Race for Rhinos back in renewed rhino conservation efforts
Lucy Kgweetsi | Monday October 20, 2025 06:00
The announcement was made at a media briefing by former President Ian Khama. “Rhinos remain under threat from poaching and habitat loss, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure their survival. The Race for Rhinos provides an opportunity to engage communities, conservationists, and tourists in a shared effort to protect our wildlife,” said Khama.
The 2026 event will be held at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a region renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Beyond the race itself, the initiative aims to position the area as a leading destination for eco-tourism, with long-term benefits for both conservation and local livelihoods.
Preparatory work is already underway. A two-month road-mapping exercise, supported by a Toyota Hilux donated by Avis Botswana, will identify key tourist routes, campsites, cultural stops, heritage sites, game parks, and airstrips. The initiative is designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive safari experience while ensuring economic opportunities for local communities.
Khama emphasised the importance of careful planning. “It is not enough to simply host an event. We need to ensure that tourism contributes positively to conservation and benefits the people who live alongside these animals,” he said.
Tebogo Morake of the Botswana Tourism Organisation remarked, “Race for Rhinos demonstrates how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand. It encourages responsible engagement with our natural heritage while creating economic opportunities for communities.”
The 2026 edition carries the theme “Our Shared Earth, Our Shared Future,” reflecting the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship and community involvement.
Organizers hope the event will raise awareness of rhino conservation, promote responsible tourism, and inspire ongoing participation from local and international stakeholders.
Air access will also play a key role, connecting tourists and participants to remote areas within the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. “Logistics matter as much as conservation. From airstrips to safari trails, every detail must support a safe, meaningful, and sustainable experience,” Khama said.
Community engagement remains central to the project, with initiatives aimed at involving residents in conservation awareness, cultural experiences, and tourism activities. “When communities are active participants, conservation becomes stronger and more sustainable,” Khama added.
As Botswana prepares for the return of Race for Rhinos, anticipation is building across conservation circles and tourism sectors. The event promises to be more than a race; it is a platform to champion wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and community development.
“Ultimately, the Race for Rhinos reminds us that our wildlife and our future are inseparable. Every step we take together ensures that Botswana’s natural heritage endures for generations to come,” Khama concluded.