Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 473672 times)

moish · « **Reply #2360 on:** November 13, 2022, 04:35:19 PM »

Did you see any cats?

Gimpel · « **Reply #2361 on:** November 15, 2022, 04:52:33 PM »

Chobe is not known for the cats although we did get very up close with a lion, mostly tons of elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc.

gsquared · « **Reply #2362 on:** November 21, 2022, 02:36:09 PM »

A quick TR on our trip to SA, Botswana and Zambia

flew from EWR to JNB in economy plus and the seating was actually very ok. The business tix were 250K each way or around $10k.
Rented a car and stayed at the Genesis. Driving from the airport in the dark with no streetlights or traffic signals was scary and dont recommend it. Ate at nandos, next door, and a new restaurant at the Genesis. All good especially Nandos. In Cape Town stayed at the President and it was great as always. Avrons has moved again and is now quite far out of SP. The kosher wineries have all closed. There is one kosher wine left but it is made under license. Went to Fairview cheese farm, Babylonstoren, and the spice route. If you haven't been to CT before then these are good places to visit otherwise look elsewhere for more authentic and less touristy. Had Shabbat at the hotel catered by Justine +27833721172 excellent food and amazing value. I think she also owns Goldies. Picked up lamb and boeries and had the hotel freeze them
Flew to Maun in Botswana. managed to get the meat in passed customs in our duffel bags. Flew on a small Cessna to the Belmond Kwai river lodge where spent a few days and then flew to Belmond at Eagle Island for a few more days. The Belmonds in Botswana have a kosher kitchen. Separate room with all the cookware, food, washing, stoves, refrig etc There is a separate cook(the fantastic Ms. B) and a waitress(Wacky), and the wonderful(Rachel) overseeing it all. No maschaig but full access any time. They were not planning on serving meat so everything was setup for fish and pareve. We threw them off by showing up with meat but they handled it by using new cookware and resupply from the office in Maun. The service, food, game drives, and accommodations were all amazing. Botswana is low impact high value(dollar). At Eagle Island, there are only about 12 "tents"(with AC) on a property of 100's of sq miles. Game drives on request. No Rhino and didnt see wild dogs.
After Botswana we spent Shabbat at the River Lodge in Zambia near Vic falls. The property has 2 kosher kitchens. One of which is kept locked unless there is a maschiag. Again the kitchen has its own trained staff and is fully accessible. The River Lodge has around 12 chalets and as with the Belmond is an amazing experience. The owner Peter recently found out his mother etc is Jewish. He has created a Jewish museum in Livingstone. Definitely want to return to Zambia especially since they have some amazing parks as well. Highly recommended if you can go.

Dan · « **Reply #2363 on:** December 18, 2022, 09:17:10 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.

https://yourmileagemayvary.net/2022/12/15/the-countries-where-you-can-cant-drink-the-water/

Ergel · « **Reply #2364 on:** December 19, 2022, 08:03:06 AM »

Thinking about the following in June - does this make sense? Any better ideas?

TLV-ADD-VFA on motz"sh, landing Sunday at noon in VFA
Sunday/Monday in VFA, overnight at the Marriott
Monday evening to Hwange national park (either driving or flying, have to look at prices)
3 nights in Hwange (trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck, every site says a different camp is the best, maybe Davison's?)
Thursday afternoon BUQ-ADD-TLV

Too short? Better off going somewhere else for a safari and skipping VFA?

Dan · « **Reply #2365 on:** December 19, 2022, 09:32:06 AM »

Quote from: Ergel on December 19, 2022, 08:03:06 AM

Thinking about the following in June - does this make sense? Any better ideas?

TLV-ADD-VFA on motz"sh, landing Sunday at noon in VFA
Sunday/Monday in VFA, overnight at the Marriott
Monday evening to Hwange national park (either driving or flying, have to look at prices)
3 nights in Hwange (trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck, every site says a different camp is the best, maybe Davison's?)
Thursday afternoon BUQ-ADD-TLV

Too short? Better off going somewhere else for a safari and skipping VFA?

Timing seems fine. We used FHR credits at the Royal Livingstone.
Is Hwange better than something in the Okavango Delta?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2366 on:** December 19, 2022, 09:39:19 AM »

Quote from: Dan on December 19, 2022, 09:32:06 AM

Timing seems fine. We used FHR credits at the Royal Livingstone.
Is Hwange better than something in the Okavango Delta?

Don't know about better, but Hwange will most likely be orders of magnitude cheaper.

Dan · « **Reply #2367 on:** December 19, 2022, 09:43:01 AM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on December 19, 2022, 09:39:19 AM

Don't know about better, but Hwange will most likely be orders of magnitude cheaper.

I haven't done any cost research, but Chobe blew me away and our guide there was previously in the Okavango Delta and couldn't stop raving about it.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2368 on:** December 19, 2022, 09:44:31 AM »

Okavango is probably the most expensive safari destination in all of Africa.

(Still worth it though)

Dan · « **Reply #2369 on:** January 25, 2023, 04:58:52 PM »

https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/status/1618291606263861249

mijo · « **Reply #2370 on:** January 26, 2023, 01:48:01 AM »

@Dan yes, loadshedding (ie. Scheduled power outages) is a hindrance to local businesses. Many traffic lights weren't working resulting in most intersections becoming a 4 way stop. However, my experience last week is that hotels are open, they usually have a generator. Same for shops and eateries. They may have less lighting, or some items not available on the menus. Nevertheless it was still a good trip and worth it!

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2371 on:** February 20, 2023, 01:28:55 PM »

Anyone have experience with FlySafair in JNB? Do they weigh carry ons?

mijo · « **Reply #2372 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:29:39 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on February 20, 2023, 01:28:55 PM

Anyone have experience with FlySafair in JNB? Do they weigh carry ons?

Used them 2 weeks ago
Had carry on only and wasn't weighed

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2373 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:31:20 PM »

Quote from: mijo on February 20, 2023, 03:29:39 PM

Used them 2 weeks ago
Had carry on only and wasn't weighed

Awesome, thanks.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2374 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:32:05 PM »

On the subject of South African airlines, any way to book an Airlink flight with points? I've not having any luck.

Dan · « **Reply #2375 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:35:04 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on February 20, 2023, 03:32:05 PM

On the subject of South African airlines, any way to book an Airlink flight with points? I've not having any luck.

United.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2376 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:36:57 PM »

Quote from: Dan on February 20, 2023, 03:35:04 PM

United.

Hmmm.

I guess there's just no availability for my flight then. I'll keep on checking.

Gimpel · « **Reply #2377 on:** February 20, 2023, 06:39:01 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on February 20, 2023, 01:28:55 PM

Anyone have experience with FlySafair in JNB? Do they weigh carry ons?

Used them a few months ago didn’t weigh anything.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2378 on:** February 22, 2023, 09:39:59 PM »

Saw some reports online that since U.S. citizens no longer require visas to Zambia, people are having trouble getting KAZA visas at LVI.

Something to consider when looking at LVI vs. VFA flight options.

moish · « **Reply #2379 on:** March 04, 2023, 02:53:52 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on February 22, 2023, 09:39:59 PM

Saw some reports online that since U.S. citizens no longer require visas to Zambia, people are having trouble getting KAZA visas at LVI.

Something to consider when looking at LVI vs. VFA flight options.

Did it last month. No Kaza visa at LVI. However they sell it at the border crossing into Zim. And heres the beauty of insisting on using CC for it. Border officer forgot to change currency on machine to USD, so bought my Kaza for 50 Zim dollars.

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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
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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 473672 times)