65 Teams Set for Rhino Charge 2026 as Conservation Drive Heads to Samburu
The stage is set for the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge, with 65 teams preparing to tackle one of Africa’s most demanding off-road competitions in Ngilai, Samburu County. Beyond the thrill of the 4×4 challenge, the event continues to serve a greater purpose—raising funds to support the conservation of Kenya’s critical water tower ecosystems.
This year’s event has attracted competitors across three categories: Modified, Super Modified, and Unmodified. Among the notable entrants are Safaricom-sponsored teams EV Explorers led by Richard Kiplagat, AK44 led by Adil Khawaja, and the all-female team Zambarau Heels on Wheels.
The annual competition raises funds for Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which works to protect Kenya’s mountain ecosystems that play a vital role in water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
KES 114 Million Boost for Conservation Efforts
This year’s Rhino Charge has received KES 114 million in sponsorship support from Safaricom PLC and the M-PESA Foundation.
The M-PESA Foundation contributed KES 94 million towards Rhino Ark’s conservation initiatives, including the protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration activities within the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.
Safaricom PLC provided an additional KES 20 million to support participating teams and ensure network connectivity during the event.
Under the sponsorship arrangement, Car No. 44 (AK44) received KES 15 million, while EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on Wheels each received KES 1 million. The remaining funds have been allocated towards communication infrastructure and connectivity at the event site.
Defending Fundraisers Return
Car No. 44, led by Adil Khawaja, returns to this year’s competition after emerging as the top fundraising team during the previous edition.
The team raised an impressive KES 139.8 million in 2025, contributing significantly to conservation efforts targeting Kenya’s water towers.
“The car is in great condition and the entire team is excited and ready to take on the course. I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors, especially Safaricom and M-PESA, for their tremendous support. As defending top fundraisers, we are hopeful of retaining our position while continuing to champion this noble cause of environmental conservation,” said Khawaja.
Last year’s Rhino Charge, held at Simo-Soi in Baringo North, raised a total of KES 269.5 million. Car No. 23, led by Peter Kinyua, emerged as the second-highest fundraising team with KES 13.5 million, while Car No. 63, led by Tim Carstens, raised KES 8.6 million.
Electric Vehicles Return to the Challenge
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the participation of EV Explorers, marking the second consecutive year that an electric vehicle will compete in the rugged off-road challenge.
The team’s first appearance in 2025 made history as the first electric vehicle entry in Rhino Charge history. Following lessons learned during the debut, the team has made several improvements to enhance performance.
“This marks our second participation in the Rhino Charge with an electric vehicle, following last year’s historic debut of an EV in the competition. We gained valuable lessons from that experience and have since made significant improvements to the vehicle. As a team, we feel more confident and better prepared for tomorrow’s challenge,” said Richard Kiplagat, Team Lead of EV Explorers.
Focus on Conservation
Organisers say preparations for the event have been completed, with all participating vehicles successfully undergoing scrutineering and safety inspections.
“The stage is fully set for this year’s Rhino Charge, with 65 car entries ready to take on the challenge. Today’s scrutineering process was focused on ensuring that all participating vehicles meet the required standards, and I am pleased to confirm that everything is in place, including the necessary security arrangements,” said Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark.
He added that continued support from sponsors, partners, and participants remains critical to the success of the event and its conservation objectives.
For nearly four decades, the Rhino Charge has combined motorsport, adventure, and environmental conservation. Funds raised through the event support Rhino Ark’s efforts to protect Kenya’s mountain forests and water catchment areas, which provide essential ecosystem services to millions of people across the country.
As competitors prepare to navigate the challenging Samburu terrain, the ultimate victory will extend far beyond the finish line, contributing to the long-term protection of Kenya’s natural heritage and critical water resources.
