What is it about mud, water and 4wd vehicles that turn guys into testosterone fueled loonies? The gals on the other hand either stand back coolly, and because of this, drive better or shriek/laugh their heads off as Dad, boyfriend or husband turn the average 4wd vehicle into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This years Rhino Stampede was no exception.

For those of you who don’t know about this it’s a 4wd fun day competition that raises money for the Rhino Sanctuary.

It’s held at On Course’s 4wd Training area just outside Kampala on the Entebbe Road, where individuals and corporates alike are encouraged to make up teams for various fun events. This year we had 11 teams in all pitting their wits against each other to take home the event trophy, a huge soapstone rhino courtesy of Banana Boat. Plus a huge array of prizes.

The events consisted of a skills trial though some serious wet and muddy terrain, a divorce derby which thankfully did not live up to it’s name (though close at times), the balance beam, relay race and spare wheel changing.

Individual event prizes were given with points from each event adding up to give an overall winner.

As with the two previous events the overall prize was taken away by Classic Africa, Mel and Tony epitomizing the phrase “team work” and having a very well prepared vehicle. Come on, there has to be someone out there who can challenge them next year.

Second prize went to Small is Beautiful. Bill Farmer in his Suzuki Samurai with daughter and daughter’s friend on board showing that size does not matter after all!

Third prize went to Shares in their slightly knocked about Discovery.

Toyota Uganda entered two teams showing off this year’s models of 4wds.

The other teams included Far Horizon, Nalubale, Mud, Hippos, Ziwa, who redefined the Hi in Hilux, and SAS in a beautifully prepared Land Rover. Thanks to all for entering and for their continued support.

Next years event is scheduled for May 5th. We are expecting a larger turn out and are going to limit the number of teams to 30. For more info on this please visit http://www.oncourse4wd.com/rhino_4x4/default.asp

Finally a word of thanks to our sponsors.

This year saw City Tyres taking over as the main sponsor of the event and their generous support meant that there were absolutely no overheads and all money raised went to the Sanctuary. They also gave out some great prizes as did Nalubale rafting, Adrift, Banana Boat, MTN, Golden Lilly, Cineplex, City Oil, Savers Supermarket, Le Chateau, Nawab, Alleygators and for the team that scored the least points a free 4wd training session with yours truly. ( Well done SAS!!)

Thanks to all those mentioned above for their generosity. Not forgetting Shares Uganda for their generous donation of 2 million, even if they did take away the majority of the raffle prizes!!

Thanks also to the marvelous job done by the volunteer marshals. You know who you are. Hope to see you all again next year.

If I have forgotten anyone my sincerest apologies.