Baringo County has been unveiled as the host location for Rhino Charge 2025, marking the 36th edition of Kenya's world-renowned off-road motorsport event, which raises funds for critical forest and wildlife conservation efforts.
The announcement came during a pre-event briefing at Braeburn School, Nairobi, where Don White, Clerk of Course, addressed a gathering of competitors, sponsors, officials, checkpoint crews, camp operators, and media.
"This event, which is now in its 36th edition, is a growing conservation legacy, the return of inclusivity initiatives, and the entry of the first-ever electric vehicle, a groundbreaking moment for sustainable motorsport," said White.
Since its inception in 1989, Rhino Charge has evolved into a trailblazing conservation fundraiser, channeling millions annually into protecting Kenya's most endangered water towers and biodiversity hotspots, including the Aberdare Range, Mt. Kenya, the Mau Forest Complex, and Kakamega Forest.
Speaking at the briefing, Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, underscored the event's unparalleled impact on conservation.
"Rhino Charge is more than a motorsport challenge; it is a lifeline for Kenya's forests. Every kilometer of fencing, every conservation project-this is what competitors and supporters make possible," said Lambrechts.
This year's event marks a new milestone with the entry of Car No. 20, the first-ever electric vehicle to compete in Rhino Charge.
White lauded the blend of rugged endurance and sustainability, noting that the entry reinforces the Charge's evolution while staying true to its spirit of adventure.
"Introducing an electric car into an event known for extreme terrain is a bold statement on innovation and sustainability. It challenges traditional boundaries and showcases how off-road racing can align with conservation goals," said the Clerk of Course.
Alongside the electric car debut, Rhino Charge 2025 will feature returning and new activities.
The Classic Charge returns with 10 reserved slots for new entrants.
A new treasure hunt activity will engage 30 spectator teams, running parallel to the main event, with winners celebrated at the Spirit of the Charge event.
A full entry list of 65 competition vehicles, last achieved in 2014, signals strong enthusiasm and competitive spirit among participants.
Veteran competitors expressed excitement at the event's growing diversity and accessibility.
"Rhino Charge is evolving beautifully-keeping its wild spirit while making space for newcomers and sustainability. It's thrilling to see history being made," one long-time participant noted.
With Baringo's semi-arid and rugged landscapes providing a fresh challenge, White emphasized safety for both competitors and spectators.
"Every Rhino Charge location presents unique challenges, and Baringo is no exception.
We're dealing with thorny vegetation and high bee presence. While our medical teams are equipped, the first line of safety lies with every participant's preparedness," said White.
Following the 2024 edition in Kajiado County, which saw over 4,000 attendees, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, urging participants to exercise caution and respect the terrain.
At the heart of the event lies the commitment to conservation. Lambrechts outlined key milestones made possible by Rhino Charge fundraising.
In Kakamega Forest, 33 km of electric fencing has secured critical ecosystems.
In the Aberdares, a 12 km section now controls human-animal conflict. Mt Kenya has seen 60 km of fencing from Naro Moru to Nanyuki, while a 30 km project in South West Mau kicks off on May 22.
One of the most anticipated projects is a 40-square-kilometre black rhino sanctuary in the Aberdare Salient, a collaboration between KWS and Rhino Ark. Eric Aduda, Assistant Director, KWS Mt Kenya region, highlighted the progress.
"This sanctuary is a milestone in endangered species recovery.
With 19 km of perimeter fencing installed, we are in the final preparations for rhino translocation, ensuring their long-term protection," said the KWS Assistant Director.
Rhino Ark also secured its largest-ever grant, KSh 330 million from the European Union, to transform forest blocks in the southern Mau Complex into an ecotourism and conservation hub.
"This funding represents a turning point-not just in conservation, but in engaging communities directly in ecological restoration. Sustainability requires partnerships, and Rhino Charge continues to champion that vision," said Lambrechts.
"Rhino Charge is Kenya's finest fusion of adventure, innovation, and conservation. It's not just an event-it's a movement that inspires generations," said a veteran competitor.
