Southern Africa
In general, as a guideline to the availability of Kosher-approved ingredients, most safari lodges and hotels have a surprisingly wide selection of Kosher ingredient options available in Southern Africa.
South Africa, due to its sizeable Jewish population in two major cities (Cape Town and Johannesburg), is the main producer of approved Kosher ingredients with a verifiable Hechsher on the packaging, across the full spectrum of Milchik, Fleischik, and Parev. Where possible, these ingredients are then imported into neighboring nations. If nations change their import restrictions, the general default will be Parev.
We can source Chalav Stamm dairy items almost without issues. Chalav Yisrael is severely limited, with a handful of suppliers, and we would need at least 30 days’ notice to arrange for an order to be secured.
Mehadrin Commission (Glatt) meat is also available across most locations. However, in some cases (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana), due to border importation restrictions protecting local meat production, it may not be possible to obtain Kosher meat. In such cases, the default in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana is Parev.
East Africa
In East Africa, the options are fairly limited. Mostly Parev/vegetarian menus are available. Chalav Stamm dairy items are hard to source with the approved Hechsher. Therefore, lodges will often default to Almond or Soya milk alternatives.
At great expense, one might be able to send small amounts of Kosher meat into these nations, and all importation costs are passed on to the clients as a surcharge.
Menus
Due to seasonal availability and import regulations, detailed day-by-day menus are not always available. However, the general pattern followed at safari lodges is:
Milchik / Parev breakfasts and lunches.
Fleischik / Parev dinners.
Meal styles vary between family-style and gourmet plated presentations, depending on the lodge’s rating and the executive chef’s preferences.
One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: South African Rand
Symbol: R
ISO code: ZAR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand)
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes, limited.
Diner’s club: Yes, limited.
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes, available at major banks, airports, and authorised bureaux de change
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports:O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport (CPT, Cape Town), King Shaka International Airport (DUR, Durban), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP, Nelspruit/near Kruger National Park), Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ, Port Elizabeth), East London Airport (ELS, East London, limited international flights), Lanseria International Airport (HLA, Johannesburg)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes, in most large cities
Rail:
Railway system: Yes in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg as well as long distnace luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe
Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."
Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.
Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm)
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C
Summer:
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg)
Winter:
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg)
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: M, N
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with thrilling adventure activities, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife found within its vast national parks and wilderness areas. Spend your evenings admiring the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, after an exhilarating day of white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. For a more relaxed experience, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba aboard a houseboat, watching elephants gather along the shoreline while trying your hand at catching the elusive tigerfish. From unforgettable safari adventures to breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Zambia offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whatever your interests, this remarkable country is sure to leave a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Chibwantu (a thick, fermented drink made from maize grits) and Munkoyo (a mildly fermented drink made from maize and local roots).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
