Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 481411 times)

moisheyb · « **Reply #2040 on:** November 02, 2021, 02:42:26 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 02:41:39 PM

CPT OTOH is just glorious. I don't understand why more people from JNB haven't made their way to CPT.
And Press has fantastic food and awesome drinks to boot!

When’s the tr dropping ?

AJK · « **Reply #2041 on:** November 02, 2021, 02:45:32 PM »

Quote from: moisheyb on November 02, 2021, 02:42:26 PM

When’s the tr dropping ?

moisheyb · « **Reply #2042 on:** November 02, 2021, 02:45:58 PM »

Quote from: AJK on November 02, 2021, 02:45:32 PM

🥲

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2043 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:01:18 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 02:37:51 PM

That's one way it reminded me of GRU. Delicious cheap kosher food options, but otherwise an ugly city with practically nothing worth doing aside from eating. Add in one of the world's worst airports, load shedding for no power in many places, no streetlights, no traffic lights, no water, and cops pulling us over for a bribe, and it's a special kind of ********.

Vs. pretty much any other city in the world with kosher food that has several things worth doing.

But the food in JNB holds its own against anywhere in the world. And the price makes it one of the best food spots I've been to and makes it a worthy destination as an extended connection point. Thanks to everyone's help here with the suggestions!

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 02:41:39 PM

CPT OTOH is just glorious. I don't understand why more people from JNB haven't made their way to CPT.
And Press has fantastic food and awesome drinks to boot!

Not sure what you are talking about "no streetlights, no traffic lights, no water", but I'll grant you it's not the prettiest city in the world. There is stuff to do - I wouldn't say it's worth flying there for it, but as part of a longer trip, there are a number of places to go during a day or two in JNB.

People have left JNB by the tens of thousands over the past 3 decades or so, so you aren't exactly breaking ground with your suggestion. But you likely didn't get a real feel for the kind of community it is and the quality of life they enjoy, which is a large part of why people stay. The young Chabad community, for one, has actually grown of late rather than shrink.

Dan · « **Reply #2044 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:05:26 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 03:01:18 PM

Not sure what you are talking about "no streetlights, no traffic lights, no water", but I'll grant you it's not the prettiest city in the world. There is stuff to do - I wouldn't say it's worth flying there for it, but as part of a longer trip, there are a number of places to go during a day or two in JNB.

People have left JNB by the tens of thousands over the past 3 decades or so, so you aren't exactly breaking ground with your suggestion. But you likely didn't get a real feel for the kind of community it is and the quality of life they enjoy, which is a large part of why people stay. The young Chabad community, for one, has actually grown of late rather than shrink.

There was stage 4 load shedding, most of the power and water in the city was out. Real third world stuff on display, or at least how a party can turn a first world country into a third world country in just one generation.

Correct, the people are super warm and I'm sure the community is quite lovely. But you can have that in CPT too

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2045 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:26:46 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 03:05:26 PM

There was stage 4 load shedding, most of the power and water in the city was out. Real third world stuff on display, or at least how a party can turn a first world country into a third world country in just one generation.

I hadn't heard about the water being cut off. I just asked my parents about it, they said it has been extremely rare, but happened punkt last week when you were there!

Regarding the "one party" turning into a third-world country, there are most certainly a host of issues with the ruling party, including corruption and incompetence. At the same time, the country's infrastructure was built to cater to 4 million people and ignore the other 40 million citizens. In one generation that infrastructure had to expand to the entire population which was growing at a fast rate as well. I doubt any party could have created an electric grid that could handle the needs of the entire population. There has been load shedding in California and other first-world places in recent times.

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 03:05:26 PM

Correct, the people are super warm and I'm sure the community is quite lovely. But you can have that in CPT too

This is a common theme on this forum, there's no parking and garbage on the street in Brooklyn with high real estate costs, so you can't imagine why people don't move to CLE. Some people value things differently. CPT has grown significantly, so I'm not sure what it looks like now, but not too long ago there were no real schooling options for frum families.

Dawie · « **Reply #2046 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:27:52 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 03:05:26 PM

There was stage 4 load shedding, most of the power and water in the city was out. Real third world stuff on display, or at least how a party can turn a first world country into a third world country in just one generation.

Correct, the people are super warm and I'm sure the community is quite lovely. But you can have that in CPT too

THE PONOVIZHER ROV loved Cape Town, he was known to say it would be gan eden mamesh if it had some Torah (there are other versions to the saying)

Dawie · « **Reply #2047 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:30:30 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 03:26:46 PM

I hadn't heard about the water being cut off. I just asked my parents about it, they said it has been extremely rare, but happened punkt last week when you were there!

Regarding the "one party" turning into a third-world country, there are most certainly a host of issues with the ruling party, including corruption and incompetence. At the same time, the country's infrastructure was built to cater to 4 million people and ignore the other 40 million citizens. In one generation that infrastructure had to expand to the entire population which was growing at a fast rate as well. I doubt any party could have created an electric grid that could handle the needs of the entire population. There has been load shedding in California and other first-world places in recent times.

This is a common theme on this forum, there's no parking and garbage on the street in Brooklyn with high real estate costs, so you can't imagine why people don't move to CLE. Some people value things differently. CPT has grown significantly, so I'm not sure what it looks like now, but not too long ago there were no real schooling options for frum families.

the money was/is there to build/expand the grid... somehow it's now all gone

Dan · « **Reply #2048 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:33:10 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 03:26:46 PM

I hadn't heard about the water being cut off. I just asked my parents about it, they said it has been extremely rare, but happened punkt last week when you were there!

JNB put on a show for us

aygart · « **Reply #2049 on:** November 02, 2021, 03:43:26 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 03:05:26 PM

There was stage 4 load shedding, most of the power and water in the city was out.

Coming soon to a European city near you.

jomaster28 · « **Reply #2050 on:** November 02, 2021, 04:10:23 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 02:41:39 PM

CPT OTOH is just glorious. I don't understand why more people from JNB haven't made their way to CPT.
And Press has fantastic food and awesome drinks to boot!

CPT is one of my favorite cities to visit! Agreed on JNB. The 12 hours I spent there was too long.

jomaster28 · « **Reply #2051 on:** November 02, 2021, 04:12:58 PM »

Quote from: Dan on October 15, 2021, 03:28:30 PM

Mo:
CPT-HDS 10:50am-1:10pm, Airlink391 E190 Y
Stay: Kings Camp all inclusive kosher safari/game drives

Tu:
Stay: Kings Camp all inclusive kosher safari/game drives
eMed antigen for US reentry

How was your experience at Kings Camp?

Dan · « **Reply #2052 on:** November 02, 2021, 04:14:23 PM »

Quote from: jomaster28 on November 02, 2021, 04:12:58 PM

How was your experience at Kings Camp?

Beyond incredible. But it certainly helped that we were the only guests!

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2053 on:** November 02, 2021, 06:52:01 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 10:27:32 AM

The Simba chips and fritos and are amazing, but don't miss Flings!

Inquiring minds want to know: does this mean flings are good and one shouldn't miss them or flings are not good and you don't miss them?

Dan · « **Reply #2054 on:** November 02, 2021, 06:59:28 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 06:52:01 PM

Inquiring minds want to know: does this mean flings are good and one shouldn't miss them or flings are not good and you don't miss them?

I almost missed them as nobody mentioned them here. But my local SA friend said to get them at the last minute, and they're amazing!

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2055 on:** November 02, 2021, 07:04:14 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 06:59:28 PM

I almost missed them as nobody mentioned them here. But my local SA friend said to get them at the last minute, and they're amazing!

Phew. You almost tore a family apart

Dan · « **Reply #2056 on:** November 02, 2021, 07:09:06 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 07:04:14 PM

Phew. You almost tore a family apart

In that case, epic fail not mentioning them in this thread

Dan · « **Reply #2057 on:** November 02, 2021, 07:13:28 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 03:26:46 PM

I hadn't heard about the water being cut off. I just asked my parents about it, they said it has been extremely rare, but happened punkt last week when you were there!

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2058 on:** November 02, 2021, 07:16:08 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 02, 2021, 07:09:06 PM

In that case, epic fail not mentioning them in this thread

In my defense, I don't believe I mentioned any such snacks. Are you a soda drinker? Did you try Appletiser or granadilla Schweppes?

Dan · « **Reply #2059 on:** November 02, 2021, 07:18:13 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on November 02, 2021, 07:16:08 PM

In my defense, I don't believe I mentioned any such snacks. Are you a soda drinker? Did you try Appletiser or granadilla Schweppes?

Nah, I keep my vices to chips and flavored seltzer.
But I did try the Appletiser, they served it to us at Kings Camp checkin. Not bad!

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Name	Type	Hours	Contact	Location & Description
Avron's Place (Sea Point)	Meat	S – T: 11am – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm; F: 11am – 2:30pm	+27 (0)21 439 7610 Link	19 – 33 Regent Road - Oldest kosher meat restaurant in SA. The humbly adorned, family-friendly eatery, serves a wide variety of dishes, including beef ribs, burgers, mixed grills, boerewors, Cape lamb curry, vegetarian platters, pastas and sushi. Prices rather reasonable. On Tuesdays there's a special on its beef burger and chips (R49 instead of the usual R59). Offers takeaways and catering and packed Shabbat meals for visitors. For the Sephardim the meat is Bet Yosef. But check to make sure.
The Press (Sea Point)	Meat	S – T: noon – late; F: 11am – 3pm; Sat: 1 hour after Shabbat till late	+27 (0)21 434 7724 Website	176 Main Road - Restaurant and Bar (many craft beers on tap).
Coffee Time (Gardens)	Milk	M – T: 8am – 3:30pm; F: 8am – 3pm	+27 (0)21 461 8414	20 Breda Street - Set in an old house in a lush, garden environment. Lawn seating with views of Table Mountain. Breakfast, brunch or lunch. Menu includes scrambled egg, salmon and humus wrap, fish bobotie with homemade chutney, tuna lasagne, sandwich, salad, quiche or smoothie. Early-morning special between 8am and 11am (a combo of two eggs, grilled tomato and mushrooms goes for R25) and also serves a delicious, and incredibly popular, buffet lunch every Wednesday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Gluten-free and sugar-free options. Offers catering. Proceeds support the Astra Centre.
Café Riteve (Gardens)	Milk	S – T: 8:30am – 5pm; F: 8:30am – 3pm	+27 (0)21 465 1594 Website	88 Hatfield Street - Located on a piazza that’s part of the same centre as the historical Gardens Shul, the South African Jewish Museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and the Jacob Gitlin Library. Large and varied menu includes three-egg omelette, sushi salad, grilled hake, falafel with dukkah wedges and humus, tuna and mushroom cannelloni, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich and chocolate ganache-filled croissant. Also sells range of shakes and juices as well as kosher wine and liquors. Offers catering, takeaways, no delivery. They had some CY, just ask. The earlier you go the more likely the have.
Goldies Deli and Diner (Sea Point)	Meat & Pareve	S – T: 8:30am – 8pm; F: 8:30am – 4:30pm	+27 (0)21 439 3008 Link	174 Main Road - Meat and parev deli and bakery - next door and connected to The Press. Menu include burgers, steak rolls, schwarmas, bagels, salads, fish cakes, breakfast plates and more. Specials every Wednesday and Friday (deals like a three-course meal for four for R120). Delivery is free in Sea Point. Bakery treats include carrot cake, cinnamon twists, chocolate brownies, doughnuts, cupcakes, apple crumble, croissants and teiglach. Offers Shabbat meal orders.
Café B'tayavon @ Highlands House	Milk		021 461 1100	9 Gorge Rd, Highlands Estate - Snacks and Light Meals
Jean's Kitchen @ The Kaplan Centre	Milk		021 650 3064 info@jeanskitchen.co.za	The Kaplan Centre - University of Cape Town - Tea, coffee, sandwiches, gourmet salads, falafel etc
Baskin Robbins @ Mojo Market (Sea Point)				Note: This is the only kosher B & R All ice creams, ice cream cones, milkshakes and waffles are Kosher, milchik. The following topping ONLY are kosher: Crushed Almonds, Crushed Cashews, Fudge, Mini Astros, Mint Crunch NB: Cakes are NOT KOSHER

Name	Cost	Distance from CPT	Description and Notes
Boulders Beach	R170	35 min	• "I found that there were two different entrances, boardwalk and beach. The boardwalk has a higher density of penguins but if you want a better experience, I recommend visiting the beach side- especially at low tide. Because of the tide I was able to walk past the few dozen folks on the beach, climb under and over some boulders, and encounter effectively a different private beach- with penguins!!" • For budget travelers, take the train to Simonstown and from there a cab to Boulders beach - R20.
Betty’s Bay		1.25 hours	Also features African Penguins though less crowded than Boulders beach, though further.
Chapman's Peak Drive	R45/car	45 min	• Beautiful scenery, you have the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other side, great pics, great to make a BBQ come during daylight hours. NOTE: You need Rand or an SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point	R360/pp	1.5 hours	• LONG but AMAZING drive • almost a full day activity
Lions Head			• Hike - not difficult • Paragliding - around $85 (prices might be outdated). Book ahead
Robben Island			Tours depart three times a day and take about 3.5 hours, consisting of a ferry trip to and from the island, and a tour of the various historical sites on the island that form part of the Robben Island Museum. These include the island graveyard, the disused lime quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers, and the maximum security prison. Nelson Mandela's cell is shown. Reviews are mixed
Table Mountain (Cable car or hike)	~R350		• Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed • Cableway costs ~R350 rand pp - depends if morning or afternoon • Can repel down • 895 rand pp (prices might be outdated) • repel for like 15 mins • hike back up is 25 mins • Closes 6pm • BOOK IN ADVANCE
Signal Hill			Go there for a sunset with bit more a "local" flavor. Views aren't great compared to Lion's Head and can be quite crowded at sunset.
V & A Waterfront
The Garden Route			long scenic drive

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Shark Diving	$88 +$34 for video (prices might be outdated)	2 hours	Can do in Gansbaii. Links:1, 2, 3
Sandboarding			Bring goggles!
Skydiving	$170 (prices might be outdated) Cheaper
Quad Biking (ATVs)
Hout Bay market
Kayaking at Hout Bay	Link		Amazing experience. Views may very but can often see Heaviside dolphins jumping right in front of you
Cheetah Outreach			Where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool. Website
Aquila Private Game Reserve		2 hours	Pricey but quality accommodations for overnight stays. Good for people who aren't leaving Cape Town area but want to see wildlife. Some dismiss as a "glorified zoo"
Cango Wildlife Ranch		5 hours

Cbs	Link
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Yaalili	Link
Yehuda57	Link
Ponash123	Link
Yehoshua	Link

Name	Type	Contact	Location & Description
Corner Cafe (Glenhazel)	Milk	+27 11 440-3160 Link	Corner of Queens square and cross road in Glenhazel. Corner Café is the best place to go (or maybe the only) for kosher gluten free muffins. I’m told they’re very good. They also have great breakfasts and pastas, but I usually stick with a toasted cheese and chips.
Dee-Jays (Sandton)	Milk	+27 11 883-2265 Link	Morningview Shopping Centre, 100 South Road, 2196 - Dee-Jays provides casual dairy food that is perfect for a breakfast out with the family. Their fishballs are really good and if you need a cake in the Sandton area, they’re the place to go.
Market Cafe (Norood Mall)	Milk		Cholov Yisroel cafe
KosherWorld, Mi Vami Kosher and Chop N Wok (Glenhazel)		+27 11 440 1402 Website	1 Long Avenue, Johannesburg, 2192
Gelatisimo (Glenhazel)			Across the road from Kosher World, authentic Italian gelato. Chalav Yisroel. Absolutely fantastic.
Michelos (Glenhazel)	Milk	+27 11 885-1500 Link	17 Northfield Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Michelos is the second best pizza restaurant. They are very centrally located (in the Jewish area of Glenhazel) and their food is nice. Never go there the night after Pesach because you’ll wait hours but most other times are good, plus they serve chalav yisrael.
Nandos Kosher (Savoy)	Meat	+27 11 885-1496 Website	553 Louis Botha Ave, Savoy, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa - Nandos is a large chain of Portuguese chicken restaurants, but there is only one kosher Nandos in South Africa, so be aware that you can’t step into any of them! They serve top notch chicken but be sure to also try their beef burger (and order extra sauce).
Next Door "Non-CY" (Norwood)	Milk	+27 11 728-2577 Link	80 Grant Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Next Door is rated as a top restaurant in Johannesburg, kosher and not, so you know it must be pretty good. It is usually full so booking is highly recommended. While their sushi may not be top class, their pizzas certainly are and, if you’re around in Summer, definitely try their fish braai (barbeque in South African).
Pie Works (Sandringham)		+27 11 485 2447 Website	74 George Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Their pies (clearly) are the best kosher pies in the country and are perfect if you want to buy some to take home and reheat. Their burgers are delicious and the have a milk side with pizza that is really good. They’re situated on what is known as the Kosher Strip, so any Jew will be able to direct you.
RTG "Ready to Go" (Norwood)			A fast food place next door to ... Next Door. While they do offer steak and a Chinese menu, the focus is their extensive burger and hot dog menu.
The Deli Store (Sandton)		011-656-3142 / 4915 info@thedelistore.co.za, http://thedelistore.co.za/menus/main-menu/	Shop 52, (opposite Woolworths) Morning Glen Shopping Mall Cnr Bowling & Kelvin Road Gallo Manor - Reviewed in CBS's TR, as having excellent food for very low prices. According to Google is "Permanently Closed".
So Sushi (Glenhazel)
Jozi Blue (Glenhazel)	Milk		They have some items Cholov Yisroel, which they will serve on disposables on request

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Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 481411 times)