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 2025 — this time in the vibrant village of Seronga on Saturday 5 July. Botswana’s premier mokoro race, the Nkashi Classic is more than just a sporting event; it is a powerful tribute to the tradition, talent, and resilience of the Okavango Delta’s indigenous polers. Hosted by the Nkashi Trust and the Okavango Eternal Partnership, the Classic brings together communities from across the Delta to honour a unique way of life deeply connected to the Okavango River system. At its core, the race is a celebration of heritage — promoting environmental awareness, cultural pride, and economic opportunity in one of the most ecologically significant regions on Earth. Following the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition in Maun, which drew over 3,000 attendees and featured 66 polers from 15 villages, the 2025 Nkashi Classic promises another unforgettable gathering of sport, culture, and community spirit. From thrilling mokoro races across seven race categories to live music, art, dance, local food and craft markets, the event is free to attend and open to all.

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 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 here. and on the Facebook events page. All polers are requested to review them before racing.