Rhino Charge 2025: Team Huzi outpaces rivals to claim top prize

By , June 2, 2025

Team Huzi of car 33 are the winners of the 36th edition of Rhino Charge held in Baringo County over the Madaraka Weekend.

Under the leadership of Jeremy Holley, Team Huzi managed to clock the shortest distance and cover all 13 rugged checkpoints.

The winners under the Super Modified category dethroned Graham Mckittrick of Team Number 5, who were crowned winners of the 35th Rhino Charge edition held in Torosei, Kajiado County.

The Smiling Shenzis of Car 22 emerged 2nd under the leadership of Gray Cullen, while last year’s winners, Team 48 under Mark Glen, emerged third.

Under the Unmodified Category, Team 9, led by John Bowden, emerged winner, followed by Team 4 of Paul Foley, while Team 45 under Andrew Shen finished third.

James Boorman of Team 57 won the modified category, Peter Bonde of Car 64 came second, while Jonathan Somen of Car 21 emerged third.

William Childs, a 16-year-old, was crowned the youngest finisher of the competition.

At dawn, all 64 competition vehicles were flagged off across 13 rugged checkpoints carved into some of Kenya’s most unforgiving and breathtaking terrain.

With clear skies above and the sun rising over escarpments and thickets, the cars were released at 7:30 am, watched by an enthusiastic crowd of over 3,500 spectators, conservationists, and motorsport aficionados.

A total of 64 out of 65 vehicles took part in this year’s Rhino Charge competition in Saimo-Soi in Baringo County on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and only 15 vehicles completed the competition.

Don White, the Competition Course Clerk, termed it one of the most challenging charges due to extreme temperatures, bees attack and rugged terrain.

‘We had 9 emergency cases of bee stings, a vehicle accident where car number 22 rolled, fortunately, there were no serious injuries,’ White said.

According to Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrecths, this year’s event marked the highest number of entries since 2014, when 65 teams participated.

“In line with Rhino Charge’s commitment to safety, fairness, and sustainability, this year’s event marks a milestone: the debut of the first-ever electric vehicle entry,” White said.

Car No. 29 symbolises the blending of rugged tradition with modern environmental consciousness.

To broaden inclusivity, White also announced the return of the Classic Charge—a gentler, beginner-friendly format. Four teams—cars 17, 18, 31, and 65 participated under this category, which had a maximum of 10 available slots.

White further reminded all participants to familiarise themselves with emergency protocols.

Yellow flags will indicate mechanical issues, while white and red flags will signal a call for emergency teams.

Multiple drones were deployed for search and rescue operations.

Peter Kinyua, Chairman of Rhino Ark, who has been the highest fundraiser in the previous competition, participated for a 29 record time.

“The area has so many hills and cliffs, but we are elated. We had a problem with our vehicle, and we had to get something from our garage, and we are happy to take part in this competition,” Kinyua said.

On Friday, May 29, 2025, the mandatory scrutineering process ran from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in the rugged Saimo-Soi terrain.

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