Topic Wiki

Cape Town

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
shmebebleLink
YaaliliLink
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink
Jomaster28Link

UPDATED: Kosher Info from Beth Din in Cape Town (last updated Dec. 2020) http://www.uos.co.za/kashrut/ct_kosher.asp

Kashrus Note According to link above, all meat is glatt however milk is NOT Chalav Israel.

Restaurants

NameTypeHoursContactLocation & Description
Avron's Place (Sea Point)
Meat
S – T: 11am – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm; F: 11am – 2:30pm
+27 (0)21 439 7610 Link
19 – 33 Regent Road - Oldest kosher meat restaurant in SA. The humbly adorned, family-friendly eatery, serves a wide variety of dishes, including beef ribs, burgers, mixed grills, boerewors, Cape lamb curry, vegetarian platters, pastas and sushi. Prices rather reasonable. On Tuesdays there's a special on its beef burger and chips (R49 instead of the usual R59). Offers takeaways and catering and packed Shabbat meals for visitors. For the Sephardim the meat is Bet Yosef. But check to make sure.
The Press (Sea Point)
Meat
S – T: noon – late; F: 11am – 3pm; Sat: 1 hour after Shabbat till late
+27 (0)21 434 7724 Website
176 Main Road - Restaurant and Bar (many craft beers on tap).
Coffee Time (Gardens)
Milk
M – T: 8am – 3:30pm; F: 8am – 3pm
+27 (0)21 461 8414
20 Breda Street - Set in an old house in a lush, garden environment. Lawn seating with views of Table Mountain. Breakfast, brunch or lunch. Menu includes scrambled egg, salmon and humus wrap, fish bobotie with homemade chutney, tuna lasagne, sandwich, salad, quiche or smoothie. Early-morning special between 8am and 11am (a combo of two eggs, grilled tomato and mushrooms goes for R25) and also serves a delicious, and incredibly popular, buffet lunch every Wednesday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Gluten-free and sugar-free options. Offers catering. Proceeds support the Astra Centre.
Café Riteve (Gardens)
Milk
S – T: 8:30am – 5pm; F: 8:30am – 3pm
+27 (0)21 465 1594
Website
88 Hatfield Street - Located on a piazza that’s part of the same centre as the historical Gardens Shul, the South African Jewish Museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and the Jacob Gitlin Library. Large and varied menu includes three-egg omelette, sushi salad, grilled hake, falafel with dukkah wedges and humus, tuna and mushroom cannelloni, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich and chocolate ganache-filled croissant. Also sells range of shakes and juices as well as kosher wine and liquors. Offers catering, takeaways, no delivery. They had some CY, just ask. The earlier you go the more likely the have.
Goldies Deli and Diner (Sea Point)
Meat & Pareve
S – T: 8:30am – 8pm; F: 8:30am – 4:30pm
+27 (0)21 439 3008
Link
174 Main Road - Meat and parev deli and bakery - next door and connected to The Press. Menu include burgers, steak rolls, schwarmas, bagels, salads, fish cakes, breakfast plates and more. Specials every Wednesday and Friday (deals like a three-course meal for four for R120). Delivery is free in Sea Point. Bakery treats include carrot cake, cinnamon twists, chocolate brownies, doughnuts, cupcakes, apple crumble, croissants and teiglach. Offers Shabbat meal orders.
Café B'tayavon @ Highlands House
Milk
021 461 1100
9 Gorge Rd, Highlands Estate - Snacks and Light Meals
Jean's Kitchen @ The Kaplan Centre
Milk
021 650 3064 info@jeanskitchen.co.za
The Kaplan Centre - University of Cape Town - Tea, coffee,
sandwiches, gourmet salads, falafel etc
Baskin Robbins @ Mojo Market (Sea Point)
Note: This is the only kosher B & R
All ice creams, ice cream cones, milkshakes and waffles are Kosher, milchik.
The following topping ONLY are kosher: Crushed Almonds, Crushed Cashews, Fudge, Mini Astros, Mint Crunch
NB: Cakes are NOT KOSHER

Bakeries, Groceries & Ice Cream
Checkers Sea Point- 76 Regent Road - They have a large selection of kosher products including a kosher take out and bakery.
Spar Sea Point - 96 Regent Road - They have a large selection of kosher products including a kosher take out and bakery.

Shuls
Sea point is the main Jewish area.
Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation (Marais Road Shul)
Chabad


Hotels with Points near a Shul (Walking Minutes)
Protea Sea Point

Airport Transfer Options
Cab -
Executive Bus -
Public Bus -
Train -

Major Activities
Name
Cost
Distance from CPT
Description and Notes
Boulders Beach
R17035 min• "I found that there were two different entrances, boardwalk and beach. The boardwalk has a higher density of penguins but if you want a better experience, I recommend visiting the beach side- especially at low tide. Because of the tide I was able to walk past the few dozen folks on the beach, climb under and over some boulders, and encounter effectively a different private beach- with penguins!!"
• For budget travelers, take the train to Simonstown and from there a cab to Boulders beach - R20.
Betty’s Bay
1.25 hoursAlso features African Penguins though less crowded than Boulders beach, though further.
Chapman's Peak Drive
R45/car45 min• Beautiful scenery, you have the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other side, great pics, great to make a BBQ come during daylight hours.
NOTE: You need Rand or an SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point
R360/pp1.5 hours• LONG but AMAZING drive
• almost a full day activity
Lions Head
• Hike - not difficult
• Paragliding - around $85 (prices might be outdated). Book ahead
Robben Island
Tours depart three times a day and take about 3.5 hours, consisting of a ferry trip to and from the island, and a tour of the various historical sites on the island that form part of the Robben Island Museum. These include the island graveyard, the disused lime quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers, and the maximum security prison. Nelson Mandela's cell is shown. Reviews are mixed
Table Mountain (Cable car or hike)
~R350• Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed
• Cableway costs ~R350 rand pp - depends if morning or afternoon
• Can repel down
• 895 rand pp (prices might be outdated)
• repel for like 15 mins
• hike back up is 25 mins
• Closes 6pm
• BOOK IN ADVANCE
Signal Hill
Go there for a sunset with bit more a "local" flavor. Views aren't great compared to Lion's Head and can be quite crowded at sunset.
V & A Waterfront
The Garden Route
long scenic drive

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Shark Diving
$88 +$34 for video (prices might be outdated)2 hoursCan do in Gansbaii. Links:1, 2, 3

Sandboarding
Bring goggles!
Skydiving
$170 (prices might be outdated)
Cheaper
Quad Biking (ATVs)

Hout Bay market

Kayaking at Hout Bay
Link
Amazing experience. Views may very but can often see Heaviside dolphins jumping right in front of you
Cheetah Outreach
Where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool. Website

Aquila Private Game Reserve

2 hoursPricey but quality accommodations for overnight stays. Good for people who aren't leaving Cape Town area but want to see wildlife. Some dismiss as a "glorified zoo"
Cango Wildlife Ranch

5 hours


Winelands
[Likely way more then listed but those are the few I remember]
(Might be worthwhile to make a trip to the winelands, even if one does not enjoy wine, for the scenery. Only about an hour or two from CPT)
  • Franschoek
  • Kleine Dracken - Kosher
  • Backsberg - Kosher

Johannesburg

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
YaaliliLink
Yehuda57Link
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink

Restaurants
http://www.uos.co.za/kashrut/restaurants.asp

http://yeahthatskosher.com/2013/04/kosher-restaurants-travel-advice-for-johannesburg-south-africa-joberg/

Map of Kosher Johannesburg

NameTypeContactLocation & Description
Corner Cafe (Glenhazel)
Milk
+27 11 440-3160 Link
Corner of Queens square and cross road in Glenhazel. Corner Café is the best place to go (or maybe the only) for kosher gluten free muffins. I’m told they’re very good. They also have great breakfasts and pastas, but I usually stick with a toasted cheese and chips.
Dee-Jays (Sandton)
Milk
+27 11 883-2265 Link
Morningview Shopping Centre, 100 South Road, 2196 - Dee-Jays provides casual dairy food that is perfect for a breakfast out with the family. Their fishballs are really good and if you need a cake in the Sandton area, they’re the place to go.
Market Cafe (Norood Mall)
Milk
Cholov Yisroel cafe
KosherWorld, Mi Vami Kosher and Chop N Wok (Glenhazel)
+27 11 440 1402 Website
1 Long Avenue, Johannesburg, 2192
Gelatisimo (Glenhazel)
Across the road from Kosher World, authentic Italian gelato. Chalav Yisroel. Absolutely fantastic.
Michelos (Glenhazel)
Milk
+27 11 885-1500 Link
17 Northfield Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Michelos is the second best pizza restaurant. They are very centrally located (in the Jewish area of Glenhazel) and their food is nice. Never go there the night after Pesach because you’ll wait hours but most other times are good, plus they serve chalav yisrael.
Nandos Kosher (Savoy)
Meat
+27 11 885-1496 Website
553 Louis Botha Ave, Savoy, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa - Nandos is a large chain of Portuguese chicken restaurants, but there is only one kosher Nandos in South Africa, so be aware that you can’t step into any of them! They serve top notch chicken but be sure to also try their beef burger (and order extra sauce).
Next Door "Non-CY" (Norwood)
Milk
+27 11 728-2577 Link
80 Grant Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Next Door is rated as a top restaurant in Johannesburg, kosher and not, so you know it must be pretty good. It is usually full so booking is highly recommended. While their sushi may not be top class, their pizzas certainly are and, if you’re around in Summer, definitely try their fish braai (barbeque in South African).
Pie Works (Sandringham)
+27 11 485 2447 Website
74 George Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Their pies (clearly) are the best kosher pies in the country and are perfect if you want to buy some to take home and reheat. Their burgers are delicious and the have a milk side with pizza that is really good. They’re situated on what is known as the Kosher Strip, so any Jew will be able to direct you.
RTG "Ready to Go" (Norwood)
A fast food place next door to ... Next Door. While they do offer steak and a Chinese menu, the focus is their extensive burger and hot dog menu.
The Deli Store (Sandton)
011-656-3142 / 4915  info@thedelistore.co.za, http://thedelistore.co.za/menus/main-menu/
Shop 52, (opposite Woolworths) Morning Glen Shopping Mall Cnr Bowling & Kelvin Road Gallo Manor - Reviewed in CBS's TR, as having excellent food for very low prices. According to Google is "Permanently Closed".
So Sushi (Glenhazel)
Jozi Blue (Glenhazel)
Milk
They have some items Cholov Yisroel, which they will serve on disposables on request


Bakeries, Groceries & Ice Cream
Kosher World - http://www.kosherworld.co.za/

Shuls

Hotels with Points near a Shul (Walking Minutes)

Airport Transfer Options
Cab - Uber
Executive Bus - Shuttle from HLA airport to anywhere in Sandton for R80 per person.
Public Bus -
Train - Gautrain from JNB airport is R135-155 depending on destination. Must purchase gold card before for R13.

Major Activities
Apartheid Museum
Flea Market
Gold Reef City - amusement park, along with other African themed attractions (tribal dancing, old "gold mine tour")
Lion Park - see lions from your car up close, pet lion cubs.
Monte Casino - Casino and shopping mall, with cool "outdoor" Tuscan style
Soweto Tour
Pilanesberg Safari- If you can't make it to Kruger for malaria, time or other concerns,  this is a much smaller park with less wildlife, and not as good of an experience, but definitely well worth it. About 2 hours out of Joburg, it can be done in your own vehicle, but will be a lot better with a guided game drive.
Sun City Right outside of Pilansberg
Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary- About an hour out of Joburg. Get close to elephants, touch, feed and ride them. The monkey sanctuary has a massive enclosure with hundreds of various monkeys and lemurs. No feeding or touching, unless one jumps on you. If you do go to Pilansberg, this can be done on the way.

Kruger National Park

Trip Reports
CbsLink
shmebebleLink
txtmax4Link
Jomaster28Link


Tour Options

Major Activities

Near Kruger:

The Panoramic Route includes a half dozen waterfalls; Lisbon, Horseshoe, Bridal Vail, Mac Mac, Sabie and others; The Potholes, G-d's Window, Wonder View, The Pinnacle, The Three Rondawels and views of the stunning Blyde River Canyon (third largest canyon in the world).

AJK SA trip route planning - forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=33867.msg669659#msg669659

« Last edited by mendelk on February 20, 2022, 11:02:13 PM »

Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread  (Read 467147 times)

Offline Ergel

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Re: Re: Re: Help me plan a South Africa trip
« Reply #20 on: February 29, 2012, 09:13:07 AM »
I don't know what you mean. Just wanted to point out it's outrageously expensive, but they seem to be willing to pay it.
Just pointing out that if that's the case seems like there is not an issue at all with the budget (if there is one at all)
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Online PlatinumGuy

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Re: Help me plan a South Africa trip
« Reply #21 on: February 29, 2012, 10:10:52 AM »
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Online PlatinumGuy

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Re: Help me plan a South Africa trip
« Reply #22 on: February 29, 2012, 12:41:27 PM »
Namibia is in, either for this trip or for another shortly after

Also, anyone ever stayed here http://www.shamwari.com/propertygalleries.asp
« Last Edit: February 29, 2012, 02:33:40 PM by PlatinumGuy »
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Online PlatinumGuy

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #23 on: February 29, 2012, 02:50:25 PM »
Is the Claremont Shul active (on Shabbos)?
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline yo

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Re: Really nice hotel in cape town.
« Reply #24 on: March 19, 2012, 12:04:45 AM »
the one and only hotel is legit

Online PlatinumGuy

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Re: Really nice hotel in cape town.
« Reply #25 on: March 19, 2012, 01:02:56 AM »
radisson blu waterfront is supposed to be the nicest
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline BrooklynCPA

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Re: Really nice hotel in cape town.
« Reply #26 on: March 21, 2012, 10:22:46 AM »
I can arrange a great price for the "Radisson Blu Waterfront". PM me if interested.

Offline Expert Flyer

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Re: Really nice hotel in cape town.
« Reply #27 on: March 22, 2012, 11:32:50 AM »
radisson blu waterfront is supposed to be the nicest

I though that The Table Bay Hotel (located at the V&A Waterfront) was among the best in CPT

Offline txtmax4

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #28 on: March 27, 2012, 01:04:26 AM »
I spent over a year in South Africa. While there are "safer" places/neighborhoods than others, you should always watch your back and make sure you know where you are.
Capetown feels much safer due to the fact that the streets are way more populated than anywhere else because it is a tourist spot, however, besides for its touristy area it is a regular city so, even by car, you should make sure you know where you are going.
Not to scare you or anything...
Highways are cool, I drove 100's of miles all over the place.
If You See Something, Say Something!!

Offline CholentTheTraveler

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #29 on: August 23, 2012, 12:57:31 AM »
Highways are cool, I drove 100's of miles all over the place.
Not to scare anyone but the Highway outside Cape Town is the most dangerous in the country. Try and make sure you don't get stuck anywhere near Kayalitcha.

If anyone has questions on South Africa, kashrus and what to see where let me know as I grew up there.

Offline damaxer91

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #30 on: August 23, 2012, 06:55:48 AM »
radisson blu waterfront is supposed to be the nicest

Thanks but I'll stay at the One and Only or the Taj

Offline NOOCH

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Renting cars in Joburg, South africa
« Reply #31 on: March 20, 2013, 08:33:55 PM »
i need to rent a vehicle woth at least 6 seats and Automatic transmission,  anyone know where to start?
the regulars (carrentals.com, Priceline) have not helped

Offline txtmax4

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #32 on: March 21, 2013, 12:22:58 AM »
i need to rent a vehicle woth at least 6 seats and Automatic transmission,  anyone know where to start?
the regulars (carrentals.com, Priceline) have not helped
Try to find out from Lubabs there if "Lisa from Avis" is still around ;)
If You See Something, Say Something!!

Offline em0616

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #33 on: March 21, 2013, 02:13:02 PM »
Find a friend to teach you how to drive stick shift. It's really not that difficult, and takes only a few hours to master at the most.

There are also tutorials online.

e.g. see: http://www.stickshiftmasterclass.com/node/2

http://learnstickshift.com/

You will save tons in rental and fuel costs.


i need to rent a vehicle woth at least 6 seats and Automatic transmission,  anyone know where to start?
the regulars (carrentals.com, Priceline) have not helped


Try to find out from Lubabs there if "Lisa from Avis" is still around ;)
i need to rent a vehicle woth at least 6 seats and Automatic transmission,  anyone know where to start?
the regulars (carrentals.com, Priceline) have not helped

Offline Fan of Dan

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #34 on: March 21, 2013, 11:53:30 PM »
Find a friend to teach you how to drive stick shift. It's really not that difficult, and takes only a few hours to master at the most.

There are also tutorials online.

e.g. see: http://www.stickshiftmasterclass.com/node/2

http://learnstickshift.com/

You will save tons in rental and fuel costs.
Will be hard though together with the adjustment of driving on the other side.

I once reserved an auto getz which was the cheapest auto, and all they had in auto was a brand new mercedes so they gave it to me for the same price!!

Offline em0616

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #35 on: March 22, 2013, 03:01:34 AM »
Driving on the left is not as hard as it seems. Just shifting with the left hand is the challenge.

Well the typical visitor to South Africa is not driving the streets of Hillbrow, but mostly highway, and is
following the traffic in front. 

Offline Fan of Dan

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #36 on: March 27, 2013, 10:32:23 PM »
Driving on the left is not as hard as it seems. Just shifting with the left hand is the challenge.

Well the typical visitor to South Africa is not driving the streets of Hillbrow, but mostly highway, and is
following the traffic in front.
The driving part isn't hard it's getting used to where to turn left and right when there is no one in front of you, as well as calculating the distance between you and the side of the road from an angle you are not used to. Roundabouts aren't that much fun either until u get the hang of it. By now I can easily drive on both sides but it did take getting used to.

Offline nachas

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #37 on: December 09, 2013, 02:43:29 PM »
I will be traveling to Cape Town, Zambia, and Kruger Park. Anyone know of a good way to get a US or Canadian number cell that will work in those areas and still be reasonably priced??

Offline txtmax4

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #38 on: December 23, 2013, 11:54:13 AM »
I've had a great time in Kruger twice with a bunch of guys (beers the whole day and BBQ after dawn every night, blind whisky tasting and bonfires) and once with a family I went with (more relaxed style). But I always thought of it as an awesome place to go as a couple and, although I haven't brought my wife there yet, hope to make it there soon. It's just breathtaking, a place the size of Israel basically raw and natural, the only modern infrastructure you have there is the camps, some of them quite rustic, which are gated for obvious safety purposes.
(The real deal would have been Botswana where all you have is one cold shower and two guards with rifles at night, it's done in groups of about 10-12 people and requires advanced reservation).

I honestly don't know much about hiring trackers, we did everything by ourselves and saw the big 5 every time, you do have to have an eye out for it cause any animal camouflages. But basically, you drive drive drive and you'll see tons of animals. There's a max speed limit of 50 KMH so just enjoy the relaxing drive and look out for animals.
The only time we hired someone was for the night tours since it is anyhow forbidden to be out on a private car after 6pm..
Rule #1, whenever you see cars piled up at a certain spot it means there's something interesting going on there.. Make your way over there, FAST!

Early in the morning is when the animals go look for prey. like 5am... Seeing a kill is considered the highlight of a Kruger experience though it's not always easy to spot.
If you're ending your day at 6 you should be in bed 9-10 and start your day early, you can stop at any camp (follow the easy map and directions on roads) for breakfast/lunch/pit stop/ relaxing. There's usually a map in every camp center with people reporting where they've seen what animal.
As an added bonus, you can always see hienas at night near the camps gates since people give them their leftover dinner, which is not a good thing, but you can take advantage of them being there.

The camps I stayed at AFAIR were Satara, Skukuza. Letaba, Olifants. I think they all had AC and for sure hot water shower. They are all distinct, each with it's own style. IIRc Satara was the most basic but still very good conditions. All camps are "cute" each in it's own way.
I also stayed at Pretoriuskop but AFAIR, wildlife there is limited to some impala and bucks, nothing major as it's far from center.
I heard that there are walking tours but never did them, I believe advanced reservation is required.

At night, lay on the grass and look up at the stars, it's the clearest sky I ever remember seeing, even got a glimpse of the milky way...
Bonus: Hearing the lions roar at night loud enough you'd think they are right next to you :)
Camps aren't always well lit at night so don't freak out if you encounter an animal as some camps have loose buck and impala IN the camp.
Also, baboons can enter the camps (a monkey is a monkey), watch out for those.
Some camp units you rent have the kitchen area outside the unit, outdoors. Don't leave any food out there cause you might wake up to it all ransacked by the baboons..

This is all info based on my experience about 10 years ago, so excuse me if things have changed since then and are not exactly like I'm describing here.

If you really want to go with someone and don't want to do it on your own look also into kosher tours, where they feed you kosher food and arrange the whole shebang for you.
But the Kruger experience as I know it is grab a car, some beer and some biltong and drive your behind around a whole day and ENJOY!
« Last Edit: December 23, 2013, 12:00:39 PM by txtmax4 »
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Offline yare

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #39 on: December 23, 2013, 01:30:50 PM »
I've had a great time in Kruger twice with a bunch of guys (beers the whole day and BBQ after dawn every night, blind whisky tasting and bonfires) and once with a family I went with (more relaxed style). But I always thought of it as an awesome place to go as a couple and, although I haven't brought my wife there yet, hope to make it there soon. It's just breathtaking, a place the size of Israel basically raw and natural, the only modern infrastructure you have there is the camps, some of them quite rustic, which are gated for obvious safety purposes.
(The real deal would have been Botswana where all you have is one cold shower and two guards with rifles at night, it's done in groups of about 10-12 people and requires advanced reservation).

I honestly don't know much about hiring trackers, we did everything by ourselves and saw the big 5 every time, you do have to have an eye out for it cause any animal camouflages. But basically, you drive drive drive and you'll see tons of animals. There's a max speed limit of 50 KMH so just enjoy the relaxing drive and look out for animals.
The only time we hired someone was for the night tours since it is anyhow forbidden to be out on a private car after 6pm..
Rule #1, whenever you see cars piled up at a certain spot it means there's something interesting going on there.. Make your way over there, FAST!

Early in the morning is when the animals go look for prey. like 5am... Seeing a kill is considered the highlight of a Kruger experience though it's not always easy to spot.
If you're ending your day at 6 you should be in bed 9-10 and start your day early, you can stop at any camp (follow the easy map and directions on roads) for breakfast/lunch/pit stop/ relaxing. There's usually a map in every camp center with people reporting where they've seen what animal.
As an added bonus, you can always see hienas at night near the camps gates since people give them their leftover dinner, which is not a good thing, but you can take advantage of them being there.

The camps I stayed at AFAIR were Satara, Skukuza. Letaba, Olifants. I think they all had AC and for sure hot water shower. They are all distinct, each with it's own style. IIRc Satara was the most basic but still very good conditions. All camps are "cute" each in it's own way.
I also stayed at Pretoriuskop but AFAIR, wildlife there is limited to some impala and bucks, nothing major as it's far from center.
I heard that there are walking tours but never did them, I believe advanced reservation is required.

At night, lay on the grass and look up at the stars, it's the clearest sky I ever remember seeing, even got a glimpse of the milky way...
Bonus: Hearing the lions roar at night loud enough you'd think they are right next to you :)
Camps aren't always well lit at night so don't freak out if you encounter an animal as some camps have loose buck and impala IN the camp.
Also, baboons can enter the camps (a monkey is a monkey), watch out for those.
Some camp units you rent have the kitchen area outside the unit, outdoors. Don't leave any food out there cause you might wake up to it all ransacked by the baboons..

This is all info based on my experience about 10 years ago, so excuse me if things have changed since then and are not exactly like I'm describing here.

If you really want to go with someone and don't want to do it on your own look also into kosher tours, where they feed you kosher food and arrange the whole shebang for you.
But the Kruger experience as I know it is grab a car, some beer and some biltong and drive your behind around a whole day and ENJOY!
how many days do you need for a good trip to kruger?