The clock started at 07:00. Ahead lay ten checkpoints across Kalombi’s tough terrain, with each team free to choose its route. Every extra metre mattered as competitors worked their way through the course, balancing careful navigation with the need to finish before the afternoon deadline.

On 26 September 2026, the Elephant Charge attracted 29 entries, with its published results summary recording 16 finishers. The annual event raised over US$182,000 for conservation in Zambia, continuing a fundraising tradition that has brought together off-road enthusiasts, businesses and supporters since 2008.

The Elephant Charge challenges teams to visit all ten checkpoints and return to their starting point while covering the shortest possible distance. The event rewards route planning and the ability to negotiate difficult terrain. Teams must work together to overcome obstacles and complete the circuit before the 15:00 deadline.

The location is kept secret until shortly before the event, adding to the challenge. Competitors must assess an unfamiliar course and decide how best to move between checkpoints. A route that looks shorter on the map may prove harder to cross, making the navigator’s judgement and the crew’s practical skills essential.

Green Mambas led the distance challenge this year, recording a competition distance of 22 kilometres to claim the Castle Fleming Trophy. They also won the Bowden Trophy for the shortest Gauntlet distance. The Gauntlet is a designated section linking three checkpoints, which every finishing team must complete.

Autoworld led the fundraising with US$32,750, winning the Sausage Tree Trophy for the most sponsorship raised. The team also secured the Autoworld Trophy for the shortest net distance, a category that takes fundraising into account, and the award for the shortest distance on Tsetse Line 1.

Daisy & The Duchesses of Hazzard won the ladies’ category, Team 64 took the international team award and Tonga Masunes topped the newcomers. BE FORWARD Dusty Divas reached seven checkpoints on their debut, earning the Spirit of the Charge recognition for their attitude and effort during their first event.

This annual event supports local wildlife and environmental conservation organisations across Zambia, with a strong focus on conservation through education. Beneficiaries include Conservation Lower Zambezi, Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust, the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia and the International Crane Foundation. Through these organisations, funds raised help bring conservation lessons into schools and support outreach in communities.

The Elephant Charge extends heartfelt thanks to all event, checkpoint and team sponsors, individual donors, volunteers and supporters who made it possible.

Sponsors and partners included Zambean, National Milling Corporation, BE FORWARD, Sun Sweet, Pilatus, Automotive Equipment, Heineken, Country Choice Chicken, UAG, SKF, Amarula, Big Tree Beverages, Nemchem, Keptcool, Trade Kings Group, Leopards Hill Memorial Park, Rooney’s Hire Zambia, CC Systems Ltd, Autoworld, City Graphics, SIGNPRO, Bonaventure, Lusaka Commercial Cold Storage and Time Projects.

Attention now turns to a landmark anniversary: the 20th Elephant Charge, scheduled for 25 September 2027. Returning teams and new challengers can begin planning their next adventure, ready to test their skills and raise support for Zambia’s conservation work.