Topic Wiki

Cape Town

Trip Reports
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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
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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 467183 times)

Offline yitzyul

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1820 on: July 02, 2021, 03:15:53 PM »
To each their own, but covid is frightening right now. A 36 year old classmate died this week, and everyone knows multiple people in hospital. I don't know if Cape Town is like jhb, but the community is reeling. Not a great time to visit.
Yikes. BD"E.
Does that risk still apply to someone who had covid and vaccinated? (...ask your local doctor bla bla  ;) )

Online Yehuda57

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1821 on: July 02, 2021, 04:35:02 PM »
Yikes. BD"E.
Does that risk still apply to someone who had covid and vaccinated? (...ask your local doctor bla bla  ;) )

It's not just about catching covid. Most things are closed, AFAIK, and the general mood of the place is down

Offline yitzyul

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1822 on: July 02, 2021, 05:21:39 PM »
It's not just about catching covid. Most things are closed, AFAIK, and the general mood of the place is down
Gotchya! Thanks

Offline sds1493

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1823 on: July 03, 2021, 03:06:56 PM »

To be clear, this was true in December / January. Beaches are open now.
It is winter, but a mild winter.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1824 on: July 03, 2021, 03:11:32 PM »
It's not just about catching covid. Most things are closed, AFAIK, and the general mood of the place is down
That is true in Gauteng. In KZN, things are busy during the day (curfew at night from 2100), and I assume it is similar in Western Cape.
Having said that, I don't think that I would plan to travel until the end of July. Three airlines (שתים שהן שלש) have stopped operations until then.

Offline tmendy226

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1825 on: July 09, 2021, 11:23:47 AM »
Would it be an issue to have a 12h50 stopover in Kenya on the way to South Africa in terms of yellow fever vaccine?

Offline HoKo

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1826 on: July 17, 2021, 01:59:40 PM »
Would it be an issue to have a 12h50 stopover in Kenya on the way to South Africa in terms of yellow fever vaccine?


Based on this info from the CDC website it looks like you could be in trouble:
Here is the link if you want to read further: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/popular-itineraries/south-africa






Offline tmendy226

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1827 on: July 22, 2021, 07:02:26 PM »
Anyone knows what the rules are regarding COVID test when crossing into SA from land border (Mozambique or Lesotho is eswatini)? I see some people indicating that rapid tests are fine and that they can be done at the border but not seeing anything official saying that.

Offline Saulius

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1828 on: July 22, 2021, 08:49:24 PM »
Anyone knows what the rules are regarding COVID test when crossing into SA from land border (Mozambique or Lesotho is eswatini)? I see some people indicating that rapid tests are fine and that they can be done at the border but not seeing anything official saying that.

You need a proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, else you can get a rapid anti-gen covid test at the border for 300 ZAR. 

I would avoid traveling to Eswatini at the moment, they had major civil unrest there a few weeks ago and now it's curfew from 1800 to 0500. see: https://www.sajr.co.za/fleeing-eswatini-to-safety-in-the-nick-of-time/

Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded only by South Africa - to get in, you also have to cross in from SA (or two flights a day from Joburg)

Offline Saulius

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1829 on: July 22, 2021, 09:18:40 PM »
Would it be an issue to have a 12h50 stopover in Kenya on the way to South Africa in terms of yellow fever vaccine?

I highly doubt South Africa would ask for YF proof on arrival - if it would be enforced -- they would ask for it in Kenya before you board.
I had same circumstances, but for Ethiopia -- and I got vaccinated for this reason - but the few times I was there with over 12 hour transit -  (I did stay in hotel outside airport each time) and I was never asked for the yelllow ICVF card in Ethiopia or SA.

There is a clinic inside the airport in Nairobi, where they offer YF vaccinations for $50 -- but the ICVF / yellow fever certificate is not valid till 10 days after the shot.

There hasn't been any YF cases in Kenya since 1995, other than two cases in 2016 -- but it was imported from the major outbreak in Angola back then.
« Last Edit: July 22, 2021, 09:29:40 PM by Saulius »

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1830 on: July 22, 2021, 10:29:21 PM »
You need a proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, else you can get a rapid anti-gen covid test at the border for 300 ZAR. 

I would avoid traveling to Eswatini at the moment, they had major civil unrest there a few weeks ago and now it's curfew from 1800 to 0500. see: https://www.sajr.co.za/fleeing-eswatini-to-safety-in-the-nick-of-time/

Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded only by South Africa - to get in, you also have to cross in from SA (or two flights a day from Joburg)

Thanks!

Does the rapid test on arrival for 300 ZAR apply to flights as well?

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1831 on: July 22, 2021, 11:09:26 PM »
Thanks!

Does the rapid test on arrival for 300 ZAR apply to flights as well?

Well the question is will the airline let you board the plane at your origin, if you do not also show them proof of your PCR test.
On arrival they will ask for PCR test result (not older than 72 hours at time of departure at origin).  Plus they do a temperature check -  if they detect fever -
then they would require an additional rapid test.


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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1832 on: September 02, 2021, 08:42:32 PM »
Have shuls/restaurants reopened yet?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1833 on: September 03, 2021, 03:12:48 AM »
Have shuls/restaurants reopened yet?
CPT: Shuls - indoor 50 max, outdoor 100 max - preregistration required. Restaurants: max capacity 50% no preregistration required, however there is a curfew. Avron's is moving across the road (from his new location near Pick n Pay) to a smaller place. The press, Goldies, Coffee Time and Riteve are all still open.
JNB: Shuls are open 50 max indoor, 100 max outdoor per minyan / area
Restaurants are open with same limitation but if the place is small it is 50% of capacity only -
Still open for sure (maybe others, fee free to comment):
Franjellicas, Burger & Bru, Next Door / RTG (they have made the shop smaller), Beit Yosef, Pie Works, Bagel Zone, Zest Salad Bar, Sushi Central.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2021, 03:23:23 AM by mijo »

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1834 on: September 03, 2021, 10:04:27 AM »
CPT: Shuls - indoor 50 max, outdoor 100 max - preregistration required. Restaurants: max capacity 50% no preregistration required, however there is a curfew. Avron's is moving across the road (from his new location near Pick n Pay) to a smaller place. The press, Goldies, Coffee Time and Riteve are all still open.
JNB: Shuls are open 50 max indoor, 100 max outdoor per minyan / area
Restaurants are open with same limitation but if the place is small it is 50% of capacity only -
Still open for sure (maybe others, fee free to comment):
Franjellicas, Burger & Bru, Next Door / RTG (they have made the shop smaller), Beit Yosef, Pie Works, Bagel Zone, Zest Salad Bar, Sushi Central.
Thanks. Think it's worth visiting next month, or better to push off again?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1835 on: September 03, 2021, 10:07:47 AM »
Have shuls/restaurants reopened yet?

From my experience there a week ago
JNB: Bh it COVID calmed down (at least in the Jewish community) so people are also more relaxed together with the “standard” COVID rules like wearing masks indoors.

Restaurants are open (maybe they had to remove some tables, I have no idea).
Shuls do have certain restrictions but enforcement varries. Torah academy/chasidim shul (main chabad shul), the older crowd minyan seemed to be very socially distant etc, the younger minyan was outside in a tent, people generally wore masks but not as religiously. They also restarted COVID friendly Kiddush

CPT: the Jewish community is in middle of their biggest COVID wave unfortunately and after speaking with one of the Shluchas there we decided to skip it this time as it didn’t feel right to visit a community during such a time. Technically restaurants are open and shul has limited services. But if you’re planning to go after YT it will probably be different

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1836 on: September 03, 2021, 10:10:00 AM »
Thanks. Think it's worth visiting next month, or better to push off again?

If you wany to go to Kruger, blyde river canyon etc you can go anytime. For CPT I would suggest to check with a local closer to your departure as COVID fluctuates


You asked on another thread about riots, I didn’t notice anything besides one incident which might not have to do with it.

We were driving Jnb to nelspruit (Mbombela) at night and all of the sudden the highway came to a total standstill. It was unclear what was going on and after waiting for a while I managed to get out of the highway (driving against traffic of course) and looked up my own route on the map through the city (middelburg) when all of the sudden we reach this big empty road which started having branches on the road, then rocks, then small fires all around some extinguished some still burning. It was a scary experience (I was with my wife and son), first I thought maybe it’s a trap then I figured there must’ve been a protest here, all the streets I tried going to were blocked with those rocks/fires/branches. Eventually I managed to get back where I came from and took a much longer route circling around the whole highway area. Afterwards we looked it up online and there appeared to have been big protests in middelburg because of some tax and they even burnt a bus on the highway in middle of the day.

Bh nothing happened to us but made it a point to check the news for the way back at which point that tax was suspended and everything completely calmed down.

I’m not trying to scare you, this is just my personal experience and even on that part of the highway I could’ve drove there a day later and known about the whole thing. Overal we had a great time in Southern Africa and we’ll definitely go back.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2021, 10:27:46 AM by tmendy226 »

Offline mijo

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1837 on: September 03, 2021, 10:13:27 AM »
Thanks. Think it's worth visiting next month, or better to push off again?
Oct/Nov are good months to visit.
From a COVID-19 aspect, assume you're doing outdoor activities, flights don't seem very full.
Tourists are reporting that now is a good time to visit and you can distance easily.
However, with unvaccinated children, mask-compliance etc. YMMV

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1838 on: September 03, 2021, 10:14:34 AM »
What are the rules for entering Zim/Zam these days for Vic Falls?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: South Africa Master Thread
« Reply #1839 on: September 03, 2021, 10:15:27 AM »
Torah academy/chasidim shul (main chabad shul), the older crowd minyan seemed to be very socially distant etc,

Was like that before covid  :P