(Posted 29th May 2025)
The announcement was made through official route notes issued on Tuesday 27th May to registered competitors, sponsors, and spectators, ending months of speculation and igniting excitement across the conservation and motorsport communities. Situated between Marigat and Loruk Townships, roughly 150km from Nakuru Town, Saimo-Soi offers a dramatic and demanding terrain ideal for the high-octane, precision navigation challenge that defines the Rhino Charge.
The choice of venue each year is largely determined by community willingness to host the event, suitable terrain and other facilities such as water and security, among others. This year’s location is part of peace-building efforts in the region and a way of promoting engagement with the outside world.
Main Event Schedule
- Friday, 30 May 2025 – Scrutineering (Vehicle Inspection)
- Saturday, 31 May 2025 – Rhino Charge Competition Day
- Sunday, 1 June 2025 – Prize-Giving Ceremony
Far more than a motorsport spectacle, the Rhino Charge has become a pillar of environmental conservation, raising over KES 2.4 billion since its inception in 1989. The funds support the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which implements fencing and forest protection projects across Kenya’s critical water towers—ecosystems that anchor biodiversity and feed the nation’s river systems.
- 805 km of conservation fencing has been erected across Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Mau Eburu, including Kakamega Forest’s 33 km fence completed to date, signaling a push to protect even Kenya’s unique tropical forests;
- 85,000 families now live with reduced risk of human-wildlife conflict in the five ecosystems by Rhino Ark;
- Over 570,000 hectares of prime forests and vital catchment areas are benefiting from better protection and restoration.
Beyond conservation, the Rhino Charge directly benefits its host communities through the Vehicle Community Donation, a mandatory donation for all vehicles entering the venue. These funds are invested in local development projects. In 2024, KES 10.2 million was allocated to Torosei (Kajiado County) for school construction, while past editions supported Mosiro in Kajiado (KES 5.2 million) and Nkoteyia in Samburu (KES 7.3 million) in areas like education, healthcare, and water access.
This year, Baringo County—known as the “The County of Great Diversity”—will enjoy both short-term economic boosts and long-term visibility as a rising eco-tourism destination. Home to natural jewels like Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Tugen Hills, and 17 wildlife conservancies, and rich in the culture of Pokot, Tugen, and Ilchamus communities, Baringo offers a compelling backdrop for an event that fuses grit, geography, and green ideals.
The success of the Rhino Charge is fueled by steadfast corporate sponsors, including long-term partners who have stood by the environmental conservation cause for over 30 years – Bins Nairobi, KWS and Chloride Exide. Every year the Rhino Charge family grows bigger. In 2025, the event proudly welcomes several new sponsors Giertsen, Safari Brands Phanton Technologies, Loisaba Conservancy, Jani, Flora Ola Limited. This brings the total number of sponsors to 62, marking a 9% increase from 2024. Sponsors have supported key event areas, including competition checkpoints, logistics, technical infrastructure, and in-kind contributions.
Thanks to their support, over 85% of funds raised go directly to conservation, with the event’s operational costs kept under 15%.
As final preparations intensify, camps are being set, vehicles are arriving, and Baringo is bracing for a weekend like no other—where off-road prowess meets environmental passion.
