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 467372 times)

Offline Saulius

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2440 on: May 30, 2023, 05:03:17 PM »
where is a good place for a family with 2 kids to stay on the garden route?

The Garden Route is generally considered to stretch from Mossel Bay to Storms River + inland to Oudschoorn. A full itinerary can range up to 2 weeks to fully explore this area.
I usually stay 2 nights in Storms River and a few nights in the area between Knysna and Plettenburg Bay.

I generally look on bookings.com and airbnb.com and over the years, I have rented cottages where I wish I could have stayed forever.

In Storms River, either ocean front in Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, or in Storms River village are very nice cottages one can rent.

See: https://en.m.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Garden_Route

Offline Gimpel

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2441 on: May 31, 2023, 04:18:12 PM »
Officially cooked / processed meat is also prohibited, (unless you have a permit) but I never heard of it being enforced. Then again, I know lots of travellers have been bringing kosher meat with them on the way to their Safari destinations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc., because the import of South African meat to many of the neighboring countries is prohibited, because of an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease a number of years ago.

When we went to Zambia we brought 2 boxes of meat from South Africa with us the customs agent tried to give us problems but our tour guide who met us before customs spoke to him and we got waved through no problem.

Offline Dan

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2442 on: May 31, 2023, 04:20:59 PM »
When we went to Zambia we brought 2 boxes of meat from South Africa with us the customs agent tried to give us problems but our tour guide who met us before customs spoke to him and we got waved through no problem.
We had no issues bringing lots of meat from SA to Zam, Zim, Bots, and back to SA.
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.

Offline Saulius

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2443 on: May 31, 2023, 06:05:25 PM »
We had no issues bringing lots of meat from SA to Zam, Zim, Bots, and back to SA.


Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana have previously banned South African meat due to the outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in certain regions of South Africa back in 2019 and 2021.  I guess now it's back to normal, but for history these are interesting reads on the vetinerary fence checkpoints.:

https://blog.tracks4africa.co.za/veterinary-fences-in-namibia-and-botswana/
https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/213035-Vet-Fence-Checkpoints
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/fence-veterinary.htm

"You can take raw meat from East to West and from South to North. You can not take meat the other way around (unless it is cooked).""
"Botswana is particularly paranoid about foot and mouth disease. The government built a 3500km long fence long ago stretching across the country to prevent animals migrating between the two sides. Their thought was that if a foot and mouth disease outbreak did occur, it would be possible to confine it to half of the country only. "
« Last Edit: May 31, 2023, 06:42:12 PM by Saulius »

Offline tavster

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2444 on: June 01, 2023, 01:09:47 AM »
We had no issues bringing lots of meat from SA to Zam, Zim, Bots, and back to SA.
No problem as in no one checked you, or as in customs looked at it and said it was ok?

Offline Dan

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2445 on: June 01, 2023, 09:18:45 AM »
No problem as in no one checked you, or as in customs looked at it and said it was ok?
Nobody asked.
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: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2446 on: June 08, 2023, 01:13:19 PM »
Any specific recommendations? Anywhere with kosher food? What should I expect to pay? Anywhere to spend shabbos between shabbos in between VFA and Botswana?

@Dan / @jj1000, how are we celebrating @Ergel's DDF Bar Mitzvah? Did I miss it?

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2447 on: June 20, 2023, 11:08:16 AM »
Hi,

I have 2 full days in Cape Town. I like to pack into a day as much as possible. I have the following outline so far:

Sunday:
Table Mountain
Lion's head
Signal hill
Robben Island tour

Monday:
Chapmans
Hout Bay seal island
Camps Bay & Hout bay scenic drive
Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope
Boulder's Penguin Colony

Do this activities fill up my day? Anything I should add or subtract from this list?

Thanks for your help.

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2448 on: June 20, 2023, 08:49:28 PM »
Cool new route just announced, MQP-VFA 3x weekly by Airlink.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline travellove

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2449 on: June 21, 2023, 01:13:28 PM »
Hi,

I have 2 full days in Cape Town. I like to pack into a day as much as possible. I have the following outline so far:

Sunday:
Table Mountain
Lion's head
Signal hill
Robben Island tour

Monday:
Chapmans
Hout Bay seal island
Camps Bay & Hout bay scenic drive
Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope
Boulder's Penguin Colony

Do this activities fill up my day? Anything I should add or subtract from this list?

Thanks for your help.

Bump. If you can please reply. Thanks. 

Offline Dan

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2450 on: June 21, 2023, 01:17:03 PM »
Cool new route just announced, MQP-VFA 3x weekly by Airlink.
Already offered MQP-LVI.
HDS-VFA/LVI would be cool.
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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Offline Dan

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2452 on: June 21, 2023, 02:11:40 PM »
Hi,

I have 2 full days in Cape Town. I like to pack into a day as much as possible. I have the following outline so far:

Sunday:
Table Mountain
Lion's head
Signal hill
Robben Island tour

Monday:
Chapmans
Hout Bay seal island
Camps Bay & Hout bay scenic drive
Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope
Boulder's Penguin Colony

Do this activities fill up my day? Anything I should add or subtract from this list?

Thanks for your help.

Looks good to me.
Don't think you need Lion's head/Signal hill if the Table is clear that day. The weather will be the biggest challenge.
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: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2453 on: June 22, 2023, 10:50:09 AM »
Looks good to me.
Don't think you need Lion's head/Signal hill if the Table is clear that day. The weather will be the biggest challenge.
We only had 1 good weather day, so we made the most of it. Truly incredible day, though certainly could have been 2 days.










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: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2454 on: June 25, 2023, 01:40:58 AM »
if airlink and fly safair both have a flight for the time I want wich one should I take?

Offline Saulius

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2455 on: June 25, 2023, 03:52:25 AM »
if airlink and fly safair both have a flight for the time I want wich one should I take?

They are both good. FlySafair has the biggest domestic market share, while Airlink is more of a Regional Feeder Airline, serving 13 other countries in the South African region.  Another difference is FlySafair is Boeing 737 aircraft, while Airlink is mostly all Embraer - and usually the E190 or E195.
Standard fare on FlySafair allows for 2 penalty-free changes (fare difference applies). Do fare comparisons, as your fare might be different based on your checked-in baggage requirements, and if you need excess baggage.
« Last Edit: June 25, 2023, 03:59:58 AM by Saulius »

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2456 on: June 29, 2023, 06:03:48 PM »
I finalized my trip plans B”H for next month. Arriving in JNB Monday night. Tuesday morning to  Sabi Sand for 1 night, then Thornybrush for 2 nights. Friday flying to CPT. Staying there until Tuesday morning. Then flying to Botswana/ Okavango Delta for 2 nights. Then flying Thursday to JNB to fly home iy”h.

I have the following questions:
Being that I will be in Sabi. Thornybrush and Okavango Delta do I have to take anything for Malaria?
Any concerns about yellow fever either in SA or Botswana?
Any covid rules re entering either SA or Botswana (vaccination or covid test)?
Any visa rules re entering either SA or Botswana?
I have AT&T. Is the 10$ per day my easiest and best option for data?

A few questions re CPT:
Table Mountain-hike up, rather do or rather skip?
What are my best option for sunsets?
Kayaking to see dolphins-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip?
Whale watching-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip? ( have done in Alaska and Cape Cod)
I will be arriving Friday when stores are already closed. Is my best option to eat shabes to go to Chabad? What would you suggest?
Where is my best place to eat out motzei shabes?
Will stay in CPT in President hotel? Safe to walk around to Chabad & waterfront promenade?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Offline Saulius

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2457 on: June 29, 2023, 06:58:54 PM »
As I posted previously on the forum "The mosquito that transmits malaria is only active at night, so no risk during day time. Also, parts of Kruger (especially lower area) is above 600m elevation, so no malaria risk). Also malaria is considered seasonal, as it is not transmitted when temperature is below  20°C (68°F)"

Okavango Delta definitely has a higher risk than the Kruger.
No risk of Yellow fever in SA or Botswana. No covid rules.
Visa rules, SA requires 2 blank pages on your passport and passport has to be valid for at least 6 months (strictly enforced)
Majority buy a prepaid Vodacom or MTN simcard for phone server/ data https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/South_Africa

I finalized my trip plans B”H for next month. Arriving in JNB Monday night. Tuesday morning to  Sabi Sand for 1 night, then Thornybrush for 2 nights. Friday flying to CPT. Staying there until Tuesday morning. Then flying to Botswana/ Okavango Delta for 2 nights. Then flying Thursday to JNB to fly home iy”h.

I have the following questions:
Being that I will be in Sabi. Thornybrush and Okavango Delta do I have to take anything for Malaria?
Any concerns about yellow fever either in SA or Botswana?
Any covid rules re entering either SA or Botswana (vaccination or covid test)?
Any visa rules re entering either SA or Botswana?
I have AT&T. Is the 10$ per day my easiest and best option for data?

A few questions re CPT:
Table Mountain-hike up, rather do or rather skip?
What are my best option for sunsets?
Kayaking to see dolphins-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip?
Whale watching-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip? ( have done in Alaska and Cape Cod)
I will be arriving Friday when stores are already closed. Is my best option to eat shabes to go to Chabad? What would you suggest?
Where is my best place to eat out motzei shabes?
Will stay in CPT in President hotel? Safe to walk around to Chabad & waterfront promenade?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Offline mijo

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2458 on: June 30, 2023, 07:55:53 AM »
Being that I will be in Sabi. Thornybrush and Okavango Delta do I have to take anything for Malaria?
I get Malaria tablets in South Africa, the ones for the week before, the week of and the week after - can also be bought in other countries, better than taking the daily one
I have AT&T. Is the 10$ per day my easiest and best option for data?
(When I've lost my Sim or it's expired) I get one at Woolworths at the airport and get airtime.  Actually I've had better coverage with Telkom (you can check coverage maps in Vodacom, Telkom, MTN and Cell C)
Table Mountain-hike up, rather do or rather skip?
What are my best option for sunsets?
Kayaking to see dolphins-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip?
Whale watching-anyone here done it? Rather do or skip? ( have done in Alaska and Cape Cod)
I will be arriving Friday when stores are already closed. Is my best option to eat shabes to go to Chabad? What would you suggest?
Where is my best place to eat out motzei shabes?
Will stay in CPT in President hotel? Safe to walk around to Chabad & waterfront promenade?
If the weather is good (not usually at this time of year, lots of rain and wind), I'd always hike up, there are many simple hikes too.
Sunset from Signal hill is beautiful, but a very good spot is also anywhere on the the Atlantic Seaboard promenade, eg. Sundowners in Camp's Bay or even the 12 appostles hotel
The kyaking is fun but hit and miss if they find a pod
Not sure you'll find many whales now, they come around the South African spring
Chabad doesn't always have meals, ask them.  I've landed late but had Goldies full cater shabbat for me and have it delivered to my hotel https://goldiesdeli.co.za/ or Goldiesdeli@gmail.com
The press - enjoy!
There are always walkers on the beachfront (as they call it) most of the day until sunset. If you're walking to Chabad from the President, I'd walk on "Main Road" rather than the beachfront after davening at night.  Shabbat morning/afternoon is fine.  It's a relatively safe part of town, but keep your watch/necklace at home.  It's the part of town with the highest concentration of jews, shuls, kosher food sections (Spar and Checkers are near the President) in 3 supermarkets so don't be suprised if someone in gym clothes walking a dog on shabbat morning says Good Shabbos ;-)

Offline travellove

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Re: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread
« Reply #2459 on: July 02, 2023, 10:59:52 PM »
As I posted previously on the forum "The mosquito that transmits malaria is only active at night, so no risk during day time. Also, parts of Kruger (especially lower area) is above 600m elevation, so no malaria risk). Also malaria is considered seasonal, as it is not transmitted when temperature is below  20°C (68°F)"

Okavango Delta definitely has a higher risk than the Kruger.
No risk of Yellow fever in SA or Botswana. No covid rules.
Visa rules, SA requires 2 blank pages on your passport and passport has to be valid for at least 6 months (strictly enforced)
Majority buy a prepaid Vodacom or MTN simcard for phone server/ data https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/South_Africa

If you would be me, you would only take Malarone in Botswana and not in SA. Correct?
Regarding the phone. You suggest not using AT&T because of cost savings? I would just love to have my regular number. If I don't mind spending the $100 for this, I should be fine?