Topic Wiki

Cape Town

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
shmebebleLink
YaaliliLink
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink
Jomaster28Link

UPDATED: Kosher Info from Kosher SA https://www.koshersa.co.za/

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

Restaurants

NameTypeContactLocation & Description
The Press (Sea Point)
Meat
+27 21 434 7724
Website
176 Main Road - Restaurant and Bar (many craft beers on tap)
Coffee Time (Gardens)
Milk
+27 21 461 8414
Website
20 Breda Street, Gardens, Cape Town- 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 lasagna, sandwich, salad, quiche or smoothie. Early-morning special between 8am and 11am. 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. Ten minutes from Table Mountain.

Café Riteve (Gardens)
Milk
+27 (0)21 465 1594 Website
88 Hatfield Street, Gardens - 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 omelet, 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. Also have a full takeout deli:Takeout Link

Crumbs and Cream (Sea Point)
Milk
+27 674462352 Website
126 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town - Cute ice cream store with a great selection of milchig and pareve flavors.

Goldies Deli and Diner (Sea Point)
Meat & Pareve
+27 21 439 3008 Website
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 (Gardens)

Milk
+27 21 461 1100
9 Gorge Road, Highlands Estate - Coffee and light snacks. Located in a Jewish retirement home. Ten minutes from Table Mountain Cable Car.

Jean's Kitchen
@ The Kaplan Centre
(University of Cape Town)

Milk
+27 21 650 3064 Email
Located on Cape Town University campus in The Kaplan Centre - University of Cape Town - Tea, coffee, sandwiches, gourmet salads, falafel etc.

Bakeries & Groceries
Checkers Sea Point- 76 Regent Road, Sea Point - Kosher bakery, deli, chicken, fish, meat, wine, and more
Spar Sea Point - 94 Regent Road, Sea Point - Kosher bakery, deli, chicken, fish, meat, wine, and more
Pick 'n Pay Sea Point - Artem Centre 127 Main Road - Kosher bakery, deli, chicken, fish, meat, wine, and more
Pick 'n Pay Claremont - Corner of Main Road & Campground Road - All of the above with Pas Yisrael bakery
Pick 'n Pay Milnerton -Corner Koeberg Road & Loxton Road - Kosher bakery, deli, chicken, fish, meat, wine, and more

Shuls
Sea point is the main Jewish area.
Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation (Marais Road Shul)
Chabad
Ohr Somayach (They have links for arranging Shabbos meals and lodging, as well as kosher establishments in Cape Town)

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
Website
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
CLOSED IN AUGUST
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

The Garden Route

One of the nicest road trips in the world. You can drive east from Cape Town (or fly into George) towards Port Elizabeth (renamed Gqeberha). Or fly into Port Elizabeth and drive west. The official route is along Route 2 from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Between the Garden Route and Cape Town, you can stop along the way in Hermanus for shark diving and near Sir Lowry's Pass for kosher wine tasting (Cape Jewel). There is kosher food in the Pick 'n Pay Walmer Park in Port Elizabeth and in Checkers in Plettenberg Bay, about halfway through the route. Along the route, there is lots to do: AfriCanyon (canyoning), Monkeyland sanctuary, the famous Bloukrans Bungy (the highest bridge bungee in the world), Robberg Reserve in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Heads, Storms River, St. Francis Bay, Wilderness, and much more. There is also a semi-active shul and Jewish Museum in Oudtshoorn, which is also the ostrich farming capital of the world. There is an Israeli coffee shop called Baruch's Coffee in Mossel Bay (he really appreciates if you bring him Bamba), as well as lots of whale watching boat companies. A one-way rental from any of the airports mentioned is probably the best idea (Europcar has the cheapest rates for an automatic).

National Geographic Article about the Garden Route

Johannesburg

Trip Reports
CbsLink
MarkusLink
YaaliliLink
Yehuda57Link
Ponash123Link
YehoshuaLink

Shuls
"Glenhazel" is the main Jewish area (15 mins from the airport), and definitely the biggest in South Africa. Sandringham, Fairmount, and Savoy are all nearby Jewish areas. There is also the "Sandton" community about 20 minutes away, near the Sandton City Mall.

Ohr Somayach 10 Kingswood Rd, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
• Shaarei Chaim 1 Corbel Cres, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
• Adas Yeshurun 5 Summerway, Fairmount, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
Maharsha Corner Sandler & Elray St, Fairmount, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa. They have a Men's Mikvah (70 rand, no soap or towels)
Chabad 27 Aintree Ave, Savoy Estate, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa
• Ohr Somayach Sandton Shingwetzi St, Gallo Manor, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Chabad of Sandton 1 Chabad Weg, Woodmead, Sandton, 2191, South Africa

Hotels near a Shul (Walking Minutes)

Genesis Hotel:
Hotel with 1 to 3 bedroom suites with kitchenettes and a pool.
Located in central Glenhazel, a few minutes from many shuls and above a shopping center with lots of kosher food.

Website

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).
Moishes Butchery (Glenhazel)
Meat
+27 11-485-4513
3 Birt Street, Raedene Estate, Johannesburg. A wonderful butchery with amazing prices and wonderful biltong. Their WhatsApp number for orders is +27 82 342 2179. Their email is orders@moishes.co.za. They can vacuum pack your order and will even attach "par-cooked" stickers to pass through customs. Delivery available to Cape Town if you order one week in advance. Slightly cheaper than Norries in Cape Town (listed above). Just to give you an idea of their prices: Aufschnitt in America charges $9.99 for 2 oz of biltong. Moishes has it for $11 per POUND. Rib steaks at Evergreen are $32.99/lb. In Moishes it's $8.50. Price List 2024 in USD The price list has live conversion rates.
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 or 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)
Milk
+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.
Frangelicas (Glenhazel)
Milk
+27877019909 Website
2 Long Ave, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - A wonderful dairy restaurant in the heart of Glenhazel. Wonderful baked goods and amazing breakfasts.
RTG (Ready to Go)
Meat
+27 11-483-3375 Website
5 Long Ave, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - A fast food place that moved next to KosherWorld in "Downtown Glenhazel." They offer great steaks, a Chinese menu, and an extensive burger and hot dog menu.
Burger & Brew
Meat
+27 87-150-1522 Website
53 Ridge Rd, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa. - A fantastic burger and beer place with amazing burgers, wings, and dirty fries. They also have their own beer.
SoSushi (Glenhazel)
Pareve
+27820869631 Website
Located in the KosherWorld Shopping Center, 1 Long Ave. WhatsApp: +27  82 086 9631
JoziBlue (Glenhazel)
Milk
+27-66 522 3797
Located in the KosherWorld Shopping Center, 1 Long Ave. They have Cholov Yisroel, which they will serve on disposables upon request.
Bagel Zone (Fairmount)
Milk
+27-79-317-8230 Website
3 Bradfield Dr, Fairmount, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - A cheap and tasty bagel place located in Genesis shopping center offering bagels, premium coffees, salads, and muffins.
Phat Larry's (Fairmount)
Milk
+27-63-411-6655 Website
3 Bradfield Dr, Fairmount, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - Also located in Genesis, Phat Larry's offers pizza, focaccia, salads, and pasta.
Segell's Deli (Glenazel)
Meat
+27-11-640-4693 Website
17 Northfield Ave, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - Typical deli featuring sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, burgers, and steaks.
Maxi Butchery (Sandringham)
Meat
+27-11-485-1485
74 George Ave, Sandringham, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - No frills butcher with decent prices and biltong.
Shwarma Bar & Chana's Deli (Sandringham)
Meat
+27-11-640-4693 Website
10 Bradfield Dr, Fairmount, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa - Typical Israeli fare.


Groceries
KosherWorld 1 Long Ave, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, 2192
Checkers Neighborhood Corner Of Club Street & Linksfield Rd, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 2192
SPAR Sandringham 70 George Ave., Sandringham, Johannesburg
Kosher Deli at Spar Norwood 71 Grant Ave, Norwood, Johannesburg

Cell Phones
In the airport, right after customs on the right side, are stores for the two main cellphone companies. Vodacom has prepaid eSIMs and will help you set it up. Really solid rates. ($32 for 40 GB of service)

Airport Transfer Options
Cab - Uber, Bolt (cheaper) or contact Dixon (WhatsApp) +27 82 686 8559. Uber is located in the parking structure across the road from the airport exit, two flight up.
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).

A highly recommended place to stay near Kruger is Hazyview Cabanas. They offer a private chalet with a heated pool for only about $100/night, and can arrange game drives through their partner, Leap Adventures.

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

« Last edited by enjayp3 on August 18, 2024, 01:28:53 AM »

Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread  (Read 557369 times)

Offline Yaalili

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #140 on: January 13, 2015, 10:26:42 PM »

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #141 on: January 13, 2015, 10:46:17 PM »
Trevor Noah


The SAA announcements are the only smiles I get on the 18 hour flight.

Offline enwhycee

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #142 on: January 13, 2015, 11:13:42 PM »
Dates I was looking at, they were almost double the amount that Kulula and Mango were asking for. Cheapest there is FlySafair but their times weren't good.

FlySafair is also much cheaper for my dates in September..

Are all these airlines legit?

Offline Yaalili

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #143 on: January 13, 2015, 11:35:32 PM »
FlySafair is also much cheaper for my dates in September..

Are all these airlines legit?

FlySafair have only been around for about 3 months now. Mango is here since '06 and Kulula since '01.

Offline enwhycee

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #144 on: January 14, 2015, 08:56:42 AM »
Gotcha. Thanks

Offline MiA305

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #145 on: January 19, 2015, 10:28:53 PM »
First time in South Africa w/ 2 friends in Mid February. We arrive in Johannesburg on at 5:10PM and have a safari the next day. The last citybug transfer that we found leaves for Nelspruit at 6:00PM. It will be very tight to make that transfer. There is a greyhound coach that leaves at 10:00PM but doesn't get in until 2:30AMm. We don’t want to rent a car and drive at night because we heard it is not that safe. Anyone know any other buses or transportation options available that leave from Johannesburg Airport (JNB) to Nelspruit at around 7/8PM? Your help is much appreciated!!
« Last Edit: January 19, 2015, 10:41:49 PM by MiA305 »

Offline AJK

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #146 on: January 19, 2015, 10:31:31 PM »
First time in South Africa w/ 2 friends in Mid February. We arrive in Johannesburg on at 5:10PM and have a safari the next day. The last citybug transfer that we found leaves for Kruger (Nelspruit) at 6:00PM. It will be very tight to make that transfer. There is a greyhound coach that leaves at 10:00PM but doesn't get in until 2:30AMm. We don’t want to rent a car and drive at night because we heard it is not that safe. Anyone know any other buses or transportation options available that leave from Johannesburg Airport (JNB) to Kruger (Nelspruit) at around 7/8PM? Your help is much appreciated!!

That's a super tight connection, made all the more risky because you'll likely have to wait for checked bags. Odds are you're not gonna make that connection.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline Yosef_S

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #147 on: January 21, 2015, 08:56:47 AM »
A friend and I are going to South Africa in March with the EY deal. Landing in JNB at 8:40A on Wed 3/11 and departing JNB at 8:30P on Mon 3/16.

I was originally thinking to go straight from the airport to Sun City on Wed and do that and Pilatesburg, return to spend Shabbos in Jo'burg and then fly to either VFA or LVI on Sunday, see Victoria Falls, and the return to JNB on Monday and take flight back to AUH.

After reading this thread and doing other research, I'm thinking that Kruger might be a better call for the Wed-Fri trip. Anyone have thoughts on that? Also is anyone else going to be there then who might be interested in setting up a Kruger trip? Is there a provider who offers a kosher Kruger trip of such a short length? Any ideas or advice for this would be appreciated!

Also, a lot of people on here seem to be big CPT fans. Might that be a better option than Vic Falls for Sun/Mon? Or is that not nearly enough time for CPT and it would be better served being saved for a future trip? (It seems like one day is certainly enough time for Vic Falls. Anyone disagree?)

Thanks in advance!
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Offline Markus

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #148 on: February 01, 2015, 02:14:08 PM »
A friend and I are going to South Africa in March with the EY deal. Landing in JNB at 8:40A on Wed 3/11 and departing JNB at 8:30P on Mon 3/16.

I was originally thinking to go straight from the airport to Sun City on Wed and do that and Pilatesburg, return to spend Shabbos in Jo'burg and then fly to either VFA or LVI on Sunday, see Victoria Falls, and the return to JNB on Monday and take flight back to AUH.

After reading this thread and doing other research, I'm thinking that Kruger might be a better call for the Wed-Fri trip. Anyone have thoughts on that? Also is anyone else going to be there then who might be interested in setting up a Kruger trip? Is there a provider who offers a kosher Kruger trip of such a short length? Any ideas or advice for this would be appreciated!

Also, a lot of people on here seem to be big CPT fans. Might that be a better option than Vic Falls for Sun/Mon? Or is that not nearly enough time for CPT and it would be better served being saved for a future trip? (It seems like one day is certainly enough time for Vic Falls. Anyone disagree?)

Thanks in advance!

My wife and are going at the same times.

Offline Yosef_S

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #149 on: February 01, 2015, 08:16:26 PM »
What are your plans for while you're there?
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Offline Markus

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #150 on: February 01, 2015, 10:41:12 PM »
What are your plans for while you're there?

It’s a work in progress. Having some issues because we want to go to the falls and Cape Town but can’t find flights. Flights between cities in Africa are only available once a day, in the middle of the day. That means a trip from the falls to Cape Town usually takes two days, with a full day stopover in Johannesburg.

Offline Yosef_S

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #151 on: February 01, 2015, 11:23:32 PM »
True, which is why I'm thinking to only do one of the two this trip and save the other for a different time. I was just shmoozing with a local who says that Cape Town is a must-do, but he agreed with me, that if I only have a day to spend there, I'm better off with Victoria Falls, as that can better be done in a single day, whereas in Cape Town it would only be the tip of the iceberg. That's what I'm leaning towards right now.

You have any thoughts to doing Kruger?
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Offline AJK

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #152 on: February 03, 2015, 09:44:00 AM »
Agree that with a day, you are forced to skip Cape Town.

Unless you have the very, very minimum two days and one night, you're gonna be forced to skip Kruger, too.
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Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #153 on: February 03, 2015, 12:54:21 PM »
I was in Johannesburg for a few days without time for jaunts to Cape Town, Kruger or to do other serious touring. Here is a quick TR:

On our first day we drove out to the Lion Park, which is probably the biggest "must do" for tourists in Johannesburg. It has different self drive camps where you watch prides of lions from your car, and then you can go into an enclosure to pet and take pictures with lion cubs. The latter is super fun, and if you know anyone who went to SA and has pictures with lions - this is most likely where they did it.



It’s very difficult for me to find a picture without anyone in it!

About 10 minutes from the Lion Park is a place called Heia Safari Lodge. It's a lodge and conference center that has giraffes, zebra, springbok and other game walking around the premises, as well as a small dam. You can enter the grounds for free and walk around and get real close to these animals, which is cool.

On day two, we left Johannesburg at 4:00am and drove out to Pilansberg. It is like a little brother to Kruger. We got there at 6:00am. We got to see elephant and rhino real close, as well as loads of zebra, kudu, warthog, wildebeest, impala and other calves. Must be to do with the time of year we were there. We left just after midday, and managed to get through a nice chunk of the park. If you don't have enough time for Kruger, it is a great option to see some wildlife.








The exchange rate provides fantastic value for money in South Africa, especially in the restaurant dept! These are the places I visited on this trip:

Metsuyan – Finally! A classy and elegant restaurant in South Africa. The food is terrific too. The ribs were unbelievably tender and flavorful, and the steak was grilled to a perfect medium rare. Sushi appetizers were great, and sushi has never been good in South Africa.

RTG (Ready to Go) – As the name suggests, a fast food/take out joint. Is has a bunch of interesting burgers and hot dogs. I didn't try their Chinese menu, and their scotch fillet was ok, though not great.

Corner Café and Mooz brothers – decent breakfast and lunch places. Nothing especially good to write about, though they do have free wifi! I would say Corner Cafe has the better food of the two.

Michellos – You can get by with their pizza and fries, but if you are going to South Africa, load up on the meat!

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #154 on: February 03, 2015, 12:57:39 PM »
Flight from AUH arriving into JNB at 5:10pm. Will it be enough time after clearing customs and switching terminals to make a 7:25pm flight to CPT? (2h15m).

Know a couple of people who just did this with even less time than you, and made it breathing easily, without rushing at all.

Offline Yaalili

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #155 on: February 03, 2015, 02:00:50 PM »
Know a couple of people who just did this with even less time than you, and made it breathing easily, without rushing at all.

Thanks and thanks for the great mini TR. If I have only 2 days in Joburg would you recommend go for a night to Kruger, or do a day trip to Piburg and a day in Joburg?

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #156 on: February 03, 2015, 02:27:57 PM »
Thanks and thanks for the great mini TR. If I have only 2 days in Joburg would you recommend go for a night to Kruger, or do a day trip to Piburg and a day in Joburg?

Are they two full days? For instance, a friend just left very early Sunday morning from Johannesburg, and did the "Panoramic Route;" Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels, G-d's Window/Wonderview, the Potholes, Lisbon and Berlin falls and then stayed overnight in Hazyview. Monday: entered Kruger at opening time, spent a full day there and drove back to JHB. That's a packed itinerary, and many will balk at driving from Kruger to JHB through the night. (if you left Kruger from their southern gates at closing, you'd get back to JHB at around 11:30-12:30) but for a once in a lifetime trip, it may be worth it. If you wanna skip the scenery stuff and do Kruger only, it's even more doable.

But, unless you really want to do Kruger specifically, with just 2 days you'd probably be better off doing a Pilansberg trip. You could stay overnight in Pilansberg and do a guided sunrise/sunset game drive in an open top jeep, ala Kruger. You could also stop on the way at Haartebeesport Dam or Magaliesberg, or visit Sun City.

Be aware that Kruger is a malaria area, that could affect some people decisions on staying overnight.

The thing about the safaris is that there is so much luck involved. You don't want to drive 6 hours each way to Kruger, be there for only a few hours and see nothing. If you drive 2 hours to Pilansberg each way and see some mosquitos, it won't hurt as much.

Besides for the restaurants and Jewish infrastructure, there is nothing particularly interesting in Johannesburg IMHO. Touring Soweto might be, I've never done it and there are riots going on now, so it was out of the question for me on this trip.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #157 on: February 03, 2015, 02:49:37 PM »
Are they two full days? For instance, a friend just left very early Sunday morning from Johannesburg, and did the "Panoramic Route;" Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels, G-d's Window/Wonderview, the Potholes, Lisbon and Berlin falls and then stayed overnight in Hazyview. Monday: entered Kruger at opening time, spent a full day there and drove back to JHB. That's a packed itinerary, and many will balk at driving from Kruger to JHB through the night. (if you left Kruger from their southern gates at closing, you'd get back to JHB at around 11:30-12:30) but for a once in a lifetime trip, it may be worth it. If you wanna skip the scenery stuff and do Kruger only, it's even more doable.

But, unless you really want to do Kruger specifically, with just 2 days you'd probably be better off doing a Pilansberg trip. You could stay overnight in Pilansberg and do a guided sunrise/sunset game drive in an open top jeep, ala Kruger. You could also stop on the way at Haartebeesport Dam or Magaliesberg, or visit Sun City.

Be aware that Kruger is a malaria area, that could affect some people decisions on staying overnight.

The thing about the safaris is that there is so much luck involved. You don't want to drive 6 hours each way to Kruger, be there for only a few hours and see nothing. If you drive 2 hours to Pilansberg each way and see some mosquitos, it won't hurt as much.

Besides for the restaurants and Jewish infrastructure, there is nothing particularly interesting in Johannesburg IMHO. Touring Soweto might be, I've never done it and there are riots going on now, so it was out of the question for me on this trip.

I would be in Joburg from Friday noon, gonna stay there for Shabbos and my return flight is 8:30pm Monday night. So I have from MS till about 6 on Monday. If I were to never return to SA anytime soon, is it better "to do" Kruger with all that shlep to just be there for a night and two short game drives? Or will I see close to as much action in Piburg as well?

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #158 on: February 03, 2015, 03:13:29 PM »
Not worth 8-10 hours of driving for half of one day and the other half of another. Sure, you can see things in Kruger that you wouldn't in Piburg, but you can just as likely not see anything.

Stick with Piburg.
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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #159 on: February 03, 2015, 03:16:12 PM »
I would be in Joburg from Friday noon, gonna stay there for Shabbos and my return flight is 8:30pm Monday night. So I have from MS till about 6 on Monday. If I were to never return to SA anytime soon, is it better "to do" Kruger with all that shlep to just be there for a night and two short game drives? Or will I see close to as much action in Piburg as well?
Is it doable? Yes. Should it be done? Probably not. It depends on what type of traveler you are. You'll spend 10-12 hours of those 2 days driving at crazy hours on stretches of sketchy roads. (though mostly highway)

But if you like to live on the wild side, and Kruger means that much to you, I guess you could go for it. it will make for a memorable trip, if not the most practical.

ETA: As AJK said far more succinctly ;-)