Third instalment of the annual adrenaline-pumping Nhabe-Okavango 400km Off-road Rally is set to take place during the independence holidays. The motorsport is organised by Team Maun and Orapa Motorsport, and promises to attract over 40 motorbikes and at least 10 cars, with a mix of professional and amateur riders competing across various categories.
“The rally is more than just a competition; it is about growing sport tourism in Nhabe,” Jacquie Ntshebe, Event Secretary and Orapa Motorsport representative explained. “We have a rich and diverse landscape, and Maun itself is an experience. Expanding the race to Gumare introduces a new concept in motorsport, giving participants and spectators alike a fresh perspective on the breathtaking scenery this region has to offer.”
The event, which has grown into a key fixture on Botswana’s motorsport calendar, spans 400 kilometers through the scenic and rugged terrains of the Nhabe region, providing a perfect backdrop for motorsport enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Since inception, the rally has aimed to decentralise motorsport in Botswana, expanding its footprint beyond the southern regions and into the heart of the Okavango Delta. This year’s edition introduces a new twist, as the race will expand its reach from Maun to the village of Gumare, making it the first of its kind to venture into this area. The move is seen as a crucial step in promoting sport tourism in the Nhabe region.
In line with the event’s commitment to supporting the local economy, Nhabe youth will play an active role as volunteers through the SVM programme. Local artisans will also have an opportunity to showcase and sell their products during the rally, adding a cultural dimension to the high-octane affair.
“We are ensuring that local businesses get involved, with stalls available for the community to sell their items,” Ntshebe added.
The Nhabe-Okavango 400km Off-road Rally is a part of the national BMS championship, which has been instrumental in growing motorsport across Botswana. This event, specifically, aims to bring awareness to the importance of sport tourism and boost the regional economy by drawing both participants and spectators into the area.
With sponsors such as Gambling Authority Botswana, Inspect-a-Car, Major Peak, Laha Hotel, and African Excursion, the rally is poised for continued growth, with future aspirations of attracting international riders.
“We intend on growing our concept and eventually having international riders participate,” Ntshebe revealed, signaling that the event’s future holds even more promise.
The rally features several competitive categories, including quads and bikes, allowing a wide range of participants to join. With classes for juniors, ladies, and senior riders, the event ensures inclusivity while maintaining the high standards expected in motorsport. Categories include everything from 50cc junior bikes to open quads, offering both excitement and challenge for racers of all skill levels. The date is set and riders ready to go on what will be a sports highlight in the realm of Off-Road Rallies.
