The heat is building for this year’s Nkashi Classic mokoro race on Saturday, 31st August, along the
Thamalakane River in front of the Cresta Maun Resort, Matlapana in Maun. The event will kick off
early at 08:30, with racing commencing at 09:00, followed by a full day of racing and entertainment
concluding at 17:00.
Entertainment and Community Development
This year’s entertainment features performances by the legendary Stiga Sola as well as Chokoma
and Nature BW. There would also be Wayeyi traditional dancing by Nyinamwere Cultural Group
from Jao and San dances by Kuru-a-boo from D’Kar. Costa FX and Mista-Tee will be directing the
proceedings.
The Botswana Wild Bird Trust will be showcasing their various projects that they are working on in
the Okavanango Delta. These include the virtual reality experience, exciting science experiments,
conservation talks and the Green team’s conservation education initiatives. A variety of enterprise
development stalls will also be at the event, bringing the community together.
In addition a variety of food and drinks will be on offer to purchase throughout the day and local
artisans will be present to sell their crafts. There will be various local art installations on display and
all trophies have been locally crafted for the finalists.
Racing
The highly anticipated Nkashi Classic 2024 attracts people and polers from across the Okavango and
beyond, showcasing their skills, determination, and dedication to be crowned ‘Okavango Delta’s
Fastest Poler’. Last year, a poler from as far as New Zealand participated in the race.
We are excited to announce a new Youth Category this year. Additionally, the doubles race has been
adapted and must include 1 male and 1 female. 70 polers representing 15 different villages around
Ngamiland will race over seven different categories. The racers will be timed, and the fastest polers
in each category will be crowned.

Prize Money
The total take away prize money this year over all categories is P120 000. All l finalists will receive a
goodie bag with a variety of prizes and vouchers. The winnings across all categories provide equal
opportunity for all competitors to win significant rewards.
Prize Money across all categories is as follows:
● 1st Prize: P10 000
● 2nd Prize: P5 000
● 3rd Prize: P2 000
Sponsors
This year we have a variety of sponsors and collaborators contributing to the event and will be
joining us on the day. Okavango Eternal, Absa Bank Botswana, the European Union, Botswana
Tourism Organisation, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project and others are among some
of the bigger sponsors this year.
The aims of the Nkashi Classic have evolved from celebrating cultural diversity and protecting
indigenous heritage, to also promoting socio-economic inclusion. The event blends the thrill of
sports, the richness of cultural heritage, and the spirit of community, offering a unique and
unforgettable experience along the Thamalakane River. The event will serve as a platform to honor
and embrace Botswana’s diverse cultural heritage.
This event free to attend and we look forward once again to crowning the fastest polers in the Delta