There is a competition speed limit of 40kph on the competing cars and they are penalised if they exceed this.
What other benefits are there for the community where the event takes place?
The Rhino Charge is a nationally recognised event and receives wide local and international press coverage and exposure, this helps with exposure and awareness for the area and helps to promote tourism and recreational activities.
Where do the donations for the conservancy/community go?
The conservancy board along with the community will need to have agreed on what the donations raised will be used for and declare this to Rhino Ark before the monies are disbursed. Rhino Ark / Charge ensures that these funds are used for activities which benefit the area or community at large rather than individuals.
How are the donations for the conservancy raised and who collects them?
The donations which are raised for the community come through vehicle and entry passes. Every vehicle which enters the event must have purchased a vehicle pass (VED) and they are given a sticker as proof that they have donated. Payment is made through the online booking system using either MPESA or CARD. The visitors bring their voucher number and present that on arrival and in exchange are given a sticker which they must display on the windscreen of the vehicle.
The rates per vehicle are:
- KES 12,000/- for vehicles with 6 or less seats
- KES 15,000/- for vehicles with 7 or more seats as well as any trucks
The total amount donated will depend on the number of vehicles which come to the event, so the amounts cannot be known for sure, but this is usually between KES 4,000,000/- and KES 4,500,000/-.
What is the form of the agreement between Rhino Ark and the conservancy/community?
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the rightful landowners/management with landowner agreement and Rhino Charge officials, a copy of which can be availed on request. It is also necessary to attach to this MoU a copy of the conservancy/community minutes of a meeting confirming the agreement to hold the event which must be attended and recorded by all interested parties.
How does the Rhino Charge raise money?
Each competition car (of which there are a maximum of 65) raises money, they have to raise a minimum amount to take part in the event – this money is donated to Rhino Ark
Where is the Rhino Charge?
The venue for the Rhino Charge is kept secret until a few days before the event. Only email addresses that have registered through the online ticketing portal will receive the details of this year’s venue.
Does the Rhino Charge competition car need a Vehicle Pass?
The Rhino Charge competition car does not need a Vehicle Pass (VED) to access the venue. If the competition car is being carried on the back of a lorry/truck the lorry/truck will still require a Vehicle Pass to access the venue.
Can I come to the Rhino Charge if I have not purchased my entry donation in advance? Are entries on sale at the venue?
No. Entry access and accommodation packages for the Rhino Charge are ONLY available for purchase through the Rhino Charge Ticketing Portal once it opens. Please do NOT attempt to come to the venue if you have not purchased the said items in advance, as you will not be granted access to the venue. Strictly no exceptions!
What is the Rhino Charge?
The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road competition held in Kenya in which the entrants are required to visit 13 points (Checkpoints) while travelling the shortest possible distance across difficult, trackless terrain, where speed is not a necessity. The event is organised in order to raise funds for the conservation activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust.
The event was conceived in 1989 to raise funds for the construction of the Aberdare Electric Fence. Rhino Ark founder Ken Kuhle, Rally Enthusiasts Rob Combes and Brian Haworth mooted the idea of an off-road event to support the fencing project carried out by the then recently established Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. The Trust was committed to saving the dwindling Rhino population in the Aberdare National Park, as well as mitigating human-wildlife conflicts around the National Park.