The Okavango Delta will once again come alive as the Nkashi Classic returns for 2026. Hosted by Nkashi Trust, this annual mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) race combines speed, skill and the time-honored tradition of poling. This year’s Classic will bring together polers from across Ngamiland for a series of village heats (27 May to 23 June), leading to the finals in Seronga on 25 July, alongside a weekend of culture, food and community celebration. The Nkashi Classic is supported by Okavango Eternal, a strategic partnership between the National Geographic Society and De Beers that aims to protect and preserve the Okavango Basin and support livelihood opportunities for its communities. The partnership aims to expand and accelerate the work of Nkashi Trust and the Wild Bird Trust family of organisations underway through the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project.
Village Heats: Competition Starts Locally
To give local polers every chance to qualify for the finals, the Nkashi Classic will be holding heats in five villages across Ngamiland. Spectators are encouraged to support their local heroes while enjoying a weekend of community festivities. All village heats are open to the public and free to attend:
- Saturday 23 May: Seronga
- Saturday 30 May: Kauxwi
- Saturday 6 June: Ikoga
- Saturday 20 June: Boro
- Saturday 27 June: Maun
For updates on times and locations, follow Nkashi on Facebook and Instagram. Dates are subject to change.
The Finals: Celebrating Tradition, Community and Conservation
At the Nkashi Classic finals in Seronga on 25 July, competitors who have advanced from the village heats will race along the Delta in a time trial, showcasing their skills, endurance and intricate knowledge of the waterways.
Race categories include:
- Youth male and female (ages 18-30)
- Adult male and female (ages 31-54)
- Veteran male and female (ages 55+)
- Mixed doubles (one male and one female, ages 18+)
This year, the finals will feature prizes for top finishers in each category, rewarding both speed and skill.
On finals day, families, friends and visitors can enjoy:
- Watching skilled polers navigate the mekoro through the waterways
- Village markets featuring local entrepreneurs, artisans, and food vendors
- Community art installations and locally crafted trophies for finalists
- Opportunities to meet the competitors and learn about poling traditions
The Nkashi Trust will also highlight several conservation and community outreach initiatives supported by Okavango Eternal. These include livelihood programs, hands-on science activities and the Nkashi Knowledge Bus – a mobile, interactive hub offering conservation education and storytelling sessions, virtual reality experiences, and Setswana-language environmental films.
The Nkashi Classic has evolved from a focus on the thrill of sport into a social movement in the Delta that celebrates and promotes cultural diversity, Indigenous heritage and socio-economic inclusion.
Calling Sponsors, Vendors and Community Supporters
Local businesses and vendors are invited to participate, showcase their products and engage with visitors. Sponsorship opportunities are available for maximum visibility and community impact.For vendor or sponsorship inquiries, contact info@nkashi.co.bw.