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.

The Nkashi Classic returns in 2026 to the vibrant village of Seronga as the Okavango Delta once again comes alive with Botswana’s premier mokoro racing event.

Hosted by Nkashi Trust and supported by Okavango Eternal — a strategic partnership between the National Geographic Society and De Beers Group — the Nkashi Classic combines speed, skill, and the time-honoured tradition of mokoro poling, while contributing to conservation and sustainable livelihoods across the Okavango Basin.

The Nkashi Classic begins with a series of village heats running from 23 May to 27 June 2026, giving polers across Ngamiland the opportunity to qualify for the finals.

The Nkashi Classic Finals will take place on 25 July 2026 in Seronga, where top qualifiers from across the village heats will compete in a high-intensity time trial along the waterways of the Okavango Delta.

Competitors will showcase endurance, precision, and deep knowledge of the Delta’s channels in one of the region’s most iconic sporting events.

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. 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 attend one of the official village heats and set your fastest time. In 2026, heats will be held across five locations in Ngamiland from 23 May to 27 June, giving polers multiple opportunities to qualify. Polers can arrive at any of the heats during the day. Entry is free and open to all eligible competitors. On arrival, participants will register, select their racing category, and be given the opportunity to complete a timed run on the course.

The top qualifiers from all village heats will progress to the Nkashi Classic Finals, held in Seronga on 25 July 2026.

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 here. and on the Facebook events page. All polers are encouraged to review them carefully before participating in the heats.