The Makgadikgadi Epic has been cancelled, Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) has announced. The move is a blow to the country’s adventure tourism calendar and raises questions over the future momentum of one of its flagship sporting attractions.
BTO announced on Wednesday that the 2026 edition of the event, scheduled for July 17 to 19, will no longer proceed, saying the decision was taken to allow for enhanced planning, broader stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation ahead of a stronger return in 2027.
The cancellation comes just a week after the Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival was also called off, deepening concerns over disruptions to Botswana’s signature tourism events.
Set against the iconic Makgadikgadi landscape, the Makgadikgadi Epic has in recent years evolved into a distinctive endurance sport showcase, drawing participants and spectators while reinforcing Botswana’s positioning in the growing adventure tourism market. Beyond its sporting profile, the event has also supported tourism operators and communities in the region through visitor traffic and related economic activity.
For the tourism sector, the move shows both the growing complexity and rising expectations attached to destination events. Flagship experiences such as the Makgadikgadi Epic increasingly serve not only as visitor attractions, but as instruments of destination branding and regional economic stimulation.
In its statement, BTO framed the decision as a strategic pause rather than a retreat, saying the cancellation is intended to pave the way for a more impactful event in 2027. The organisation acknowledged the disappointment likely to be felt by athletes, sponsors, service providers and host communities, while apologising for the inconvenience caused.
For the tourism sector, the move shows both the growing complexity and rising expectations attached to destination events. Flagship experiences such as the Makgadikgadi Epic increasingly serve not only as visitor attractions, but as instruments of destination branding and regional economic stimulation.
BTO said consultations are already under way as part of preparations for the event’s return and pledged to deliver the 2027 edition at an elevated standard.
While organisers are betting that a year’s pause will strengthen the event in the long term, the cancellation leaves a notable gap in Botswana’s 2026 adventure tourism offering, and places pressure on authorities to ensure the Makgadikgadi Epic returns with renewed credibility and momentum.
