Rhino Charge is an annual off-road rally event held in Kenya since 1989, in which the competitors have to compete on a grueling cross-country course in off-road vehicles. All funds raised by this event are donated to
Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, an organization set up to help conserve the
Aberdare Ecosystem. In December 2010 Rhino Ark announced its formal commitment to support conservation of other critical ecosystems, including the
Mau Eburu Forest and Mt. Kenya.
Competitors are required to visit 13 points scattered over approximately 100 square kms in 10 hours using maps and GPS gadgets. The winner is the competitor who visits the most controls in the shortest distance (GPS measured).
Entrants must raise the minimum sponsorship set by the organising committee. Most however raise considerably more - the record to date being Kshs 11,509,015 in 2011 from Car No.5 led by Alan McKittrick.
To negate environmental damage entries to the Charge are limited to less than 60 vehicles. The popularity of the Charge is such that the organisers have introduced a preferential entry strategy favouring high value fund raisers because would-be entrants far exceed available places in the event.
sources: www. rhinocharge.co.ke, www.rhinoark.org
How it began
The Rhino Charge was conceived on the verandah of the Members Bar at Muthaiga Country Club. Rhino Ark founder Ken Kuhle, asked Rally Enthusiast Rob Coombes whether he would organise a motorsport event to help raise funds for the “Rhino Ark Charitable Trust” that he had recently formed. The trust was committed to saving the Aberdare National Park’s dwindling Rhino population.
The concept discussed was to hold an “Off Road” competition whereby the winner would drive a vehicle to the highest altitude on Mt Kenya. Rob then discussed the idea with Brian Haworth who was enthusiastic and agreed to join Rob in organising it. Rob and Brian both shared a passion for the Kenyan Bush and Camping.
read on: rhinocharge.co.ke/about-rc/how-it-began
Aberdare ecosystem fence project
The Rhino Ark Aberdare Electric fence is an ecosystem conservation tool. Its purpose is to resolve multiple challenges facing the protected area mountain forest ecosystem known as the Aberdare Conservation Area (ACA). The challenges include human-wildlife conflict, poaching wildlife habitat encroachment, and illegal logging.
Fence construction commenced in 1989 and was completed in August 2009. The fence is nearly 400km long and completely encircles the entire Aberdare Conservation Area – over 2,000 square kilometres.
read more: rhinoark.or.ke/our-projects/aberdare-fence-project
