Rhino Charge 37th Edition Raises Conservation Funds and Tourism Profile in Samburu
The 37th Rhino Charge was held at Ngilai Community Conservancy in Samburu County, Kenya, on 31 May 2026, marking the seventh consecutive time the county has hosted the renowned off-road fundraising challenge. A total of 65 teams, including seven first-time entrants, spent ten hours navigating Samburu's demanding terrain of rocky escarpments, dry riverbeds and steep valleys. Since its inception in 1989, the event has raised approximately KSh 2.8 billion for environmental protection, conserving more than 625,000 hectares of forest and supporting over 90,000 households through human-wildlife conflict reduction programmes.
Funds from this year's edition will support the completion of the electric fence around Mount Kenya, expansion of conservation efforts in Kakamega Forest and restoration of the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya's largest water tower. Beyond conservation, the event delivered a tangible economic boost to Samburu, with hotels, camps, transport operators and local traders benefiting from the influx of visitors. Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelei noted that hosting the event for a seventh time was "a significant endorsement" of the county as a leading conservation and tourism destination. This year's edition also reflected broader industry trends, with increased efforts to encourage women's participation and the return of an electric-powered vehicle to the competition for the second consecutive year.
Source: Dawan Africa
