25 Jun 2026

Elite pilots from around the world will descend upon the Makgadikgadi Pans from June 26 to 29 for the Race for the Rhinos Aviation Event aimed at raising funds to relocate 13 white rhinos donated by South Africa and also to establish a new conservation site. 

Hosted at Mosu Airfield, the four-day event, which returns after a seven-year hiatus, will feature a two-day precision air race involving 22 aviators flying 11 registered aircraft along a route through Nata, Gweta, Orapa and Kubu Island before returning to Mosu. 

Participants are expected from South Africa, Japan, the United Kingdom, Dubai and the United States of America.

Arrivals and registration begin today while the main races will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Funds raised through the Race for Rhinos Aviation Weekend will support the first phase of technical and environmental groundwork, including aerial and ground surveys, route mapping, identification of suitable habitats and campsites, and assessments of cultural and heritage sites across the Makgadikgadi Wetland System.

Funding will support GPS collaring and real-time tracking technology, electrified perimeter fencing, and the recruitment and training of dedicated wildlife rangers.

Account Director at Incepta Communications, Rebatho Tumagole, said the 13 white rhinos had been donated by South Africa, which was home to the world’s largest white rhino population. 

Although classified as Near Threatened globally, white rhino populations in Southern Africa continue to depend on active conservation and protection measures.

In Botswana, Tumagole said rhino numbers remained relatively low and vulnerable due to poaching driven by the illegal trade in rhino horn, which continued to command high prices on international black markets.

Tumagole stressed that the relocation process had not yet begun, noting that introducing rhinos into a new environment required extensive ecological preparation, security planning, governance arrangements and community engagement.

She said community participation remained the most sustainable form of conservation security.

When local communities benefit economically from wildlife through tourism, employment and business opportunities, she said they became the most effective guardians of that wildlife.

The Race for Rhinos operates under the patronage of former President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, while the Bamangwato Tribal Administration serves as custodian of the project.

Beyond the race itself, visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy scenic flights over the pans, tandem paragliding, motorsport activities and cultural showcases.

Race for Rhinos is more than an aviation event; it represents the beginning of a new chapter for the Makgadikgadi, Botswana’s conservation story and the communities whose future is closely tied to this extraordinary landscape. ENDS