Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 481095 times)

travellove · « **Reply #2460 on:** July 02, 2023, 11:02:31 PM »

Quote from: mijo on June 30, 2023, 07:55:53 AM

I get Malaria tablets in South Africa, the ones for the week before, the week of and the week after - can also be bought in other countries, better than taking the daily one(When I've lost my Sim or it's expired) I get one at Woolworths at the airport and get airtime. Actually I've had better coverage with Telkom (you can check coverage maps in Vodacom, Telkom, MTN and Cell C)If the weather is good (not usually at this time of year, lots of rain and wind), I'd always hike up, there are many simple hikes too.
Sunset from Signal hill is beautiful, but a very good spot is also anywhere on the the Atlantic Seaboard promenade, eg. Sundowners in Camp's Bay or even the 12 appostles hotel
The kyaking is fun but hit and miss if they find a pod
Not sure you'll find many whales now, they come around the South African spring
Chabad doesn't always have meals, ask them. I've landed late but had Goldies full cater shabbat for me and have it delivered to my hotel https://goldiesdeli.co.za/ or Goldiesdeli@gmail.com
The press - enjoy!
There are always walkers on the beachfront (as they call it) most of the day until sunset. If you're walking to Chabad from the President, I'd walk on "Main Road" rather than the beachfront after davening at night. Shabbat morning/afternoon is fine. It's a relatively safe part of town, but keep your watch/necklace at home. It's the part of town with the highest concentration of jews, shuls, kosher food sections (Spar and Checkers are near the President) in 3 supermarkets so don't be suprised if someone in gym clothes walking a dog on shabbat morning says Good Shabbos ;-)

The daily one is Malarone. Which one are you suggesting I take?

Saulius · « **Reply #2461 on:** July 03, 2023, 02:41:23 AM »

Quote from: travellove on July 02, 2023, 10:59:52 PM

If you would be me, you would only take Malarone in Botswana and not in SA. Correct?
Regarding the phone. You suggest not using AT&T because of cost savings? I would just love to have my regular number. If I don't mind spending the $100 for this, I should be fine?

Mosquitos thrive, and are most active, in warm, wet, humid, weather with minimal wind. Now, it's July - middle of Winter in South Africa - At night, the temperature in the Kruger dips on average to 9-10°C (48°-50°F) (yesterday it went down to 5°C/41°F in Skukuza) - and during the entire Winter, rain is extremely rare. Malaria is transmitted via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, and they are predominantly only active from dusk to morning. At temperatures below 20°C (68°F), Plasmodium falciparum (protozoan parasite which causes malaria) cannot complete its growth cycle in the Anopheles mosquito, and thus cannot be transmitted.

The risk of contracting malaria needs to be weighed up against the side effects of the malaria prophylactic medication, and all the drugs available have various side effects (Malarone has the least side effects, but it can be toxic to the liver and kidneys). Not everybody gets side effects - but it can be awful - such as psychosis, nausea, ulcers, nightmares, etc. So locals, even in high risk areas more rely on other measures such as bed netting, mosquito repellant, and wearing light colored clothing, etc.

The malaria risk in northern Botswana is much higher, but the highest risk is the most prevalent in the rainy season. July-August is the season that mosquito repellent is deemed sufficient, and tablets are not recommended.

>If I don't mind spending the $100 for this, I should be fine?
Yes, - Just if you have another phone, you can enable hotspot - and have your AT&T phone on airplane mode with wifi enabled - and you will be able to get/receive phone calls via WiFi calling. Else, with a local sim card, forward your AT&T number to a google voice number, and receive phone calls on google voice.

Saulius · « **Reply #2462 on:** July 03, 2023, 08:30:33 AM »

Also, note the malaria mosquito in the Kruger National Park is only found at altitudes of up to 600 meters, so those coming to Kruger during the higher risk period / wet season - can stay in accomodations that are situated higher: https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Maps_of_Kruger_Park-travel/kruger-park-elevation-map.html

I wonder if there been any reported malaria cases in Kruger in July/August? In South Africa, transmission is seasonal, with cases starting to rise in October, peaking in January and February, and waning towards May.

Reported malaria cases in South Africa in year of 2021 - 2,958, South Africa population: 59.36 million

https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.MLR.INCD.P3?view=map&year=2021 - Although worldbank quantifies the risk by calculating only the population at risk / population that lives in the malaria risk areas.

Dan · « **Reply #2463 on:** July 03, 2023, 11:34:30 AM »

I had no issue with malarone. Saved a good amount via goodrx.

Google Fi works well.

Legends666 · « **Reply #2464 on:** July 04, 2023, 05:34:09 AM »

Where is the best takeout food to order for shobbos in Cape Town?

mijo · « **Reply #2465 on:** July 04, 2023, 07:26:24 AM »

Quote from: Legends666 on July 04, 2023, 05:34:09 AM

Where is the best takeout food to order for shobbos in Cape Town?

I've had the best ordering and menu experience with Goldies: https://goldiesdeli.co.za/ or Goldiesdeli@gmail.com

travellove · « **Reply #2466 on:** July 06, 2023, 05:30:45 PM »

Anyone knows how to contact chabad in Cape Town? I tried to contact them twice through the site to ask about davening times for shabes and if they have meals. So far no response. Thanks.

Saulius · « **Reply #2467 on:** July 06, 2023, 05:37:57 PM »

Quote from: travellove on July 06, 2023, 05:30:45 PM

Anyone knows how to contact chabad in Cape Town? I tried to contact them twice through the site to ask about davening times for shabes and if they have meals. So far no response. Thanks.

Also, check out Ohr Somayach in Cape Town: https://www.ohrsom.co.za/
There is also https://www.morasha.co.za/ (mizrachi / modern orth)

travellove · « **Reply #2468 on:** July 06, 2023, 05:41:46 PM »

Is there a place in Cape town to watch crazy waves something similar to Hawaii?

Saulius · « **Reply #2469 on:** July 06, 2023, 06:01:56 PM »

Quote from: travellove on July 06, 2023, 05:41:46 PM

Is there a place in Cape town to watch crazy waves something similar to Hawaii?

Dungeons - but you would need to charter a boat from Hout Bay harbour to get there. https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/dungeons-the-wild-and-ruthless-south-african-wave
Also see: https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Dungeons/forecasts/latest/six_day and http://www.sixty40.co.za/surfspots/south-africa

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2470 on:** July 24, 2023, 09:33:35 PM »

Does anyone have any recommendations for a hotel near Victoria falls?
Also, any ideas on how to maximise 2 days there - would want to see the falls, do chobe, and visit a tribal village. Does this seem doable? Any other major highlights?
Thanks so much!

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2471 on:** July 25, 2023, 12:53:44 AM »

Also, is there somewhere to check if devils pool will be open? Will be there Aug 8-10 so wondering if it will be open already.

Saulius · « **Reply #2472 on:** July 25, 2023, 02:08:52 PM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 25, 2023, 12:53:44 AM

Also, is there somewhere to check if devils pool will be open? Will be there Aug 8-10 so wondering if it will be open already.

It opens when the water levels are low enough to be deemed safe. On average it opens in mid August. There have been years where it opened
at the very end of August (ie 2014), and in 2019 was a rare occurence where it opened significantly earlier on August 1st.

Saulius · « **Reply #2473 on:** July 25, 2023, 02:30:39 PM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 24, 2023, 09:33:35 PM

Does anyone have any recommendations for a hotel near Victoria falls?
Also, any ideas on how to maximise 2 days there - would want to see the falls, do chobe, and visit a tribal village. Does this seem doable? Any other major highlights?
Thanks so much!

As far as a hotel recommendation, you have to specify if you want to stay on the Zambia or Zimbabwe side. (And are you landing/departing from LVI or VFA). Chobe requires an entire day. Tribal village - search for Mukini Village on youtube.com - and decide if it's worth your time. (And another popular tribal village for visitors is Mantenga Cultural Village in Eswatini (closer to the Kruger)).

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2474 on:** July 25, 2023, 04:21:20 PM »

Is there a way to book Airlink with points? I read something about them connecting with United…
How about fast jet?
Thanks

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2475 on:** July 25, 2023, 04:22:17 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on July 25, 2023, 02:08:52 PM

It opens when the water levels are low enough to be deemed safe. On average it opens in mid August. There have been years where it opened
at the very end of August (ie 2014), and in 2019 was a rare occurence where it opened significantly earlier on August 1st.

Ok thanks for the info guess will have to see when I’m there

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2476 on:** July 25, 2023, 04:24:04 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on July 25, 2023, 02:30:39 PM

As far as a hotel recommendation, you have to specify if you want to stay on the Zambia or Zimbabwe side. (And are you landing/departing from LVI or VFA). Chobe requires an entire day. Tribal village - search for Mukini Village on youtube.com - and decide if it's worth your time. (And another popular tribal village for visitors is Mantenga Cultural Village in Eswatini (closer to the Kruger)).

Landing if VFA and I want to stay on Zimbabwe side.
Will look up about the tribal villages. Thanks!

Dan · « **Reply #2477 on:** July 25, 2023, 04:25:10 PM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 25, 2023, 04:21:20 PM

Is there a way to book Airlink with points? I read something about them connecting with United…

Yes, on United.com.

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2478 on:** July 25, 2023, 04:45:28 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 25, 2023, 04:25:10 PM

Yes, on United.com.

I checked United and don’t see it there, and I know the flight is avail on Airlink.
CPT-VFA 9:45 am flight Aug 8.

travellove · « **Reply #2479 on:** July 25, 2023, 05:52:39 PM »

Thank you very much of all the posters here. Your info was very helpful.

I usually do trip planning on my own, but I needed someone that has personal knowledge of the different reserves, lodges and experiences so I used Tanya from Africa Direct. Since she has personally been to all the lodges as she’s located in South Africa. If you need her contact, let me know.

Had a great experience in all the lodges I stayed in. Just wanted to experience different safaris. In all 3 I did the morning and evening game drives. Will give a very brief rundown of what I did.

Landed in Johannesburg. Went into town to eat. Stayed in airport hotel.

Morning flew to Skukuza, stayed in Dulini River Lodge. Next day transferred to Serrondella Lodge. Stayed there 2 days.

Then Flew From Hodespruit to CapeTown on Friday. Still waiting for Chabad to reply to me what time their davening is and whether they have meals. I ordered meal from Avron. Walked at Seapoint promenade.

Sunday. Did the Peninsula tour, Seal island boat tour, Chapman’s peak, Cape pf good Hope, Cape Point, Boulder’s beach, Muizenberg and Camps Bay for Sundown. Had rain first few hours, then it cleared up.

Monday did local stuff, Castle of Good Hope, Robben Island, beautiful Table Mountain and Signal Hill for Sunset. Visited V&A Waterfront in evening.

Tuesday morning flew to Wilderness Qorokwe in Okavango Delta in Botswana. Besides the game drive I also did a guided walk and the Mokoro (canoe) driven by polers on the Delta. Stayed there 2 days and then flew home via Johannesburg.

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
shmebeble	Link
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

Topic Wiki

Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 481095 times)