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 467238 times)

Offline Saulius

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1020 on: June 16, 2017, 01:20:57 AM »
Which SA cell phone provider offers the best plans for tourists?

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/South_Africa

Nationwide the best overall coverage is Vodacom, followed by MTN. Check the coverage maps:

http://www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/coverage-map
http://www.mtn.co.za/pages/coverage-map.aspx

There is also Cell C, they offer unlimited Whatsapp Data Bundle for R12
https://www.cellc.co.za/cellc/coverage-map

Online Geshmak25

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1021 on: June 20, 2017, 08:01:29 AM »
My parents want to take a trip to South Africa sometime in May 2018. I understand that it's far in advance but wanted to get an idea of the best points to accumulate to get award flights for them. They currently have about 150K UR (with CSR) but could increase that if necessary. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
PUTPAC = PITA

Offline ajs625

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1022 on: June 20, 2017, 09:25:42 AM »
If you want non-stop from NYC, you will need 160K total for 2 ppl in Y R/T via United.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1023 on: June 20, 2017, 10:09:31 AM »
If you want non-stop from NYC, you will need 160K total for 2 ppl in Y R/T via United.
Thanks - now I see that. And for J it would be 320K? Is it lie flat? Is it an award that is really hard to find? I see do see some saver availability around the dates that we're looking at.
PUTPAC = PITA

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1024 on: June 20, 2017, 10:58:47 AM »
Thanks - now I see that. And for J it would be 320K? Is it lie flat? Is it an award that is really hard to find? I see do see some saver availability around the dates that we're looking at.

It is lie flat.

You can get that SAA flight with ANA for 104k miles or with other programs cheaper than United: https://www.awardhacker.com/#f=JFK&t=JNB&o=0&c=j&s=0&p=0

Delta has a direct flight from Atlanta, which is much more difficult to get "saver" award. (I've never seen it)
Otherwise you are looking at a stop in Europe, or with AA, a stop in DOH.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1025 on: June 20, 2017, 11:01:47 AM »
It is lie flat.

You can get that SAA flight with ANA for 104k miles or with other programs cheaper than United: https://www.awardhacker.com/#f=JFK&t=JNB&o=0&c=j&s=0&p=0

Cheapest in J is probably A3. Though both ANA and A3 are not transfer partners with chase.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1026 on: June 20, 2017, 11:36:43 AM »
You can get that SAA flight with ANA for 104k miles or with other programs cheaper than United: https://www.awardhacker.com/#f=JFK&t=JNB&o=0&c=j&s=0&p=0
Thanks, that's helpful. How likely is it that I will find 2 J saver awards on the non-stop NYC flight? My parents are def the type that want to plan in advance so waiting until a few weeks beforehand won't work.
PUTPAC = PITA

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1027 on: June 20, 2017, 11:38:22 AM »
Thanks, that's helpful. How likely is it that I will find 2 J saver awards on the non-stop NYC flight? My parents are def the type that want to plan in advance so waiting until a few weeks beforehand won't work.
I'm not knowledgeable enough about that to give you odds.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1028 on: June 20, 2017, 11:45:10 AM »
I booked back in Jan and have looked every fews days and have not seen any J saver awards from NYC on SAA.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1029 on: June 20, 2017, 11:51:31 AM »
I booked back in Jan and have looked every fews days and have not seen any J saver awards from NYC on SAA.
You booked J or Y?

So if I ever see J open up then I need to jump on them. Based on awardhacker it seems that transferring UR to Singapore is my cheapest option (assuming I only have UR to work with). Is the transfer instant?
« Last Edit: June 20, 2017, 12:00:34 PM by Geshmak25 »
PUTPAC = PITA

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1030 on: June 20, 2017, 12:06:28 PM »
Booked in Y. Yes, If you see J jump on it. I don't recall if SQ is instant, I know I've had to wait some time in the past until it showed up.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1031 on: June 20, 2017, 12:14:24 PM »
Booked in Y. Yes, If you see J jump on it. I don't recall if SQ is instant, I know I've had to wait some time in the past until it showed up.
So you're checking to see if J opens up and you'll upgrade? Is that a simple process that you can do online without any fees or do you need to call in?
PUTPAC = PITA

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1032 on: June 20, 2017, 12:31:37 PM »
Yes, I am looking for J. On UA you can do it online for SQ you will need to PUTPAC as partner awards cannot be booked online.

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1033 on: June 20, 2017, 12:36:04 PM »
So you're checking to see if J opens up and you'll upgrade? Is that a simple process that you can do online without any fees or do you need to call in?

On United I believe there is a change fee.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1034 on: June 20, 2017, 12:59:04 PM »
On United I believe there is a change fee.
Cost?
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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1036 on: June 26, 2017, 03:22:08 PM »
What's the best sim card for calling and 4g?

Offline Saulius

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1037 on: June 26, 2017, 03:40:53 PM »
What's the best sim card for calling and 4g?

MTN or Vodacom.  We have 4g LTE since 2012.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1038 on: June 26, 2017, 03:42:55 PM »
MTN or Vodacom.  We have 4g LTE since 2012.
thanks, is there calling in kruger? Is it possible to forward an American phone number to a SA phone number?

I just saw this website. Is it reliable?

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/South_Africa

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1039 on: June 26, 2017, 03:48:22 PM »
thanks, is there calling in kruger? Is it possible to forward an American phone number to a SA phone number?

I just saw this website. Is it reliable?

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/South_Africa
I had t-mobile roaming in Kruger.
Memories last forever, make them while you can.