overland expeditions. Build flexibility into your itinerary to keep the journey enjoyable rather than stressful.
- You can visit the INEOS website here: http://www.ineosgrenadier.com/
