Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 474617 times)

Dan · « **Reply #2280 on:** May 16, 2022, 09:45:32 AM »

Quote from: LFR on May 16, 2022, 09:43:34 AM

If you have 4 days in the Vic Falls/Chobe area which do you think is the more ideal plan:

Staying in the same hotel in Vic Falls and doing day trips to Chobe?

Doing 2 nights in a river lodge in Chobe and then 2 nights in a Vic Falls hotel?

Thanks

I'd do the latter for sure.

LFR · « **Reply #2281 on:** May 16, 2022, 10:39:58 AM »

Gracias

Saulius · « **Reply #2282 on:** May 27, 2022, 03:44:41 AM »

Landed in JNB yesterday morning, around the same time as few other planes from Europe and the Persian Gulf. Stood in the walkway queue for two hours that barely moved for health control, where at the end they have two tables with officials checking everybody for their vaccination card or negative test. They announced that antigen tests from the UK will not be accepted, and those passengers will have to be retested. Then suddenly the airport officals gave up on their Covid controls and released the thousands of people waiting to proceed straight to passport control.

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2283 on:** May 27, 2022, 08:21:04 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on May 27, 2022, 03:44:41 AM

Landed in JNB yesterday morning, around the same time as few other planes from Europe and the Persian Gulf. Stood in the walkway queue for two hours that barely moved for health control, where at the end they have two tables with officials checking everybody for their vaccination card or negative test. They announced that antigen tests from the UK will not be accepted, and those passengers will have to be retested. Then suddenly the airport officals gave up on their Covid controls and released the thousands of people waiting to proceed straight to passport control.

Curious if new rules went into effect or if they were just being African and gave up...

Saulius · « **Reply #2284 on:** May 28, 2022, 09:41:50 PM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on May 27, 2022, 08:21:04 PM

Curious if new rules went into effect or if they were just being African and gave up...

No new rules, other that they require a QR code on vaccinations or test results, and they do spot checks to verify / authenticate.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/covid-19/3107326/vaccine-certificates-may-2022/

Tom Brady · « **Reply #2285 on:** June 22, 2022, 12:43:17 PM »

Any recommendations for travel health insurance for an 18 year old boy going on a 3 week trip to South Africa?

Saulius · « **Reply #2286 on:** June 22, 2022, 01:45:23 PM »

Quote from: Tom Brady on June 22, 2022, 12:43:17 PM

Any recommendations for travel health insurance for an 18 year old boy going on a 3 week trip to South Africa?

Use http://www.insuremytrip.com to check out plans. Enter $0 for trip cost to find medical only options.

Saulius · « **Reply #2287 on:** June 23, 2022, 11:57:47 AM »

https://www.businessinsider.co.za/face-mask-gathering-and-border-covid-19-regulations-have-been-repealed-2022-6

As of Wednesday, South Africans no longer need to wear face masks.
Limits on gatherings and border checks for Covid-19 – and the need to be vaccinated to enter South Africa – have also been dropped.
Health minister Joe Phaahla quietly repealed the regulations by notice in the Government Gazette, ahead of a planned press conference on Thursday.

pcgeek · « **Reply #2288 on:** July 04, 2022, 11:21:13 PM »

Our flight lands 5am on a Tuesday in JNB. We have to leave the city by around 7:30 to make our way to Kruger.
Are there any locals here that can chime in on whether any breakfast places open that early (around 6AM)?
Google hours and the hours on the restaurant sites don't seem to always match.

Saulius · « **Reply #2289 on:** July 05, 2022, 02:12:05 AM »

Quote from: pcgeek on July 04, 2022, 11:21:13 PM

Our flight lands 5am on a Tuesday in JNB. We have to leave the city by around 7:30 to make our way to Kruger.
Are there any locals here that can chime in on whether any breakfast places open that early (around 6AM)?
Google hours and the hours on the restaurant sites don't seem to always match.

No, earliest you will find is 7AM.

Saulius · « **Reply #2290 on:** July 07, 2022, 09:42:37 AM »

Meanwhile, last few weeks there has been loadshedding in South Africa; the electric utility workers went on an illegal strike, so power goes out 3 times a day for 2.5 hours at a time. Agreement was finally reached with the striking workers, but it will take sometime for the loadshedding to stop due to the backlog of returning generating units that were taken offline for repair... https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62053991

And then there are trucks and taxis protesting against the high petrol prices and blocking roads: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/mbombela-shutdown-no-way-in-or-out-of-kruger-national-park-due-to-closed-roads-20220706

Dan · « **Reply #2291 on:** July 08, 2022, 01:50:11 PM »

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/08/south-africa-power-loadshedding-eskom/

Nuts.

moko · « **Reply #2292 on:** July 08, 2022, 01:52:29 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on July 07, 2022, 09:42:37 AM

Meanwhile, last few weeks there has been loadshedding in South Africa; the electric utility workers went on an illegal strike, so power goes out 3 times a day for 2.5 hours at a time. Agreement was finally reached with the striking workers, but it will take sometime for the loadshedding to stop due to the backlog of returning generating units that were taken offline for repair... https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62053991

And then there are trucks and taxis protesting against the high petrol prices and blocking roads: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/mbombela-shutdown-no-way-in-or-out-of-kruger-national-park-due-to-closed-roads-20220706

loadshedding was happening in May when I was there. Pretty sure it's a regular occurrence

Dan · « **Reply #2293 on:** July 08, 2022, 01:53:55 PM »

Quote from: moko on July 08, 2022, 01:52:29 PM

loadshedding was happening in May when I was there. Pretty sure it's a regular occurrence

Seems to be getting exponentially worse.

tmendy226 · « **Reply #2294 on:** July 11, 2022, 03:53:11 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 08, 2022, 01:53:55 PM

Seems to be getting exponentially worse.

Correct. Just spoke to someone who lived there for the past two years and now he left because it’s just crazy

Dawie · « **Reply #2295 on:** July 19, 2022, 04:18:08 PM »

Saulius · « **Reply #2296 on:** July 20, 2022, 10:05:26 AM »

I spent weeks in Windhoek and Swakopmund, but my airbnb accomodations there did not have pedestrian gates, so was never able to go anywhere on Shabbos. Found handful of Israelis in the malls selling snake oil, handheld electric massage machines, etc. In the video, some guy in the front puts on a tallis like a scarf?

Gimpel · « **Reply #2297 on:** July 20, 2022, 10:32:32 AM »

Hi I have a trip planned to South Africa and Victoria falls next month, we are a group of 5 friends and we are taking the Sunday flight from Cape Town to Livingstone Zambia to see Victoria falls and are flying out from Zimbabwe on Tuesday midday, as of now we plan on doing devils pool Monday morning, crossing into Zimbabwe touring that side of the falls and then Tuesday morning visiting a tribal village, but after reading what everyone is saying about Chobe we would love to go there also, do u guys recommend the original plan or doing devils pool Monday morning then a half day in chobe and touring the Zimbabwe side of the falls on Tuesday and skipping the tribal village?
Also anyone whose been lately can update me with the current COVID requirements l?
Thanks

Dan · « **Reply #2298 on:** July 20, 2022, 10:35:03 AM »

Quote from: Gimpel on July 20, 2022, 10:32:32 AM

Hi I have a trip planned to South Africa and Victoria falls next month, we are a group of 5 friends and we are taking the Sunday flight from Cape Town to Livingstone Zambia to see Victoria falls and are flying out from Zimbabwe on Tuesday midday, as of now we plan on doing devils pool Monday morning, crossing into Zimbabwe touring that side of the falls and then Tuesday morning visiting a tribal village, but after reading what everyone is saying about Chobe we would love to go there also, do u guys recommend the original plan or doing devils pool Monday morning then a half day in chobe and touring the Zimbabwe side of the falls on Tuesday and skipping the tribal village?
Also anyone whose been lately can update me with the current COVID requirements l?
Thanks

I'd say copy my itin posted above. Was perfect!

AJK · « **Reply #2299 on:** July 20, 2022, 10:49:37 AM »

Chobe was a must-do.

Cbs	Link
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Yehoshua	Link
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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 474617 times)