Topic Wiki

Cape Town

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
shmebebleLink
YaaliliLink
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink
Jomaster28Link

UPDATED: Kosher Info from Beth Din in Cape Town (last updated Dec. 2020) http://www.uos.co.za/kashrut/ct_kosher.asp

Kashrus Note According to link above, all meat is glatt however milk is NOT Chalav Israel.

Restaurants

NameTypeHoursContactLocation & 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

Bakeries, Groceries & Ice Cream
Checkers Sea Point- 76 Regent Road - They have a large selection of kosher products including a kosher take out and bakery.
Spar Sea Point - 96 Regent Road - They have a large selection of kosher products including a kosher take out and bakery.

Shuls
Sea point is the main Jewish area.
Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation (Marais Road Shul)
Chabad


Hotels with Points near a Shul (Walking Minutes)
Protea Sea Point

Airport Transfer Options
Cab -
Executive Bus -
Public Bus -
Train -

Major Activities
Name
Cost
Distance from CPT
Description and Notes
Boulders Beach
R17035 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 hoursAlso features African Penguins though less crowded than Boulders beach, though further.
Chapman's Peak Drive
R45/car45 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/pp1.5 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 hoursCan 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 hoursPricey 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


Winelands
[Likely way more then listed but those are the few I remember]
(Might be worthwhile to make a trip to the winelands, even if one does not enjoy wine, for the scenery. Only about an hour or two from CPT)
  • Franschoek
  • Kleine Dracken - Kosher
  • Backsberg - Kosher

Johannesburg

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
YaaliliLink
Yehuda57Link
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink

Restaurants
http://www.uos.co.za/kashrut/restaurants.asp

http://yeahthatskosher.com/2013/04/kosher-restaurants-travel-advice-for-johannesburg-south-africa-joberg/

Map of Kosher Johannesburg

NameTypeContactLocation & 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


Bakeries, Groceries & Ice Cream
Kosher World - http://www.kosherworld.co.za/

Shuls

Hotels with Points near a Shul (Walking Minutes)

Airport Transfer Options
Cab - Uber
Executive Bus - Shuttle from HLA airport to anywhere in Sandton for R80 per person.
Public Bus -
Train - Gautrain from JNB airport is R135-155 depending on destination. Must purchase gold card before for R13.

Major Activities
Apartheid Museum
Flea Market
Gold Reef City - amusement park, along with other African themed attractions (tribal dancing, old "gold mine tour")
Lion Park - see lions from your car up close, pet lion cubs.
Monte Casino - Casino and shopping mall, with cool "outdoor" Tuscan style
Soweto Tour
Pilanesberg Safari- If you can't make it to Kruger for malaria, time or other concerns,  this is a much smaller park with less wildlife, and not as good of an experience, but definitely well worth it. About 2 hours out of Joburg, it can be done in your own vehicle, but will be a lot better with a guided game drive.
Sun City Right outside of Pilansberg
Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary- About an hour out of Joburg. Get close to elephants, touch, feed and ride them. The monkey sanctuary has a massive enclosure with hundreds of various monkeys and lemurs. No feeding or touching, unless one jumps on you. If you do go to Pilansberg, this can be done on the way.

Kruger National Park

Trip Reports
CbsLink
shmebebleLink
txtmax4Link
Jomaster28Link


Tour Options

Major Activities

Near Kruger:

The Panoramic Route includes a half dozen waterfalls; Lisbon, Horseshoe, Bridal Vail, Mac Mac, Sabie and others; The Potholes, G-d's Window, Wonder View, The Pinnacle, The Three Rondawels and views of the stunning Blyde River Canyon (third largest canyon in the world).

AJK SA trip route planning - forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=33867.msg669659#msg669659

« Last edited by mendelk on February 20, 2022, 11:02:13 PM »

Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread  (Read 478711 times)

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1717
  • Total likes: 492
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2420 on: May 09, 2023, 10:56:04 AM »
1. I'm aware, we'll be sticking to pareve. Although Café Riteve supposedly has a CY selection.
2. That could be a good idea.
3. Perfect
4. Yup, so I've heard
5. My wife and daughter want to interact with elephants, not (according to them) death. It's a moot point in any case, I'll be there during high water.
6. Same - no time, but not much to see from Zam during high water season.
2-agreed
also Mariner Wharf @ Hout Bay and fish market there after Chapmans Peak
maybe even a boat ride to Seal Island

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 122
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2421 on: May 15, 2023, 12:02:53 AM »

Thanks to all that have contributed to this very informative thread. I’m just now starting to plan my trip. Hoping to arrive on a Monday iy”h and fly out the next Thursday. I drew up the following 4 scenarios. Please let me know which one you think is best  or whether you think I should tweak it in some way. 
I am aware that July is ideal season for safari/devil’s pool and not ideal for Cape. 

Option 1- Shabes in Johanesburg

Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/cape
Tuesday   Cape
Wednesday   Cape
Thursday   Cape
Friday   Joah
Shabes   Joah
Sunday   joah/Falls
Monday   Chobe
Tuesday   Falls/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari/home


Option 2- Shabes in Cape
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   Joah
Wednesday   Joah/falls
Thursday   Chobe
Friday   Falls/cape
Shabes   Cape
Sunday   Cape
Monday   Cape
Tuesday   cape/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari/home



Option 3- basically skipping Johanesburg
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   joah/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari
Friday   Safari/cape
Shabes   Cape
Sunday   Cape
Monday   Cape
Tuesday   cape/falls
Wednesday   Chobe
Thursday   falls/home

Option 4- Shabes in Victorai falls
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   joah/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari
Friday   Safari/falls
Shabes   falls
Sunday   Chobe
Monday   Falls/cape
Tuesday   Cape
Wednesday   Cape
Thursday   Cape/home



Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2422 on: May 15, 2023, 04:48:06 AM »
Thanks to all that have contributed to this very informative thread. I’m just now starting to plan my trip. Hoping to arrive on a Monday iy”h and fly out the next Thursday. I drew up the following 4 scenarios. Please let me know which one you think is best  or whether you think I should tweak it in some way. 
I am aware that July is ideal season for safari/devil’s pool and not ideal for Cape. 

Option 1- Shabes in Johanesburg

Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/cape
Tuesday   Cape
Wednesday   Cape
Thursday   Cape
Friday   Joah
Shabes   Joah
Sunday   joah/Falls
Monday   Chobe
Tuesday   Falls/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari/home


Option 2- Shabes in Cape
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   Joah
Wednesday   Joah/falls
Thursday   Chobe
Friday   Falls/cape
Shabes   Cape
Sunday   Cape
Monday   Cape
Tuesday   cape/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari/home



Option 3- basically skipping Johanesburg
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   joah/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari
Friday   Safari/cape
Shabes   Cape
Sunday   Cape
Monday   Cape
Tuesday   cape/falls
Wednesday   Chobe
Thursday   falls/home

Option 4- Shabes in Victorai falls
Sunday   Fly out
Monday   Arrive/joah
Tuesday   joah/safari
Wednesday   Safari
Thursday   Safari
Friday   Safari/falls
Shabes   falls
Sunday   Chobe
Monday   Falls/cape
Tuesday   Cape
Wednesday   Cape
Thursday   Cape/home

Joburg nothing to do, other than to stock up on kosher food and meat. However, to me the most beautiful part of South Africa is in the Western Cape. I prefer to fly to Plettenburg Bay (although Port Elizabeth or George also works as alternative),  get a one way car rental to Cape Town.  Explore Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River, Nature's Valley, Robberg Natural Reserve and drive the entire Garden Route to Cape Town.

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 122
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2423 on: May 15, 2023, 05:43:28 PM »
Joburg nothing to do, other than to stock up on kosher food and meat. However, to me the most beautiful part of South Africa is in the Western Cape. I prefer to fly to Plettenburg Bay (although Port Elizabeth or George also works as alternative),  get a one way car rental to Cape Town.  Explore Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River, Nature's Valley, Robberg Natural Reserve and drive the entire Garden Route to Cape Town.

Thanks for the reply. The question is whether it works with the amount of days I have. How many days do I need for what you suggest? And from where should i take those extra days? From my days in Cape Town? Thanks again

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2424 on: May 15, 2023, 06:59:48 PM »
Thanks for the reply. The question is whether it works with the amount of days I have. How many days do I need for what you suggest? And from where should i take those extra days? From my days in Cape Town? Thanks again

I would consider taking it from days in Cape Town. I been going there about every year, and it's extremely scenic. I would give a full day for Storms Rivers Mouth,  and you can stay overnight in an ocean front cottage. Do the
Mouth Trail to the suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth (2km, 1 hour) and Waterfall Trail (6km, 3 hours) that leads to a spectacular waterfall along the Otter Trail’s first day’s route.

Also kayaking  / tubing: https://www.untouchedadventures.com/adventure-activities/kayak-lilo-up-the-storms-river-gorge-in-tsitsikamma/

Zipline: https://www.stormsriver.com/stormsriver-adventure-activities/tsitsikamma-canopy-tour-zipline

And then Robberg Nature Reserve Hike which is in Plettenburg Bay, and is a 4 hour hike.

There is a shul and mikvah in Plett, but mostly only active Dec-Jan, as that's where lots of the Joburg community goes for Summer holidays.
See:
https://www.strayalongtheway.com/hiking-storms-river-mouth/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otter_Trail

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 122
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2425 on: May 16, 2023, 03:32:21 PM »
I would consider taking it from days in Cape Town. I been going there about every year, and it's extremely scenic. I would give a full day for Storms Rivers Mouth,  and you can stay overnight in an ocean front cottage. Do the
Mouth Trail to the suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth (2km, 1 hour) and Waterfall Trail (6km, 3 hours) that leads to a spectacular waterfall along the Otter Trail’s first day’s route.

Also kayaking  / tubing: https://www.untouchedadventures.com/adventure-activities/kayak-lilo-up-the-storms-river-gorge-in-tsitsikamma/

Zipline: https://www.stormsriver.com/stormsriver-adventure-activities/tsitsikamma-canopy-tour-zipline

And then Robberg Nature Reserve Hike which is in Plettenburg Bay, and is a 4 hour hike.

There is a shul and mikvah in Plett, but mostly only active Dec-Jan, as that's where lots of the Joburg community goes for Summer holidays.
See:
https://www.strayalongtheway.com/hiking-storms-river-mouth/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otter_Trail

Thanks for the detailed reply. I will research more all the details. So this will take me like 2 days and then I should continue driving to Cape Point and Boulders Beach, etc. and just do one day in cape Town and hope that Table Mountain will be visible that day? 

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2426 on: May 16, 2023, 04:26:35 PM »
Thanks for the detailed reply. I will research more all the details. So this will take me like 2 days and then I should continue driving to Cape Point and Boulders Beach, etc. and just do one day in cape Town and hope that Table Mountain will be visible that day?

Well I gave an example itinerary for two days, although in that area there are dozens of other things to do.  You can search in tripadvisor for other things:

ie: The Birds of Eden -  boasts the world’s largest single dome free-flight aviary Here you can feast your eyes on more than 220 species of birds. Another attraction is the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary; the world’s only multi-species, free roaming primate sanctuary located a few minutes outside of town.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g312561-d459827-Storms_River_Suspension_Bridge-Tsitsikamma_National_Park_Eastern_Cape.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312558-Activities-Plettenberg_Bay_Western_Cape.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1382495-Activities-The_Crags_Plettenberg_Bay_Western_Cape.html
 
With your time being limited, Plettenburg Bay has airport, but only one flight a day to/from Joburg and Cape Town. George is about 95km in the West direction - and has tons of flights.  You can perhaps fly there, spend one night/two days and then fly to Cape Town from there, or do a one way car rental from George to Cape Town.  (Google Garden Route itinerary).

Also, note: Table Mountain Cableway first lift is at 8:30am, and notice they are not operating 24 July 2023 until 6 August 2023.


Offline justmeha

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2019
  • Posts: 1506
  • Total likes: 150
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2427 on: May 17, 2023, 09:00:30 AM »
6. Same - no time, but not much to see from Zam during high water season.
Was there in March which is right before/begining of the high water season, and saw much more from Zam than Zim.

On the Zim side you could hardly see anything from all the mist but on the Zam side you got a clear view.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17294
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2428 on: May 17, 2023, 09:02:55 AM »
Was there in March which is right before/begining of the high water season, and saw much more from Zam than Zim.

On the Zim side you could hardly see anything from all the mist but on the Zam side you got a clear view.
I enjoyed both sides in October, very different views.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline awardflyer

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 53
  • Total likes: 23
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: USA
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2429 on: May 21, 2023, 09:26:57 PM »
Anyone have insight on this Vic Falls lodge with kosher kitchen and mashgiach option? https://www.theriverclub.africa/pages/kosher-the-club/

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2430 on: May 22, 2023, 04:13:47 AM »
Anyone have insight on this Vic Falls lodge with kosher kitchen and mashgiach option? https://www.theriverclub.africa/pages/kosher-the-club/

Wow, $622 to $794 PER PERSON SHARING. When I go to Vic Falls, I stay in a budget accommodations for $25 a day.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17294
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2431 on: May 22, 2023, 09:17:23 AM »
Anyone have insight on this Vic Falls lodge with kosher kitchen and mashgiach option? https://www.theriverclub.africa/pages/kosher-the-club/
From what I recall, it added thousands on top of the room cost.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2432 on: May 22, 2023, 10:13:23 AM »
From what I recall, it added thousands on top of the room cost.

It's catering for very wealthy tour groups coming from the United States.  Somebody in Joburg facilitates the import of meat and mashgichim.  Still exorbitant, as salaries in Africa are extremely low. Minimum hourly wage in South Africa is R25,42 ($1.32), while in Zambia it's about less than equivalent of $0.50 cents an hour. (Zambia is a monthly minimum wage of about equivalent of $90 a month based on a 48 hour work week).

Offline tavster

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 3683
  • Total likes: 798
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 65
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: LY TP
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2433 on: May 22, 2023, 10:27:37 AM »
Minimum hourly wage in South Africa is R25,42 ($1.32)
When I flew last to JNB a custom officer found my suitcase full of food, but he said he was happy to let me proceed with it in exchange of a bribe . The smallest note I had with me was 50 euros.. when I saw his face i realized he would have been as happy with 5 euros  ::) :-[

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2434 on: May 22, 2023, 10:47:47 AM »
When I flew last to JNB a custom officer found my suitcase full of food, but he said he was happy to let me proceed with it in exchange of a bribe . The smallest note I had with me was 50 euros.. when I saw his face i realized he would have been as happy with 5 euros  ::) :-[

Bringing in food shouldn't really be a problem (other than meat). However, it's mostly electronics such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, what they are looking for. I never got stopped, but once I volunteered when I was bringing in electronics, and the customs guy wrote the amounts of each item on his hand, and then told me the amount to pay in Rand. I offered to pay in USD, as I didn't have South African currency on me, so immediately let me go.  However, South African citizens when they travel abroad, they register their electronics beforehand, else when they fly back, they can get fined to bring back their own laptop into the country.

Offline tavster

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 3683
  • Total likes: 798
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 65
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: LY TP
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2435 on: May 22, 2023, 10:51:39 AM »
Bringing in food shouldn't really be a problem (other than meat). However, it's mostly electronics such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, what they are looking for. I never got stopped, but once I volunteered when I was bringing in electronics, and the customs guy wrote the amounts of each item on his hand, and then told me the amount to pay in Rand. I offered to pay in USD, as I didn't have South African currency on me, so immediately let me go.  However, South African citizens when they travel abroad, they register their electronics beforehand, else when they fly back, they can get fined to bring back their own laptop into the country.
I hadn't done proper research. It's raw meat/fish that's officially prohibited. Nothing wrong about cooked meat, at least last time I checked. In any case, i wasn't going to argue with a custom officer in south Africa..

Offline Saulius

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2016
  • Posts: 676
  • Total likes: 242
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Liechtenstein
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2436 on: May 22, 2023, 11:02:02 AM »
I hadn't done proper research. It's raw meat/fish that's officially prohibited. Nothing wrong about cooked meat, at least last time I checked. In any case, i wasn't going to argue with a custom officer in south Africa..

Officially cooked / processed meat is also prohibited, (unless you have a permit) but I never heard of it being enforced. Then again, I know lots of travellers have been bringing kosher meat with them on the way to their Safari destinations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc., because the import of South African meat to many of the neighboring countries is prohibited, because of an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease a number of years ago.

Offline tavster

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 3683
  • Total likes: 798
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 65
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: LY TP
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2437 on: May 22, 2023, 11:04:49 AM »
Officially cooked / processed meat is also prohibited, (unless you have a permit) but I never heard of it being enforced. Then again, I know lots of travellers have been bringing kosher meat with them on the way to their Safari destinations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc., because the import of South African meat to many of the neighboring countries is prohibited, because of an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease a number of years ago.
Good to know

Offline Legends666

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jul 2021
  • Posts: 84
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Eretz yisroel
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2438 on: May 30, 2023, 04:19:52 PM »
where is a good place for a family with 2 kids to stay on the garden route?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17294
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2439 on: May 30, 2023, 04:27:23 PM »
When I flew last to JNB a custom officer found my suitcase full of food
Do you also bring coals to Newcastle?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.