Useful Information

Climate

The region is dry for most of the year, with summer rains, typically heavy but brief thunderstorms between November and February/March. Days are hot in summer and nights warm. In winter, days are typically warm, with cool to cold nights.

Malaria

Malaria, caused by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, is a threat throughout Botswana, although the Tuli Block is a low risk area. Mosquitos are seldom an irritation or even seen at Redshield. The danger of infection is higher in the summer months than in winter. For preventative medication, please consult your doctor or chemist. Visit the SAA Netcare Travel Clinic for more information.

Drinking water

We use fresh clean borehole water, which is perfectly safe for drinking.

Things to bring

• Malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your doctor.
• Suntan lotion, sunglasses, sun hats, water bottles, comfortable walking shoes, e.g. sneakers, Hammocks
• Food and drinks. Braai packs and cold-drinks are available for purchase, and we offer cold storage at Redshield Hotel
• Cameras and film, binoculars
• If you are staying at the bush camp, bring torches, towels, sleeping bags and pillows, plus bathing supplies
• In summer: Very light clothing, cool long sleeved shirts and trousers for evening, jacket for game drives.
• In winter: Light clothing for days, warm wear for evenings and very warm wear for drives.

Power and phones

220v AC is available 24 hours at Redshield Hotel. There is no electricity at the Bush Camp. There are no land line phones at Redshield. There is cell phone reception or book a call with Gerd.

Petrol and diesel

There are no petrol stations in our immediate vicinity. If you are coming from Pietersburg in South Africa, the last town with both petrol and diesel is Alldays (around 90km from Redshield). From the North, the last town is Bobanong (also 90km ). We strongly recommend you fill your vehicles at these towns.

Currency

Visa requirements

South African passport holders do not require visas to enter Botswana. For other nationalities, please check with the Botswana Consulate closest to you. For more information, visit the Botswana Government Website.

Border formalities

The border post nearest to Redshield, Platjan, is open from 08h00 to 16h00 daily, and these hours are strictly enforced. In the rainy season, call ahead to confirm that the bridge is open (+27-155-751-1163). If it is not, visitors have the option of crossing at the region's major borderpost at Martin's Drift, which is open to 18h00 daily. Pont Drift to the northeast of Redshield, (about 35km from Redshield and which offers an attractive drive through the Mashatu Game Reserve), is also open to 16h00, but can only be traversed by 4x4s in dry conditions. (One actually drives across the Limpopo Riverbed!)

You will be required to pay the National Road Safety Fund Levy of P10- for each vehicle entering Botswana. This is valid until 31 December of the same year.

Accessibility and Road quality

Road conditions are generally good all year round, and low clearance vehicles can reach Redshield with ease and in relative comfort, provided the vehicles are driven with care. The sand roads leading to the farm on both sides of the border are graded and are well maintained. Since there are no fences on the Botswana side and both domestic and wild animals are present, it is important to drive cautiously. In the rainy season, the roads can get water-logged, so please contact us to get an updated road report. If you are unsure of the suitability of the vehicle you intend travelling in, rather send an e-mail and we will respond with advice. We cannot accept any responsibility for damage to your vehicle.

Tipping