Because of environmental constraints and the choice of 4x4 events in the UK the event is neither as big nor as arduous as its’ big brother in Kenya but it does allow all types of 4x4 and entrants from enthusiastic novices to hardened experts to enjoy a very different type of day out in the country.

Part navigation and 4x4 orienteering, part 4x4 trial and part command task exercise, this unique medley of any event has something for everyone, with harder, optional Tiger Lines thrown in if you don’t mind a few dents and scratches on your vehicle. Because of the varied tasks and sections the UK Rhino Charge has been won by vehicles as big as a Land Rover 110 and as small as a Yamaha Rhino ATV. Teams can be made up of 2 to 6 people so long as the vehicle can accommodate them, teamwork can be as important and off-road ability and common sense more valuable than horsepower!

The venue in the UK is not kept secret like the Kenyan one and has been Pippingford Park in East Sussex since 2001 – see www.pippingford.co.uk. On the edge of the Ashdown Forest this 1,500 acre estate adjoins the Crowborough Ranges and has 300 or more deer roaming wild amongst the magnificent beech woods, ancient hammer ponds and open heather. The UK Rhino Charge is the only competitive off-road event held on the estate and gives a unique chance for entrants to enjoy driving around this superb site.

The competitive side of the UKRC is handled by Brian Hartley of Club Off Road and his band of trusty and smiling marshals, aka The Red Coats. Every year they manage to come up with different routes and tasks to test and confound the competitors and the event would not be the same without them. Help, instruction and the occasional recovery are all available for novices but experts should expect a lot of leg pulling if they need assistance!

Catering is provided on site and a barbeque is organised to refuel the competitors, their supporters and the marshals after the event while scores are added up and everyone awaits the prize-giving.

Should you fancy doing the UKRC but not possess a vehicle loan cars are sometimes available.

For further help please look at the entry forms or feel free to email the organisers on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it