Engines thundered, dust rose, and hearts pounded as the Elephant Charge 2025 roared to life deep in the Zambian bush on 27 September 2025, proving once again that adventure can fuel conservation. The annual off-road challenge, now in its 17th year, brought together 24 determined teams, countless volunteers, and dedicated sponsors for one shared purpose: to protect Zambia’s wild spaces and the species that call them home. What began as a weekend of adrenaline and camaraderie has grown into one of Zambia’s most impactful fundraising events for wildlife conservation, raising an impressive US $121,038 this year alone.

Unlike traditional races, the Elephant Charge is not about speed but precision. Success depends on navigating the shortest possible route between checkpoints scattered across rugged terrain. Drivers and navigators must strategize, adapt to unpredictable bush conditions, and test both their vehicles and their teamwork to the limits. This year’s edition saw teams battle rocky ridges, deep gullies, and dry riverbeds under the scorching September sun. Yet beyond the grit and grease lay an unshakable sense of purpose, every kilometre covered meant another step toward sustaining Zambia’s conservation efforts.

This spirit of purpose was best embodied by Team Autoworld (Team 18), who emerged as the overall champions of the 2025 Charge. The team dominated across multiple categories, clinching the Castle Fleming Trophy for the Shortest Distance by a Car Team and the Autoworld Trophy for Shortest Net Distance. Their precision and endurance didn’t stop there, they also won the coveted Sausage Tree Trophy for Most Sponsorship Raised, contributing a staggering US $33,410 to the conservation fund.

Other standout performers included Super Troopers 3 (Team 33), who blazed a sustainable trail by claiming the Shortest Distance by an Electric Vehicle, showcasing the Charge’s growing embrace of green innovation. Yellow Stripe Foundation (Team 30) made an extraordinary debut, earning the Best New Team title and securing a strong second-place overall finish. Tusk Force (Team 2) proved their mettle on foreign soil by winning the Brynn Morgan Trophy for Shortest Distance by an International Team, while the unstoppable Daisy & The Duchesses of Hazzard (Team 10) stormed to victory in the ladies’ category, taking home the Silky Cup for Shortest Distance by a Ladies Team. The fearless Evel Knieval (Team 25) followed closely behind. In the skies above and at ground checkpoints, Skytrails earned high praise and the Best Checkpoint 2025 award for their outstanding aerial and logistical support that kept the event running smoothly.

Collectively, the top fundraising teams, Autoworld, Team 64, Super Troopers 1, Yellow Stripe Foundation, and Tusk Force, generated over US $78,000, funds that will directly support Zambia’s frontline conservation organisations. Organisations such as Conservation South Luangwa, the Zambian Carnivore Programme, the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust, and the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia, among others, benefit from the charge. These funds enable critical activities such as anti-poaching patrols, wildlife corridor protection, and environmental education reaching more than 60,000 school children nationwide.

As in previous years, the 2025 Charge thrived on the unwavering support of sponsors and partners who ensured that 100 per cent of team fundraising went directly to conservation. The sponsor family included Amarula, UAG, Leopards Hill Memorial Park, Autoworld, FUCHS, SKF, Zambian Ground Handlers, Trade Kings, Big Tree Drinks, City Graphics, Pilatus, Heineken, Be Forward, Country Choice Chicken, CC Systems, Synwave Power, Sky Trails, Nemchem, Sign Pro, Kepctool Limited, and ZABS. Their contributions covered logistics, safety, and operational costs, allowing every kwacha raised by competitors to reach projects working at the conservation frontlines.

Since its inception in 2008, the Elephant Charge has raised close to US $2 million for wildlife protection and environmental education in Zambia. Each year, the event channels funds to small but vital conservation organisations that often struggle to access large-scale donor funding. This unique model has turned the Charge into a lifeline for community-based initiatives and conservation education programmes, while also nurturing a culture of adventure-driven philanthropy that inspires individuals, families, and corporate teams alike.

The Elephant Charge is more than just an event, it is about bridging worlds: the world of off-road enthusiasts and the world of conservation, and in doing so, creating a conduit of awareness, funds, respect, and energy for Zambia’s wildlife.