Event

Who will be crowned the Delta’s fastest Poler?

Saturday 6 October 09:30 – 17:00 at Okavango River Lodge, Maun

The Botswana Wild Bird Trust, in partnership with Botswana Tourism invites you to participate in the inaugural Nkashi Classic mekoro race to be held in Maun on Saturday 6 October 2018.

      

The main event will take place at Okavango River Lodge, with spectator spots along the Thamalakane River.

The Nkashi Classic is being launched as a celebration of the mokoro and the nkashi which is used to propel it. It will take the form of an individual time trial; each poler will race along a set course on the Thamalakane River, carrying two passengers who will be randomly assigned on the day of the race. Timing will be kept, and at the end of the day the Delta’s fastest mokoro poler will be crowned! The first race will set off at 10:00 and festivities will continue throughout the day.

In addition to the races, there will be traditional music, food and entertainment, a day out for the whole family and a celebration of traditional Botswana customs.

There are various ways to partake in the event:

  • Polers: Free registration. Includes lunch and prizes for top 10 placements Requirements: Experience in poling a mokoro
  • Passengers: P80 registration, includes the opportunity to experience the thrill of a mokoro ride at high speed. Requirements: over 12 years of age
  • Sponsorship: If you would like to sponsor a prize, food or gear for the event, please get in touch with us via email or cell phone with endorsement opportunities.

This is a non-profit event and aims at creating a fun filled day, celebrating Botswana traditional customs, food and entertainment.

We look forward to seeing you and your family there.

 

Registration Process

The number of polers and seats are limited so to take part in the event please ensure you have registered to secure your spot. You will receive a confirmation following registration.

  • Via the website: Register as a poler or passenger via the form online below.
  • Via cell phone: sms your full name, age and if you are ‘poler’ or ‘passenger’ to 72 396 507
  • Passengers will be asked to pay for their seats prior to the event via an EFT or cash at our office in Maun.

We will provide the mekoro and nkashis, but polers are welcome to bring their own nkashi.

 

Event Location

Okavango River Lodge

The main launch site on the day will be at the Okavango River Lodge where there will be food, entertainment, music and ability to see the start and finish of the races. There will be activities for the children so bring a chair and picnic blanket and enjoy the day. In addition please take note of the following:

  • There will be limited credit card facilities available on the day so please ensure you bring cash with you to purchase food and drink or partake in activities.
  • Drinks and food is for sale at the venue, please do not bring any of your own in a cooler box.
  • October is a hot month so ensure you bring hats, sunblock and drink plenty of water.
  • Due to the mekoro race taking place between Okavango River Lodge and Cresta Lodge, we ask that spectators do not boat into the venue, but rather drive or take a taxi.

There will be marshalls on the day ensuring the safety of the racers and we would therefore like to reduce boat movement in this area. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.

Find Okavango River Lodge:

From Maun
Take the Shorobe road towards the Moremi Game Reserve. After approximately 10km along this road you will reach a circle, turn left and we are 3 km on the left hand side.

From Moremi
You will find the dirt road becomes tar once you reach Shorobe. From Shorobe we are only 20km, just past Bar BP. You can’t miss the signboard on the right hand side.

GPS co-ordinates
S19°55’45.44″
E23°30’48.33″

Spectator Venues

In addition, there will be spectator venues along the Thamalekane River whereone can enjoy a meal and a drink and watch the polers speeding past. These venues include Croc Camp, Audi Camp and Cresta Maun Lodge.

Look out for specials on the day at these venues.