Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 486419 times)

Saulius · « **Reply #2160 on:** January 05, 2022, 01:48:02 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on January 05, 2022, 01:26:26 PM

The risk tolerance for many will change when pregnancy is part of the equation. I'm not saying not to go, I'm saying to speak to a doctor who knows about malaria asap about it.

Also, mefloquine is now approved for prevention and treatment for pregnant in all trimesters by CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/new_info/2011/mefloquine_pregnancy.html -- but known to cause vivid, horrific, terrifying nightmares, IE People turning into safari animals and inanimate objects transmogrifying into living, real people.

Dan · « **Reply #2161 on:** January 05, 2022, 01:49:28 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 05, 2022, 02:00:35 AM

Can you give any insight into how you settled on this Cape Town hotel?

I saw you were initially considering Protea Sea Point or Blackheath Lodge.

Researching hotels at the moment and trying to figure out what are the best options. Any suggestions in terms of best hotels, value, options you skipped etc. are most appreciated.

We stayed over Shabbos in the Protea, basic hotel, but it's a no brainer as it's right by shuls and Press Grill.
We switched on Sunday as Chabad of Sea Point got us a great rate for a suite and kosher brekkie at the Clarendon. Really a stunning hotel.

Maybe do Vic Falls/Chobe for a couple days?

Dan · « **Reply #2162 on:** January 05, 2022, 01:52:54 PM »

I had erm, gastro issues on much of the trip, though I have no idea if it was from the malarone, brushing my teeth with faucet water a couple times by accident, or just eating too much biltong, biltong flavored chips, and endless meats for a week and a half.

But supposedly malarone is supposed to have the lease side effects. No good for pregnant women either way.

mendelk · « **Reply #2163 on:** January 05, 2022, 01:59:13 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 01:49:28 PM

We stayed over Shabbos in the Protea, basic hotel, but it's a no brainer as it's right by shuls and Press Grill.
We switched on Sunday as Chabad of Sea Point got us a great rate for a suite and kosher brekkie at the Clarendon. Really a stunning hotel.

Cool regarding the Clarendon. I'm gonna reach out to them and see if such a deal is still available?

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 01:49:28 PM

Maybe do Vic Falls/Chobe for a couple days?

As mentioned regarding pregnancy was thinking not to exert ourselves too much - and our trip is back from CPT so anywhere we go would need to fly back to CPT.

Any reason suggesting Vic Falls? Thinking if flying far would prob. be to Kruger - unless mentioning cuz no Malaria concern.

Anyone else have thoughts on Addo as an option to get some Africa feel. At the moment just staying in Cape Town feels like it would be a beautiful sunny beachy trip - though may regret flying across the world and not seeing the real nature Africa is known for.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2164 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:12:00 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 01:52:54 PM

I had erm, gastro issues on much of the trip, though I have no idea if it was from the malarone, brushing my teeth with faucet water a couple times by accident, or just eating too much biltong, biltong flavored chips, and endless meats for a week and a half.

But supposedly malarone is supposed to have the lease side effects. No good for pregnant women either way.

Ouch! Never, ever, put African sink or well water into your mouth.

I've used Malarone multiple times, as have all guests on all my African and South/Central American trips. I only had one guy have any side effects - frequent urination and very vivid dreams (although they didn't sound as epic as the ones @Saulius mentioned, which, quite frankly, sounds like an acid trip for a lot less money).

sds1493 · « **Reply #2165 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:13:31 PM »

As a local, I'd advise against Kruger. A week goes by quickly and there is so much to do in the Cape Town vicinity. If your aim is to relax then spending a day each way flying and driving to your lodge just doesn't seem worth it. Save it for another time.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2166 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:14:48 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 05, 2022, 01:59:13 PM

Any reason suggesting Vic Falls? Thinking if flying far would prob. be to Kruger - unless mentioning cuz no Malaria concern.

Because aside from the falls, you can have an absolutely epic 1-day safari experience in nearby Chobe.

Look for flights to VFA, LVI, and BBK. The latter is right near Chobe, and you can choose to do a day trip to Vic Falls instead of vice versa - but if you skip the falls you can have more time on safari (or less time away from Cape Town, depending on the flights).

Dan · « **Reply #2167 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:16:45 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 05, 2022, 01:59:13 PM

Any reason suggesting Vic Falls? Thinking if flying far would prob. be to Kruger - unless mentioning cuz no Malaria concern.

Vic falls for also getting an epic Chobe Safari. Figure in the summer you'll see a lot more from a river safari than in the Kruger.
But it's a shlep and you can always go on safari another time if it's too hard this time.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2168 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:18:18 PM »

Quote from: sds1493 on January 05, 2022, 02:13:31 PM

As a local, I'd advise against Kruger. A week goes by quickly and there is so much to do in the Cape Town vicinity. If your aim is to relax then spending a day each way flying and driving to your lodge just doesn't seem worth it. Save it for another time.

"Save it for another time" is not practical advice for most tourists coming from the USA. Unless OP has realistic options or plans to return, going to South(ern) Africa and not doing a game reserve will be regretted for a very long time.

Saulius · « **Reply #2169 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:19:23 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 05, 2022, 01:59:13 PM

Cool regarding the Clarendon. I'm gonna reach out to them and see if such a deal is still available?

As mentioned regarding pregnancy was thinking not to exert ourselves too much - and our trip is back from CPT so anywhere we go would need to fly back to CPT.

Any reason suggesting Vic Falls? Thinking if flying far would prob. be to Kruger - unless mentioning cuz no Malaria concern.

Anyone else have thoughts on Addo as an option to get some Africa feel. At the moment just staying in Cape Town feels like it would be a beautiful sunny beachy trip - though may regret flying across the world and not seeing the real nature Africa is known for.

Malaria risk in Victoria Falls area is much higher than South Africa. Zambia reported over 5 million cases of malaria in 2019. (population of about 18 million).

Dan · « **Reply #2170 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:20:01 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on January 05, 2022, 02:19:23 PM

Malaria risk in Victoria Falls area is much higher than South Africa. Zambia reported over 5 million cases of malaria in 2019. (population of about 18 million).

But where in Zambia? In Vic Falls they claimed that was further north.
Is there granular data?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2171 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:21:56 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 02:16:45 PM

But it's a shlep and you can always go on safari another time if it's too hard this time.

Not the world's biggest shlep, and definitely no shlep if flying into BBK.

In general though I'd say that for a 1-day safari, Chobe can typically be a lot more productive than Kruger.

Heck, I saw more in Chobe than 2 days in the Serengeti.

mendelk · « **Reply #2172 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:26:29 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on January 05, 2022, 02:21:56 PM

Not the world's biggest shlep, and definitely no shlep if flying into BBK.

In general though I'd say that for a 1-day safari, Chobe can typically be a lot more productive than Kruger.

Heck, I saw more in Chobe than 2 days in the Serengeti.

Interesting. Flights are a bit pricey at $530 roundtrip from CPT. Almost as much as paid for the entire EWR <> CPT flight.

Especially as comparing against Addo near Port Elizabeth at $110 flights (ignoring how the experience presumably can't compare).

mendelk · « **Reply #2173 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:30:21 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on January 05, 2022, 02:18:18 PM

"Save it for another time" is not practical advice for most tourists coming from the USA. Unless OP has realistic options or plans to return, going to South(ern) Africa and not doing a game reserve will be regretted for a very long time.

Totally agree as I don't see it happening again so quickly - if at all. So you would suggest a game reserve like the Aquila Private Game Reserve even if it's not the real deal?

At this point I think it's between going somewhere like that or flying for a day to Port Elizabeth for Addo park.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2174 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:33:14 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 05, 2022, 02:26:29 PM

Interesting. Flights are a bit pricey at $530 roundtrip from CPT. Almost as much as paid for the entire EWR <> CPT flight.

Especially as comparing against Addo near Port Elizabeth at $110 flights (ignoring how the experience presumably can't compare).

Looked into Awards? BA from JNB can be crazy cheap. Not sure what connections are like from CPT, but definitely worth looking into.

And can you book Airlink with points at all?

Dan · « **Reply #2175 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:35:26 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on January 05, 2022, 02:21:56 PM

Not the world's biggest shlep, and definitely no shlep if flying into BBK.

There are no nonstops to BBK. Connections via JNB are a certified shlep and dealing with JNB hassles and nonsense.
LVI and VFA would be the nonstops available.

Dan · « **Reply #2176 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:36:31 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on January 05, 2022, 02:33:14 PM

And can you book Airlink with points at all?

Supposed to be possible with UA at some point. Not sure when.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2177 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:41:34 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 02:35:26 PM

There are no nonstops to BBK. Connections via JNB are a certified shlep and dealing with JNB hassles and nonsense.
LVI and VFA would be the nonstops available.

Ok, so VF definitely seems like the better option then.

@mendelk yes, it'll be a long day, but very passive - the drive to Chobe is over good paved roads. You basically take a van to the border, walk across, and transfer to a safari vehicle for the first half of the day. You then switch to a boat, before returning via van. So not terrible, and beyond epic.

And finally - it's totally worth spending a couple extra bucks for a private trip. Makes a world of a difference.

Dan · « **Reply #2178 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:45:08 PM »

Should be possible to book Kenya Air CPT-LVI via Flying Blue. Timing didn't work for us, so we did Airlink from VFA.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2179 on:** January 05, 2022, 02:47:41 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2022, 02:45:08 PM

Should be possible to book Kenya Air CPT-LVI via Flying Blue. Timing didn't work for us, so we did Airlink from VFA.

Last time I tried I got only errors with LVI. Didn't try calling as the trip plan changed regardless.

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
shmebeble	Link
Yaalili	Link
Ponash123	Link
Yehoshua	Link
Jomaster28	Link

Name	Type	Hours	Contact	Location & 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

Name	Cost	Distance from CPT	Description and Notes
Boulders Beach	R170	35 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 hours	Also features African Penguins though less crowded than Boulders beach, though further.
Chapman's Peak Drive	R45/car	45 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/pp	1.5 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 hours	Can 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 hours	Pricey 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

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
Yaalili	Link
Yehuda57	Link
Ponash123	Link
Yehoshua	Link

Name	Type	Contact	Location & 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

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Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 486419 times)