Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 477879 times)

Safe? Locals drink tap water in most places.

But if you're used to US standards of tap water, you are all but guaranteed to feel the effects of tap water in 3rd world countries sooner or later. Not worth the risk of ruining a trip.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2326 on:** August 08, 2022, 03:26:52 PM »

Quote from: Dan on August 08, 2022, 03:24:52 PM

Safe? Sure.
If you're used to US standards of water, you are going to get sick from tap water in 3rd world countries.

Johannesburg water is "first-world" quality. IIRC, it ranks higher than many US cities (not just Flint).

Dan · « **Reply #2327 on:** August 08, 2022, 03:29:44 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on August 08, 2022, 03:26:52 PM

Johannesburg water is "first-world" quality. IIRC, it ranks higher than many US cities (not just Flint).

When it's running?
All I'm saying is that I don't think it's ever worth the risk while traveling. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful in 3rd world countries.

Dan · « **Reply #2328 on:** August 08, 2022, 03:32:32 PM »

35% risk rating in JNB, whatever that means.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-27-government-confirms-an-alarming-decline-in-sa-tap-water-safety-checks/

The cost benefit analysis on this is a no-brainer IMHO.

Saulius · « **Reply #2329 on:** August 08, 2022, 05:49:41 PM »

Quote from: Dan on August 08, 2022, 03:32:32 PM

35% risk rating in JNB, whatever that means.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-27-government-confirms-an-alarming-decline-in-sa-tap-water-safety-checks/

The cost benefit analysis on this is a no-brainer IMHO.

I drink the tap water here everyday, and no complaints... However, just lately it seems that from time to time, I open up the tap and nothing comes out, no water pressure. Wanted to do a washing before the 9 days started, and no water. I went to sleep, and tried again at 4am and bh the water pressure came back. @jhbwater -- Not to mention, two months ago, they digged up the sidewalk on my street to replace the waterpipes -- but they did NOT cover it back up. Have to walk into the middle of the road to avoid the ditch.

Gimpel · « **Reply #2330 on:** August 11, 2022, 09:29:08 AM »

Looking for night activities in Johannesburg, is there anything to do or does the city shut down at night? We’re thinking about a Soweto night tour, any thoughts?

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2331 on:** August 11, 2022, 10:15:04 AM »

Quote from: Gimpel on August 11, 2022, 09:29:08 AM

Looking for night activities in Johannesburg, is there anything to do or does the city shut down at night? We’re thinking about a Soweto night tour, any thoughts?

I don't think it's too safe and night. Restaurants are open, though not too late, but I think it's safer to stay put. That was the conclusion I reached when I went.

Dan · « **Reply #2332 on:** August 11, 2022, 10:18:15 AM »

Quote from: Yehoshua on August 11, 2022, 10:15:04 AM

I don't think it's too safe and night. Restaurants are open, though not too late, but I think it's safer to stay put. That was the conclusion I reached when I went.

+1

Saulius · « **Reply #2333 on:** August 11, 2022, 11:58:22 AM »

Quote from: Gimpel on August 11, 2022, 09:29:08 AM

Looking for night activities in Johannesburg, is there anything to do or does the city shut down at night? We’re thinking about a Soweto night tour, any thoughts?

Soweto night tour for the most part is composed of visiting the rustic shebeens and joining a Braii - so not really an activity for a yid.

The kosher restaurants that are opened at night usually close around 9pm.

tmendy226 · « **Reply #2334 on:** August 11, 2022, 02:08:26 PM »

Quote from: Gimpel on August 11, 2022, 09:29:08 AM

Looking for night activities in Johannesburg, is there anything to do or does the city shut down at night? We’re thinking about a Soweto night tour, any thoughts?

shooting

Charlie87 · « **Reply #2335 on:** August 11, 2022, 02:34:53 PM »

@Dan why are the wedges at Nando’s “legit crack”? Am I missing something?

Saulius · « **Reply #2336 on:** August 11, 2022, 03:39:41 PM »

Quote from: tmendy226 on August 11, 2022, 02:08:26 PM

shooting

Just my two cents, as previous posters have been commenting on how unsafe it is.

About 4 million tourists visit Johannesburg each year, and incidents involving tourists are extremely rare, because most of the crime occurs in areas where tourists do not venture, unless accompanied by a guide. Majority of the serious crime happens in Joburg inner-city and surounding area (Berea, CBD, Hillbrow, Jeppestown, Yeoville), townships (urban areas that were designated for non-whites during apartheid era), informal settlements (slum areas, where housing is composed of shacks made out of tin), etc.

Overall, there is definitely a security issue in Johannesburg, just living here for years and years, in the wealthier suburbs, majority of the white people live in safer areas / suburbs, and living for years one gets a false sense of security, as nothing happens, and that's when people get victimized -- they become less alert/careless. When people do get robbed, or one gets get hijacked/carjacked, if one does not resist, the chances of getting physically hurt is very low. There are millions of cars here, and statistically about 30 cars get hijacked each day -- the chances of becoming unlucky is very low. The most common thing that happens is that people walking in town, have their cell phones out, and they get snatched.

When it comes to home robberies, majority of the cases, the people were neglectful and left their doors and/or gate opened. A friend of mine was stupid, and replied to a classified to buy a laptop, and agreed to meet 10:30pm at night on the street. However, the difference is that when one gets mugged in Brooklyn, Baltimore, DC, Chicago, etc -- too often it's violent and one ends up in the hospital, but here they are not looking to hurt people, for them it's the only way to survive to put bread on the table. The minimum wage in South Africa is R23.19 - that's equivalent of USD $1.43 in today's exchange rate -- that's $57.20 for a 40 hour work week. The inequality and the gap between the rich and the poor is wider in South Africa than anywhere else in the world.

People in Johannesburg do not live in a vacuum. People go out at night, tonight there are 3 chasanas, life is normal - we just have to take our precautions, and overall quality of life is superb (unless one does not have a source of income), the climate here is from the best in the world, and it's everybody is extremely social and friendly.

I am not a Chabadnik, but everybody here quotes this:

"On the very day of Mandela’s release from prison, Rabbi Koppel Bacher, a prominent local Chabad leader, was in New York. On Sunday, he stood in line to receive a dollar for charity and a blessing from the Rebbe. After giving him the dollar for tzedakah, the Rebbe called him back and gave him this message for our community. “Tell them they have nothing to fear and that South Africa will be good for Jews until the coming of Moshiach!”

Yehoshua · « **Reply #2337 on:** August 12, 2022, 12:56:01 AM »

Quote from: Saulius on August 11, 2022, 03:39:41 PM

Just my two cents, as previous posters have been commenting on how unsafe it is.

About 4 million tourists visit Johannesburg each year, and incidents involving tourists are extremely rare, because most of the crime occurs in areas where tourists do not venture, unless accompanied by a guide. Majority of the serious crime happens in Joburg inner-city and surounding area (Berea, CBD, Hillbrow, Jeppestown, Yeoville), townships (urban areas that were designated for non-whites during apartheid era), informal settlements (slum areas, where housing is composed of shacks made out of tin), etc.

Overall, there is definitely a security issue in Johannesburg, just living here for years and years, in the wealthier suburbs, majority of the white people live in safer areas / suburbs, and living for years one gets a false sense of security, as nothing happens, and that's when people get victimized -- they become less alert/careless. When people do get robbed, or one gets get hijacked/carjacked, if one does not resist, the chances of getting physically hurt is very low. There are millions of cars here, and statistically about 30 cars get hijacked each day -- the chances of becoming unlucky is very low. The most common thing that happens is that people walking in town, have their cell phones out, and they get snatched.

When it comes to home robberies, majority of the cases, the people were neglectful and left their doors and/or gate opened. A friend of mine was stupid, and replied to a classified to buy a laptop, and agreed to meet 10:30pm at night on the street. However, the difference is that when one gets mugged in Brooklyn, Baltimore, DC, Chicago, etc -- too often it's violent and one ends up in the hospital, but here they are not looking to hurt people, for them it's the only way to survive to put bread on the table. The minimum wage in South Africa is R23.19 - that's equivalent of USD $1.43 in today's exchange rate -- that's $57.20 for a 40 hour work week. The inequality and the gap between the rich and the poor is wider in South Africa than anywhere else in the world.

People in Johannesburg do not live in a vacuum. People go out at night, tonight there are 3 chasanas, life is normal - we just have to take our precautions, and overall quality of life is superb (unless one does not have a source of income), the climate here is from the best in the world, and it's everybody is extremely social and friendly.

I am not a Chabadnik, but everybody here quotes this:

"On the very day of Mandela’s release from prison, Rabbi Koppel Bacher, a prominent local Chabad leader, was in New York. On Sunday, he stood in line to receive a dollar for charity and a blessing from the Rebbe. After giving him the dollar for tzedakah, the Rebbe called him back and gave him this message for our community. “Tell them they have nothing to fear and that South Africa will be good for Jews until the coming of Moshiach!”

Very fair points. I guess the original post was asking what night activities there are to do, maybe like going to a Broadway show in New York or walking around 3rd Street Promenade in LA. In that regard, I couldn't find anything similar to do at night in Joburg. You live there, so you will know better than most people if there are other things to do in the evening besides go out to eat until 9:00 p.m.. I will agree that everybody is super friendly and are living life as normal.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2338 on:** August 12, 2022, 02:36:46 AM »

Quote from: Charlie87 on August 11, 2022, 02:34:53 PM

@Dan why are the wedges at Nando’s “legit crack”? Am I missing something?

Quote from: Something Fishy on November 15, 2021, 09:01:06 AM

Me, 5 minutes ago: okay these are pretty good, but "legit crack"? Nah.
Me, 3 minutes ago, beckoning over the waitress with an orange-stained finger: I'll have another one, please and thank you.
Me, now: maybe I'll have a third?

Charlie87 · « **Reply #2339 on:** August 14, 2022, 09:42:23 AM »

Anyone know if they sell cholov Yisroel milk in checkers-sea point in CPT?

Cbs	Link
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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 477879 times)