All eyes on Samburu as Rhino Charge returns
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 28.05.26. | 14:37
The 2026 Rhino Charge, organized by Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, has attracted a full entry list of 65 competition vehicles
All eyes will be on Samburu this weekend as the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge brings together competitors, conservationists and adventure enthusiasts for one of Kenya’s most demanding off-road motorsport events.
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Among the teams expected to draw significant attention are the Geco Tribe Chargers, who head into this year’s challenge confident after months of refining their vehicle and sharpening preparations ahead of the gruelling conservation rally.
The Rhino Charge is sponsored by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its premium heritage beer brand White Cap Lager, which is supporting four participating teams this year, including Geco Tribe Chargers, EV Explorers, Bush Babes and Charging Hippos, as part of its continued commitment to conservation and sustainability efforts in Kenya.
Speaking ahead of the event, Geco Tribe Chargers driver Mateus Finato said the team has placed major focus on improving the vehicle’s reliability following lessons learned from previous editions of the competition.
“With Rhino Charge, you can never be fully ready, but we are in a very good place,” he said. “Every year, we try to improve the car step by step.
This time, we worked extensively on areas that gave us challenges previously, especially the transmission and the winch setup. So far, the car is performing very well, and we are pleased with the progress.”
Finato noted that the team’s consistency over the years has become one of its greatest strengths, with the same core group remaining together and building valuable experience and chemistry.
“The team has stayed together for quite some time now, and that experience always adds value. We understand each other much better, and that coordination becomes very important in an event as demanding as the Rhino Charge,” he explained.
This year’s competition heads to Samburu County, a destination Finato says the team is particularly excited about because of its breathtaking landscapes and notoriously challenging terrain.
“Samburu and the wider northern region of Kenya are always special places to visit. Areas such as Matthews Range, Namunyak, Wamba, and Archer’s Post are incredible destinations.
We are expecting an extremely difficult Charge, but with the improvements we have made to the car, we believe we can overcome whatever terrain comes our way,” he said.
Beyond the motorsport challenge itself, Finato emphasised that conservation remains the central motivation behind the team’s continued participation in the Rhino Charge.
“For us as Geco, the Rhino Charge is our way of giving back to nature and the places we enjoy so much. We are car enthusiasts, yes, but what makes this competition truly special is knowing that everything we do, from building the cars, raising funds and bringing people together, ultimately contributes towards conservation, wildlife protection and preserving Kenya’s vital water towers,” he said.
Finato also praised the support the team continues to receive from White Cap, describing the partnership as one rooted in shared values around sustainability, conservation and environmental protection.
“We work closely with White Cap throughout the year and deeply appreciate the support they have consistently given us. Partnering with a brand that shares the same vision around conservation, wildlife protection and safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage is something we genuinely value. Having them support the other teams and us is truly a blessing, and we are honoured by the partnership,” he added.
The 2026 Rhino Charge, organised by Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, has attracted a full entry list of 65 competition vehicles and continues to raise critical funds towards conservation initiatives aimed at protecting Kenya’s key ecosystems and water towers.
