Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 477847 times)

Saulius · « **Reply #2200 on:** January 06, 2022, 04:56:41 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 06, 2022, 04:44:51 PM

I tried Visa and Amex.

(On some of the Visas I got a different error saying the card isn’t 3D secure or something like that - so didn’t mention)

3D is what is also known as Verified by Visa/Mastercard SecureCode - when you use your Visa card it should redirect you to an additional web page to your bank for additional verification (Used for fraud prevention).

mendelk · « **Reply #2201 on:** January 06, 2022, 09:09:25 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 06, 2022, 04:50:13 PM

PSA: You need Rand or a SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Luckily the guy behind us gave us Rand as all our Visa/MC/AMEX credit and debit cards failed and they wouldn't take USD. And the guy behind us refused to accept the $20USD I offered for some Rand!

I updated the wiki with this important PSA

Saulius · « **Reply #2202 on:** January 06, 2022, 10:17:40 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 06, 2022, 09:09:25 PM

I updated the wiki with this important PSA

Chapman's Peak toll is R 54.00, that's like under $3.50 -- anyways would recommend that one should always have some local currency on them-- in South Africa till recently load-shedding was very common, and many ATMs do not work when there is no electricity. Then there are blackouts because thieves are constantly stealing power cables. https://twitter.com/Eskom_SA/status/1457657988710285313

Dan · « **Reply #2203 on:** January 06, 2022, 10:23:59 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on January 06, 2022, 10:17:40 PM

Chapman's Peak toll is R 54.00, that's like under $3.50 -- anyways would recommend that one should always have some local currency on them

Didn't have or need any local currency in SA/Zim/Zam/Bots except for there. In a pinch, everyone else is happy to take USD.

Dawie · « **Reply #2204 on:** January 06, 2022, 10:41:10 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 06, 2022, 10:23:59 PM

Didn't have or need any local currency in SA/Zim/Zam/Bots except for there. In a pinch, everyone else is happy to take USD.

even the Spietkop...

Dan · « **Reply #2205 on:** January 06, 2022, 10:42:25 PM »

Quote from: Dawie on January 06, 2022, 10:41:10 PM

even the Spietkop...

That's what extra biltong is for

tmendy226 · « **Reply #2206 on:** January 07, 2022, 01:49:03 AM »

Quote from: Dan on January 06, 2022, 04:50:13 PM

PSA: You need Rand or a SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Luckily the guy behind us gave us Rand as all our Visa/MC/AMEX credit and debit cards failed and they wouldn't take USD. And the guy behind us refused to accept the $20USD I offered for some Rand!

All rolls with gates (meaning non cashless) told in SA do not take foreign credit card or currencies. Make sure to have cash if you drive to a different city etc
I also had a few instances that credit card machines were down don’t recall exactly where and when (some gas stations and other) so I would definitely recommend having some local cash with you.

tmendy226 · « **Reply #2207 on:** January 07, 2022, 01:52:30 AM »

Quote from: Saulius on January 05, 2022, 09:22:44 PM

It's a small park -- one day should be enough, although at the waterholes one can see the most animals at dawn and dusk. There are two entrances to the park, if you drive from entrance gate to the other gate nonstop it would take about 90 minutes. I would recommend staying overnight, and then you are next to a waterhole, and you have the experience of hearing the wildlife at night. I would prefer either staying in Spekboom Camp or Nyathi Rest Camp as they are more secluded in the wilderness.

Is the waterhole there anything like okaukuejo?

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2208 on:** January 07, 2022, 01:53:33 AM »

Whatever cash you don't use take home to replenish your Monopoly money

tmendy226 · « **Reply #2209 on:** January 07, 2022, 01:56:20 AM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on January 07, 2022, 01:53:33 AM

Whatever cash you don't use take home to replenish your Monopoly money

I got 50 billion dollar bill and some other in exchange of some old flip flops at the zambia Zimbabwe border. That’s a lot more fun.

mendelk · « **Reply #2210 on:** January 08, 2022, 09:04:18 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on January 05, 2022, 09:22:44 PM

It's a small park -- one day should be enough, although at the waterholes one can see the most animals at dawn and dusk. There are two entrances to the park, if you drive from entrance gate to the other gate nonstop it would take about 90 minutes. I would recommend staying overnight, and then you are next to a waterhole, and you have the experience of hearing the wildlife at night. I would prefer either staying in Spekboom Camp or Nyathi Rest Camp as they are more secluded in the wilderness.

Is it fine to just drive around on our own or is a guide recommended?
Also, a lot of the car rentals for automatic cars seem to be limited to 200km. I'm guessing I'd need unlimited - or at least more than that. No?

Saulius · « **Reply #2211 on:** January 09, 2022, 11:23:55 AM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 08, 2022, 09:04:18 PM

Is it fine to just drive around on our own or is a guide recommended?
Also, a lot of the car rentals for automatic cars seem to be limited to 200km. I'm guessing I'd need unlimited - or at least more than that. No?

All the roads are paved, and Addo Park is very easy to navigate, you will be given a map at the entrance, and it's well signed. Plus, it's more fun to drive and find everything yourself. I was there exactly the same date as today in 2017 -- barely saw any cars there - felt like I had the entire park to myself.

Examine the car rental conditions with more detail, it might specify "Unlimited Mileage (for international/Outbound visitors renting in South Africa), Limited Mileage : 200 km per day (for 1 to 2 days rental) (for Domestic Renters)".

Also, learning how to drive stick is not that difficult. I sent you a PM with a guide to learn, and perhaps you can take a few hours lessons and you will have a skill for life. It's not that difficult of a skill to learn. You just have to coordinate your left foot releasing the clutch, while your right foot you step on the gas pedal. Only initial challenge is learning how to go from being stopped on a hill -- as you use your emergency parking break in addition.

Saulius · « **Reply #2212 on:** January 09, 2022, 11:34:51 AM »

Addo map

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2213 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:25:03 PM »

Keep in mind, you can't do Addo on Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday.

mendelk · « **Reply #2214 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:30:11 PM »

Why not?

Dan · « **Reply #2215 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:31:38 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on January 09, 2022, 01:25:03 PM

Keep in mind, you can't do Addo on Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday.

Quote from: YitzyS on August 31, 2020, 01:29:10 PM

and...

BANNED!

mendelk · « **Reply #2216 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:34:04 PM »

My heart skipped a beat for a second.

Though really it should be Addoo.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2217 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:35:44 PM »

Quote from: mendelk on January 09, 2022, 01:34:04 PM

My heart skipped a beat for a second.

Though really it should be Addoo.

Yikes. I'm sorry. I thought it was obvious enough. Sorry for scaring you

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2218 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:36:54 PM »

Quote from: Dan on January 09, 2022, 01:31:38 PM

Quote from: Dan on January 07, 2022, 01:47:08 AM

The target market for this deal is fed up with people like that!

Dan · « **Reply #2219 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:39:00 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on January 09, 2022, 01:36:54 PM

This is going to cannibalize entry fees for Addo

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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

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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 477847 times)