The Origins of the Rhino Charge
The idea for the Rhino Charge was born in Nairobi, Kenya, when Ken Kuhle, founder of the newly established Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, approached rally enthusiast Rob Coombes with a bold proposal: to organise an off-road motorsport event to raise funds for the conservation of Kenya’s rapidly declining black rhino population in the Aberdare ecosystem.
The initial concept was daring – an off-road competition to see which team could drive to the highest accessible altitude on Mount Kenya. Rob shared the idea with fellow off-roading enthusiast Brian Haworth, who eagerly joined forces to help make it a reality. However, early meetings with the Kenya Wildlife Service made it clear that hosting such an event on Mount Kenya would not be permitted, forcing them to rethink the plan.
A few years earlier, Brian had explored routes around Mount Longonot for a proposed off-road rally, at the request of Derek Gates, organiser of the Safari Rally. Though that event never materialised, the experience sparked a new idea: a challenge based not on speed, but on distance covered-the shorter, the better. This unique twist would form the foundation of what became the Rhino Charge.
After extensive discussion, Rob and Brian settled on Mount Suswa in the Rift Valley as a possible venue. They envisioned a course with two control points on either side of the volcano, and the winner would be the team that crossed between them using the least distance. One early morning in 1989, they set out on motorbikes to test the concept, but the treacherous terrain soon proved impassable. After a long day, they were only halfway up and had to turn back. Sitting on the slopes of Suswa, overlooking the plains dotted with hills, deep luggas, and distant Lake Magadi, a new idea took shape: why not place checkpoints on those hills and down the escarpment, and challenge teams to find their way across the rugged landscape?
The following weekend, equipped with bikes, camping gear, and accompanied by their families, they mapped out what would become the first Rhino Charge course. That moment marked the true beginning of a remarkable journey.
The inaugural Rhino Charge took place on 4th February 1989, attracting 31 competing vehicles. The winner, Travers Allison, drove a Suzuki Jeep and measured his distance using a standard odometer. At the time, no one could have imagined the scale and success the event would achieve in the years to follow.
A Legacy of Passion and Purpose
What began as a small adventure among friends has grown into one of the most gruelling and respected off-road competitions on the African continent – and possibly the world. The Rhino Charge has earned international recognition, drawing participants and supporters from across the globe.
At the heart of the event is a passionate and committed group of individuals: the Rhino Charge Committee. Over three decades later, many of its original members remain actively involved. Although founders Rob Coombes and Ken Kuhle have since passed on, their vision lives on through the continued dedication of people like Brian Haworth, who remains instrumental in the event’s planning and execution.
The Rhino Charge is more than just a competition; it is a national phenomenon. Each year, as April approaches, the excitement builds. Garages buzz with activity as cars are modified and tested, stores brim with camping gear, and the familiar phrase “Where are we going this time?” echoes across the country. Then, on Madaraka Day weekend, thousands of fans, competitors, and volunteers head into the wilderness for another unforgettable chapter in the Rhino Charge story.