By KPC sports Reporter
The stage is set for a fierce battle in Samburu this weekend as the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge brings together competitors, conservationists and adventure enthusiasts.
Among the teams expected to attract attention are the Geco Tribe Chargers, who head into the grueling conservation challenge confident after months of refining their vehicle and sharpening preparations ahead of the event.
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The Rhino Charge is sponsored by Kenya Breweries Limited through its premium heritage beer brand White Cap Lager, which is backing four participating teams this year: Geco Tribe Chargers, EV Explorers, Bush Babes and Charging Hippos as part of a broader conservation and sustainability drive.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Geco Tribe Chargers driver Mateus Finato said the team had focused heavily on improving the reliability of the vehicle following lessons learned from previous editions of the Rhino Charge.
“With Rhino Charge you can never be fully ready, but we are in a good place,” said Finato. “Every year we try to improve the car little by little. We worked on areas that failed previously, especially around the transmission and the winch setup, and so far the car is moving very well and we are happy with the progress.”
Finato said maintaining the same core team over the years has strengthened coordination, trust and experience within the squad, qualities he believes are critical in an event as demanding as the Rhino Charge.
“The team has stayed together and that experience always adds value. We understand each other better now and that helps a lot in an event as demanding as the Rhino Charge,” he explained.
This year’s competition heads to Samburu County, a region Finato described as one of the team’s favorite destinations because of its dramatic landscapes and punishing terrain.
“Samburu and the whole northern region of Kenya are always special places to visit. Areas like Matthews Range, Namunyak, Wamba and Archer’s Post are incredible destinations. We are expecting a very difficult Charge, but with the improvements we have made to the car, we believe we can overcome any terrain,” he said.
Beyond the motorsport challenge, Finato said conservation remains the main reason behind the team’s continued participation in the event.
“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, but what makes this competition special is knowing that everything we do — from building the cars, raising funds and bringing people together — ultimately supports conservation, wildlife protection and the preservation of Kenya’s water towers,” he said.
Finato also praised the continued support from White Cap, describing the partnership as one founded on shared values around conservation and sustainability.
“We work with White Cap throughout the year and deeply appreciate the support they have given us over time. Partnering with a brand that shares the same values around conservation, protecting wildlife and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage is something we truly value. Having them support us and the other teams is a blessing and we are genuinely honoured,” he said.
The 2026 Rhino Charge, organized by Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, has attracted a full entry list of 65 competition vehicles and continues to raise critical funds for conservation initiatives across Kenya’s major ecosystems and water towers.
