Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 480966 times)

mijo · « **Reply #2240 on:** February 01, 2022, 01:46:37 AM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 31, 2022, 08:10:48 PM

For anyone that's entered recently, is a signature actually required?

Signature on the PCR wasn't required when my Aunt entered last week

Dan · « **Reply #2241 on:** February 01, 2022, 07:43:05 AM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 31, 2022, 08:10:48 PM

I'm seeing online for entry requirements:
For anyone that's entered recently, is a signature actually required?

I took my test and got back a lab result that I can print out. Not sure how exactly I'm expected to get it signed.

Not enforced.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2242 on:** February 01, 2022, 07:46:34 AM »

Quote from: Dan on February 01, 2022, 07:43:05 AM

Not enforced.

I have not traveled to SA since covid, but in South Africa, you never know when a power trip will kick in and enforce rules real or imagined.

Dan · « **Reply #2243 on:** February 01, 2022, 07:55:31 AM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on February 01, 2022, 07:46:34 AM

I have not traveled to SA since covid, but in South Africa, you never know when a power trip will kick in and enforce rules real or imagined.

Can always just sign and photocopy your PCR results...

Dawie · « **Reply #2244 on:** February 01, 2022, 10:46:39 AM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on February 01, 2022, 07:46:34 AM

I have not traveled to SA since covid, but in South Africa, you never know when a power trip will kick in and enforce rules real or imagined.

Just read a cute story about Rebbitzen Jungreis, when she came to Jan Smuts, they stopped her assistant and refused to let her in to the country because she didn't have a clean page on her passport. long story short, they were brought into a side room and were going to be deported and the Reb. decided it was time to daven Mincha. The head Afrikaner came back in, saw her davening and asked what is she doing and the assistant told him. The Afrikaner said you never know what prayer can accomplish, you're free to go.....

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2245 on:** February 10, 2022, 07:08:37 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 16, 2021, 10:54:55 AM

Once, on a pre-Pesach Jew-filled JFK-JNB flight, in the first drinks service, my sister asked for an Appletiser and the flight attendant said to her colleague, "Oh no, we're going to run out of Appletiser, there are 41 of them!" (Based on KSMLs)

Do I post this in the antisemitism experiences thread?

yitzyul · « **Reply #2246 on:** February 16, 2022, 04:11:51 AM »

Quote from: Dan on January 06, 2022, 04:50:13 PM

PSA: You need Rand or a SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Luckily the guy behind us gave us Rand as all our Visa/MC/AMEX credit and debit cards failed and they wouldn't take USD. And the guy behind us refused to accept the $20USD I offered for some Rand!

Just used chase sapphire Reserve. No problem. Agent asked if foreign credit card and gave me different machine. I believe stated on their website they officially accept foreign credit cards

yitzyul · « **Reply #2247 on:** February 16, 2022, 05:28:31 AM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 31, 2022, 08:10:48 PM

I'm seeing online for entry requirements:
For anyone that's entered recently, is a signature actually required?

I took my test and got back a lab result that I can print out. Not sure how exactly I'm expected to get it signed.

No one even asked for PCR in SA

mendelk · « **Reply #2248 on:** February 16, 2022, 09:12:11 PM »

I just got back and they def. did check for tests at Cape Town airport, though I'm quite certain the person behind me had a NAAT instead of PCR, in case that's of interest to anyone.

mendelk · « **Reply #2249 on:** February 16, 2022, 09:22:34 PM »

On another note, thank you everyone who answered my questions. Just got back from an amazing trip to South Africa.

Spent Thursday eve through Wednesday morning in Cape Town (at the Clarendon - Bantry Bay). Flew for a day to Port Elizabeth to visit Addo Elephant National Park before flying back to EWR via CPT on Thursday.

Got amazing pics. Boulders beach swimming with penguins (not visiting the boardwalk), climbing Lion's Head and Kayaking with dolphins in Hout Bay were def. highlights.

Dawie · « **Reply #2250 on:** March 14, 2022, 06:52:50 PM »

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/safricas-comair-airlines-fleet-grounded-indefinitely-says-regulator-2022-03-13/

moko · « **Reply #2251 on:** March 23, 2022, 05:41:46 PM »

I have a Bar Mitzva the Shabbos after Pesach.
Probably a solo trip but might bring my 11 yr old daughter along. I will also likely have adult travel companion(s) locally, Thu-Fri and possibly Sun-Tue.
Currently planning to leave BOS Tue night 4/26, arriving JNB Wed night 4/27 via AMS.
Return is scheduled for Tue night 5/3 arriving BOS Wed noon via CDG.
(All in economy

unless I can find a reasonable J fare - award or cash- fast)
Will probably be tied up with work Thu but would like to do some local attractions Fri (and a backup plan for Thu if work plans fall through.)
For Sunday morning - Tuesday midday, does it make sense to do a safari blitz in two days, being back in JNB by Tue afternoon?
Open to other exciting excursions bides safari and, depending on the flight situation, can fly back from other locations.
Accepting all suggestions!!

Dan · « **Reply #2252 on:** March 23, 2022, 05:43:25 PM »

Quote from: moko on March 23, 2022, 05:41:46 PM

I have a Bar Mitzva the Shabbos after Pesach.
Probably a solo trip but might bring my 11 yr old daughter along. I will also likely have adult travel companion(s) locally, Thu-Fri and possibly Sun-Tue.
Currently planning to leave BOS Tue night 4/26, arriving JNB Wed night 4/27 via AMS.
Return is scheduled for Tue night 5/3 arriving BOS Wed noon via CDG.
(All in economy unless I can find a reasonable J fare - award or cash- fast)
Will probably be tied up with work Thu but would like to do some local attractions Fri (and a backup plan for Thu if work plans fall through.)
For Sunday morning - Tuesday midday, does it make sense to do a safari blitz in two days, being back in JNB by Tue afternoon?
Accepting all suggestions!!

Can't go wrong with a safari, Vic Falls, or Cape Town.

moko · « **Reply #2253 on:** March 23, 2022, 05:51:34 PM »

Quote from: Dan on March 23, 2022, 05:43:25 PM

Can't go wrong with a safari, Vic Falls, or Cape Town.

True, but with such a short time, which maximizes my time?

Dan · « **Reply #2254 on:** March 23, 2022, 05:53:03 PM »

Quote from: moko on March 23, 2022, 05:51:34 PM

True, but with such a short time, which maximizes my time?

All are doable Sun-Tues. Just depends on what you want to do.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2255 on:** March 23, 2022, 05:54:35 PM »

2x half day Vic Falls (one on each side) and a full day Chobe safari in between. Pretty much a perfect itinerary for such a short time, and quite varied.

moko · « **Reply #2256 on:** March 23, 2022, 07:58:17 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on March 23, 2022, 05:54:35 PM

2x half day Vic Falls (one on each side) and a full day Chobe safari in between. Pretty much a perfect itinerary for such a short time, and quite varied.

assuming I'll have to backtrack to JNB to get home?
Is this a rent a car do-it-yourself trip for diyrs or do you recommend hiring a guide/your company?

moish · « **Reply #2257 on:** March 25, 2022, 11:28:03 AM »

2 dinners in CPT, ditto with JNB. What's recommended?

Also, can I use an Emed style test to leave SA to the US?

Moshe_N · « **Reply #2258 on:** March 25, 2022, 11:31:54 AM »

Going to SA for Pesach. Did the safari a while back and table mountain alongside riding on top of elephants. Had the most unbelievable experience. Anything else you guys would recommend?

Dan · « **Reply #2259 on:** March 25, 2022, 01:41:46 PM »

Quote from: moko on March 23, 2022, 07:58:17 PM

assuming I'll have to backtrack to JNB to get home?
Is this a rent a car do-it-yourself trip for diyrs or do you recommend hiring a guide/your company?

Yes.
Chobe guides are cheap, no-brainer.
You can get hire cheap transfers in Vic Falls, not worth renting a car and dealing with border issues.

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
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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 480966 times)