The Nkashi Classic is a mekoro race to crown the fastest poler in the Delta. The first event occurred in Maun in 2018, with a second event in 2019. Due to low water levels and Covid19, we missed out on 2020 and 2021. In 2022 we moved the event to Seronga where a successful race was held on 28 May. There were 88 participants and over 550 spectators who came together at the Mbiroba Polers Trust property where contestants in the categories of female, male and veteran all battled it out for the prizes. The race was also filmed as part of an upcoming documentary on the heritage of the mokoro and Nkashi Classic race, to be released in 2023. The event has grown the awareness of tourism, conservation, and communities that all rely on the Okavango Delta. This not only highlights this region of Ngamiland, but also allows community members from all over to partake in the event.

The 2023 Nkashi Classic will take place on Saturday 26th August in Maun. In the spirit of collaboration, we are inviting companies, organisations, tourism operators, governmental departments and businesses to help us sponsor various aspects of the event. The documentary, 'Nkashi: Race for the Okavango', has now 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.

Maun 10am to 4pm Free Entry Bring family and friends for a fun day as we crown the fastest poler in the Delta. Bring your picnics, chair, picnic blanket, hats and cash, as there will be crafts and food for sale. Live entertainment while you watch the polers compete in a time trial race in the iconic Okavango Delta. Great prizes for the polers and giveaways on the day for the crowd. Pre-registered polers will compete with a limited number of 'wild card' entries on the day. For more information, please email info@nkashi.co.bw or visit our Facebook page here. For all Nkashi event rules, please read here. These rules must be read before any competitor enters. How do I compete in this year's Nkashi Classic? Make sure you come to one of the race heats and set your fastest time. Heats will be run for 2 days in several locations, as listed below. 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 be brought to Maun for the finals in August. Competitors are to ensure they are available on the weekend of 26 August in case they are selected as a finalist. The dates and locations for the heats for Nkashi Classic 2023 are listed below with further details to be forthcoming. • Seronga: 29 May & 30 May • Ikoga: 1 June & 2 June • Boro: 4 June & 5 June • Khwai: July - to be announced • Maun: July - to be announced The basic criteria which competitors must meet include: • Must be 18 years of age or older as of 26 May 2023. • 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 have been posted above and are available on the website and Facebook events page and all polers are requested to review them before racing. Each poler can only compete in one of the four categories, which include: • Male (age 18 - 54) • Female (age 18-54) • Veteran (age 55 and over, any gender) • Doubles (2 polers, any gender aged 18 and older) The polers will only know if they have qualified for the final after the heats have been completed in mid-July. Good Luck to everyone, we look forward to seeing you soon.