The vision for Nkashi started in 2018 as a mokoro race and has expanded into a movement. The motto, ‘Propelling us Forward’ stems from the use of the Nkashi pole which is used to propel mekoro over the shallow waters of the Okavango Delta.

Nkashi honours the contribution of traditional and local knowledge to science, conservation, and alternative enterprise opportunities. As our projects expand, we will see the Nkashi Brand encompass our Nkashi Knowledge Centres, the Nkashi Bus taking education on the road, Nkashi Enterprises and Nkashi Trails. All of these initiatives have a focus to catalyse and support the sustainable development of a conservation-based economy in the Delta.

NKASHI AIMS TO BE ON THE GROUND, IN REMOTE AREAS ACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE DELTA. It involves local and indigenous communities in the conversation. It invites communities to become a more active part of the solution. It listens to the solutions that have been there all along through traditional knowledge and it catalyses change as it propels us forward together.

Find out more about how it all began with the Nkashi Classic!

This years Nkashi Classic mokoro race was held in Maun on Saturday 31st August 2024 in front of Cresta Hotel, Matlapana. This was the biggest event yet with all finalist polers from around the Okavango Delta brought to Maun and accommodated at the ‘athletes village’ for the weekend. The day also included additional entertainment such as musicians, cultural groups, dancers, fine art exhibitions, kids activities, food and stalls. A wide representation of polers from around the region qualified for the finals – 66 polers from 15 villages aged 19 – 70 took part. The polers raced in 7 different categories including male, female, youth male, youth female, veteran male, veteran female and doubles (mixed male/female race). All polers received a goodie bag filled with swag, food, clothing, toiletries and a choppies voucher to the value of P1000. The prize money was awarded to the top 3 in each category with first place receiving P10 000, second prize P5000 and third prize P2000. For a full list of the race results and times see here.

Nkashi: Race for the Okavango

The documentary, 'Nkashi: Race for the Okavango', has been released and is significantly contributing to the event's momentum. We encourage you to watch the trailer here to get a better understanding of what the film is about. Stay tuned to BTV1 in Botswana for regular screenings, as well as youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yum0xq2gmzc For more information, please email info@nkashi.co.bw or visit our Facebook page here.

How do I compete in this the Nkashi Classic?

Make sure you come to one of the race heats and set your fastest time. Heats will be run in several locations. Polers can arrive throughout the day at any of the heats. Entrance is free to all. You will be able to register, select your racing category, and then be given one chance to set your fastest time on the race course. The top qualifiers from all of the heats will then compete in the finals.

The basic criteria which competitors must meet include:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have and present a valid Omang or another form of identification at registration
• Must be able to swim
• Must be able to pole a mokoro efficiently
• Must be medically fit to compete

The full competition rules are available on the website and Facebook events page and all polers are requested to review them before racing.