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 467096 times)

Offline Dawie

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1220 on: May 28, 2018, 06:00:18 PM »
I am speaking about the many decades ago, as I was asking about "back then", when the shochtim lost their parnasasah, not about now.
i'm ignoring the question and asking what's causing them to lose their jobs now

ETA: can we stay on topic?
« Last Edit: May 28, 2018, 06:04:35 PM by Dawie »

Offline Saulius

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1221 on: May 28, 2018, 06:21:37 PM »
i'm ignoring the question and asking what's causing them to lose their jobs now

ETA: can we stay on topic?

Nothing. That was well over 30 years ago and is no longer relevant today.

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1222 on: May 28, 2018, 08:01:40 PM »
What are you looking to do in CPT?

Not saying that I can or plan to do all of these... But, this is the list I have compiled so far from all the reading and searching:

ACTIVITIES:
- Shark Diving is recommended
- sand boarding (but bring goggles!)
- V & A Waterfront to stroll around
- G-d’s window,
- Potholes
- Table mountain
    - Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed
    - Can repel down
        - 895 rand pp
            - repel for like 15 mins
            - hike back up is 25 mins
    - Chairlift costs 255 rand pp
    - Closes 6pm
    - BOOK IN ADVANCE
- lion head
    - paragliding ( around $85)
        - BOOK AHEAD
- Quad Biking (ATVs)
- Chapmans Peak
    - 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.
    - 45 rand per car
    - 45 mins from CPT
- Boulders Beach (penguins):
    - 35 mins from CPT
    - Can hop fence
    - "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!!"
- Betty’s Bay
    - a less crowded, and not as known, boulders beach with penguins
- Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point
    - LONG but AMAZING drive
    - almost a full day activity
    - 135 rand pp
    - 1.5 hours from CPT
- Kirstenbosch
- Hout Bay market
- Signal Hill
- Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Cheetah outreach
    - where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool
- Winelands
   - 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
- Kosher wineries:
    - Klein bracken
    - backsberg


I'll also likely have Tuesday Morning to do some activities.


Has anyone here done the drive from Jo'Burg to Kruger with the Panorama route?

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1223 on: May 28, 2018, 08:25:58 PM »
Not saying that I can or plan to do all of these... But, this is the list I have compiled so far from all the reading and searching:

ACTIVITIES:
- Shark Diving is recommended
- sand boarding (but bring goggles!)
- V & A Waterfront to stroll around
- G-d’s window,
- Potholes
- Table mountain
    - Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed
    - Can repel down
        - 895 rand pp
            - repel for like 15 mins
            - hike back up is 25 mins
    - Chairlift costs 255 rand pp
    - Closes 6pm
    - BOOK IN ADVANCE
- lion head
    - paragliding ( around $85)
        - BOOK AHEAD
- Quad Biking (ATVs)
- Chapmans Peak
    - 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.
    - 45 rand per car
    - 45 mins from CPT
- Boulders Beach (penguins):
    - 35 mins from CPT
    - Can hop fence
    - "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!!"
- Betty’s Bay
    - a less crowded, and not as known, boulders beach with penguins
- Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point
    - LONG but AMAZING drive
    - almost a full day activity
    - 135 rand pp
    - 1.5 hours from CPT
- Kirstenbosch
- Hout Bay market
- Signal Hill
- Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Cheetah outreach
    - where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool
- Winelands
   - 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
- Kosher wineries:
    - Klein bracken
    - backsberg


I'll also likely have Tuesday Morning to do some activities.


Has anyone here done the drive from Jo'Burg to Kruger with the Panorama route?
Wow! What a list!

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1224 on: May 28, 2018, 08:27:26 PM »
Wow! What a list!
Thanks! Perhaps I should update the Wiki?

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1225 on: May 28, 2018, 08:41:24 PM »
Not saying that I can or plan to do all of these... But, this is the list I have compiled so far from all the reading and searching:

Are you travelling as a couple? With kids? as a bachelor/ette? These would make a big difference. For instance hiking Lion's Head is a great thing to do - not so much if you have a three year old or a pregnant wife/self.

Trying to do too many activities will more likely mean you'll be rushing to the next one without being able to enjoy where you are at. It may end up being more stressful than a relaxing vacation. Sure, you can "do" Table Mountain, hike lions head, drive Chapman's Peak, head to Cape Point and stop at Boulders Beach all in one day, but no, you should absolutely not do that. Instead of "doing" Table Mountain, enjoy Table Mountain.

I have done the drive from JNB to Kruger, but I've only done it via the Panoramic Route on the return from Kruger to JNB. I would highly recommend it -  The Blyde River Canyon at the Three Rondawels viewing point is one of my favorite places in the world. However it all depends on how comfortable you are making the drive in a foreign country driving on the other side of the road on roads that are not always in the best shape. (Most of the way is highway). To do the drive and make all the stops you mentioned, you'll be leaving very early in the morning, and driving unfamiliar single lane roads after dark. Especially after long flights, not everyone is up to that.
 
FWIW, after doing both the Lion & Rhino Park (Lhino Rhino as I like to call it - hey folks, you can have the name for free) and the new Lion Park this past Pesach, I FAR prefer the Lion Park. It is professionally run, the interaction enclosures are far more conducive to good pictures  and actually touching cubs (which is the primary reason people go there) and there are more adult lions to be seen. Lhino Rhino had tiger cubs (I know, right?) and the trainers where unable to control them at all for us to pet them or get good pictures. It was more like a heimishe melaveh malka with a few wild animals than a professional outfit with animal interaction.

If cost is not an issue, you might prefer the elephant and monkey sanctuaries which are an extra half an hour or so further, but an entirely different level experience. There is also Predator's World which I've heard good things about, but never actually been.



Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1226 on: May 28, 2018, 08:46:43 PM »
And @Dawie and @Saulius kindly leave the kingclip arguments where they belong - at Glenhazel shaleshudos.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1227 on: May 28, 2018, 08:47:33 PM »
Thanks! Perhaps I should update the Wiki?
Please

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1228 on: May 28, 2018, 08:49:02 PM »
Are you travelling as a couple? With kids? as a bachelor/ette? These would make a big difference. For instance hiking Lion's Head is a great thing to do - not so much if you have a three year old or a pregnant wife/self.

Trying to do too many activities will more likely mean you'll be rushing to the next one without being able to enjoy where you are at. It may end up being more stressful than a relaxing vacation. Sure, you can "do" Table Mountain, hike lions head, drive Chapman's Peak, head to Cape Point and stop at Boulders Beach all in one day, but no, you should absolutely not do that. Instead of "doing" Table Mountain, enjoy Table Mountain.

I have done the drive from JNB to Kruger, but I've only done it via the Panoramic Route on the return from Kruger to JNB. I would highly recommend it -  The Blyde River Canyon at the Three Rondawels viewing point is one of my favorite places in the world. However it all depends on how comfortable you are making the drive in a foreign country driving on the other side of the road on roads that are not always in the best shape. (Most of the way is highway). To do the drive and make all the stops you mentioned, you'll be leaving very early in the morning, and driving unfamiliar single lane roads after dark. Especially after long flights, not everyone is up to that.
 
FWIW, after doing both the Lion & Rhino Park (Lhino Rhino as I like to call it - hey folks, you can have the name for free) and the new Lion Park this past Pesach, I FAR prefer the Lion Park. It is professionally run, the interaction enclosures are far more conducive to good pictures  and actually touching cubs (which is the primary reason people go there) and there are more adult lions to be seen. Lhino Rhino had tiger cubs (I know, right?) and the trainers where unable to control them at all for us to pet them or get good pictures. It was more like a heimishe melaveh malka with a few wild animals than a professional outfit with animal interaction.

If cost is not an issue, you might prefer the elephant and monkey sanctuaries which are an extra half an hour or so further, but an entirely different level experience. There is also Predator's World which I've heard good things about, but never actually been.

Traveling with a wife that does not enjoy hikes longer then 10-15 minutes lol ::).

I am all for trips that are jam packed and at this point my wife is used to it. Already did the monkey and elephant sanctuary type of stuff in Thailand so I thought I could skip it here.

Seems as if @Dawie and @Saulius prefer Rhino Park. I guess I will have to look more into it.

My main question for the drive from JNB to Kruger is would it be better to fly to Kruger and do the Panoramic route from there or drive from JNB through Kruger? As it seems all the scenery is right by Kruger... Or is there a lot to see/experience from JNB to Kruger?

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1229 on: May 28, 2018, 09:07:41 PM »
Please
DONE!

I also have lists for the other parts of South Africa as well as Zambia and Zimbabwe that are not as well detailed and finished as my CPT list. When I get around to finishing them I will, hopefully, post them but in the meantime if anyone needs them LMK.

Offline Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1230 on: May 28, 2018, 09:40:13 PM »
Added Gelatissimo to the wiki. It's chalav Yisroel gelato ice cream shop. It's the best I've ever had, beating Brooklyn's offerings by a long shot.

Go for a Belgiun waffle, stay to get schooled on your pronunciation of Stracciatella.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1231 on: May 28, 2018, 11:46:16 PM »
DONE!

I also have lists for the other parts of South Africa as well as Zambia and Zimbabwe that are not as well detailed and finished as my CPT list. When I get around to finishing them I will, hopefully, post them but in the meantime if anyone needs them LMK.
Thanks, I really appreciate it!

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1232 on: May 29, 2018, 04:51:47 AM »
Thanks, I really appreciate it!

Returning anytime soon?!

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1233 on: May 29, 2018, 09:19:54 AM »
Returning anytime soon?!
I wish, but unfortunately not now. I really want to though. So much we didn't do yet.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1234 on: May 29, 2018, 09:23:28 AM »
I wish, but unfortunately not now. I really want to though. So much we didn't do yet.

Besides for Kruger and visiting the VF area what else did you miss?

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1235 on: May 29, 2018, 09:25:55 AM »
Besides for Kruger and visiting the VF area what else did you miss?
Garden route. Those three things can easily be another trip.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1236 on: May 29, 2018, 10:27:41 AM »
Anyone done Hwange in the past few years?   How does it rate with Kruger?

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1237 on: May 29, 2018, 11:32:45 AM »
Not saying that I can or plan to do all of these... But, this is the list I have compiled so far from all the reading and searching:

ACTIVITIES:
- Shark Diving is recommended
- sand boarding (but bring goggles!)
- V & A Waterfront to stroll around
- G-d’s window,
- Potholes
- Table mountain
    - Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed
    - Can repel down
        - 895 rand pp
            - repel for like 15 mins
            - hike back up is 25 mins
    - Chairlift costs 255 rand pp
    - Closes 6pm
    - BOOK IN ADVANCE
- lion head
    - paragliding ( around $85)
        - BOOK AHEAD
- Quad Biking (ATVs)
- Chapmans Peak
    - 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.
    - 45 rand per car
    - 45 mins from CPT
- Boulders Beach (penguins):
    - 35 mins from CPT
    - Can hop fence
    - "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!!"
- Betty’s Bay
    - a less crowded, and not as known, boulders beach with penguins
- Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point
    - LONG but AMAZING drive
    - almost a full day activity
    - 135 rand pp
    - 1.5 hours from CPT
- Kirstenbosch
- Hout Bay market
- Signal Hill
- Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Cheetah outreach
    - where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool
- Winelands
   - 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
- Kosher wineries:
    - Klein bracken
    - backsberg


I'll also likely have Tuesday Morning to do some activities.


Has anyone here done the drive from Jo'Burg to Kruger with the Panorama route?
Kosher wineries:
    - Kleine Dracken

Also Gods Window and potholes as mention is on the panorama route not near CPT

Not sure what Kristenbosch has to offer in the winter (although last time i was there it was winter.....)

Offline Dawie

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1238 on: May 29, 2018, 11:47:40 AM »
Traveling with a wife that does not enjoy hikes longer then 10-15 minutes lol ::).

I am all for trips that are jam packed and at this point my wife is used to it. Already did the monkey and elephant sanctuary type of stuff in Thailand so I thought I could skip it here.

Seems as if @Dawie and @Saulius prefer Rhino Park. I guess I will have to look more into it.

My main question for the drive from JNB to Kruger is would it be better to fly to Kruger and do the Panoramic route from there or drive from JNB through Kruger? As it seems all the scenery is right by Kruger... Or is there a lot to see/experience from JNB to Kruger?
I haven;t been to the Lion Park since they updated and changed the entire experience so i cant really comment -
the point i was making about the Rhino park is, that its next to Sterkfontien and mines

The Panoramic route is practically an all day thing (done right)
you can do it on a drive down to the kruger with a little detour and you will need to get an early start from JNB
or just stay in hazyview/Graskop area and continue on the next day
this is a fun thing on the way to hazyview right before Koywns Pass  https://www.dirtyboots.co.za/operators/big-swing-highwire-graskop/

If you are just taking the N4 down to the Kruger, the drive is pretty boring, some basic scenery and places to stop

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1239 on: May 29, 2018, 02:43:13 PM »
Kosher wineries:
    - Kleine Dracken

Also Gods Window and potholes as mention is on the panorama route not near CPT

Not sure what Kristenbosch has to offer in the winter (although last time i was there it was winter.....)

Sorry. All fixed now