The event will take place along the Thamalakane River in front of the Cresta Maun Resort, Matlapana, in Maun. The event organisers said the Maun-based Stika Sola will be joined by Chokoma and Nature BW. There will also be Wayeyi traditional dancing by Nyinamwere Cultural Group from Jao and the San dances by Kuru-a-boo from D’Kar. Costa FX and Mista-Tee will be directing the proceedings. The event will kick-off early at 830am with racing commencing at 9am, followed by a full day of racing and entertainment concluding the event at 5pm. The Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) will also showcase various projects that they are working on in the Okavango 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,” read BWBT's statement. RacingThe highly anticipated Nkashi Classic 2024 is expected to attract 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. “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 statement further reads. The aim of the Nkashi Classic has evolved from celebrating cultural diversity and protecting the 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 honour and embrace Botswana’s diverse cultural heritage.
