How are meals handled on a safari tour?

The tour provides three freshly prepared kosher meals daily, crafted by five-star hotel chefs. Meals are supervised by a full-time mashgiach, often from the Johannesburg Beth Din or other recognized authorities. All meat is Glatt, and baked goods are Pas Yisroel. Unlike many tours, food is prepared fresh on-site rather than being pre-packaged and shipped in.

Is the supervision consistent throughout the different countries?

While the itinerary covers various African regions, the kashrut standards remain consistent. A mashgiach travels with the group to supervise on-site kitchens, ensuring that even in remote areas like the Chobe National Park or the Zambezi River, the dietary requirements are met without compromise.

What is the Jewish community infrastructure like in South Africa?

South Africa, particularly Johannesburg, has a robust Jewish infrastructure. The Johannesburg Beth Din is a world-renowned authority that oversees local certifications. Travelers often spend time in the city before or after their safari, where they can find numerous kosher-certified restaurants and supermarkets in neighborhoods like Glenhazel and Orchards.

Who is the target audience for the Best of Southern Africa tour?

The tour is designed for luxury travelers and families who observe strict kashrut but seek high-end wildlife adventures. With options for superior, deluxe, or ultra-luxury tiers, it caters to those who prioritize both halachic standards and five-star comfort. Minyanim are typically organized among the guests when possible.

Which regions and countries does this tour cover?

The journey typically begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, before transiting to Livingstone, Zambia, to view Victoria Falls. The itinerary also extends into Botswana for the Chobe National Park. This multi-country route allows guests to experience diverse ecosystems while maintaining a single standard of kosher living.

The Best of Southern Africa

10 Days of Safari & Nature paradise (July & Aug)

✡ Johannesburg Beis Din.

Location: Johannesburg, GP, South Africa

Organizer: Gourmet Kosher Safaris

About

Join us on this exquisite tour and start looking forward…as we accompany you on a safari journey like no other. On this most incredible visit of Southern Africa, you will take it all in as we arrange every detail for you in an experience that harmonious combines pampering luxury with a unique wildlife adventure. Wine and dine with gourmet kosher cuisines (even in the bush!) and enjoy luxury five-star accommodation "“ this is the Best of Southern Africa "“ the GKS way.

"‹This tour can be taken as a superior luxury, deluxe luxury or ultra luxury tour depending on budget. Please inquire about pricing and differences.

Day 1 -VICTORIA FALLS

Arrive in Johannesburg and connect to Livingstone, Zambia, gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls.

"‹Victoria Falls is not only a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, but with its massive curtain of falling water that plunges almost 100m down the 1800m width of the mighty Zambezi River, it has been acclaimed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

"‹Spend the afternoon admiring the magnificent views of the Falls from the Zambian side. Enjoy the views of the water of the Zambezi River pouring over the precipice, the thunderous sound of the water crashing into the gorge and the thick cloud of mist which leaves you refreshed and exhilarated.

Victoria Falls will leave you with an everlasting impression.

DAY 2- CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Travel through the African bush to the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, the Kazangula border post, where four Africa countries meet. Here, we cross the great Zambezi River into Botswana, and set out on our first safari in the world-famous Chobe National Park.

"‹Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephant in the world, as well as large herds of buffalo, hippo, many crocodile, antelope, zebra, giraffe, and of course the big cats.

"‹We start our safari by boat, cruising down the most game-rich river in the world, hoping for some close-up sightings of hippo, crocodile, and possibly even elephant swimming in the river.

After lunch, we board open jeeps for an exciting safari in the interior of the park, as well as along the river banks, looking out for giraffe, zebra, antelope, lion, leopard, and of course, Chobe's famous large elephant herds- this is the world's elephant capital after all!

DAY 3- VICTORIA FALLS - CAPE TOWN

This morning, we cross the "Victoria Falls Bridge", one of the most spectacular border crossings in the world, where the old colonial road crosses the Zambezi River Gorge, affording great views of the falls and rainforest.

"‹After completing border formalities, we tour the Zimbabwean side of the falls, encompassing the widest parts of the Victoria Falls, including the "Devil's Cataract", and the "Main Falls"- the world's widest unbroken curtain of falling water.

"‹Time permitting, we stop at the "Big Tree", a massive baobab tree the size of a house, and/or the historic "Victoria Falls hotel" for drinks.

"‹We then cross back into Zambia for our flight back to Johannesburg and on to Cape Town, South Africa's magnificent "Mother City", set in a basin surrounded by mountains and ocean. We enjoy dinner at one of Cape Town's kosher restaurants, and check into our luxury hotel.

DAY 4 -CAPE TOWN/TABLE MOUNTAIN

Cape Town is virtually synonymous with "Table Mountain", and today, weather permitting, we take the Cable-car up this world-famous landmark, now ranked as one of the "New 7 wonders of the natural world."

From the summit, the views are endless: The Cape Peninsula as far as "Cape Point" to the South, the "Two Oceans" to the West and East, and the City, West-coast, and higher mountain ranges to the North. Due to unpredictable weather, a visit to the summit cannot be guaranteed, but the nearby "Signal Hill" and "Lion's Head" mountains also provide incredible views in many cases where this is not possible.

"‹Cape Town has so much to see and do, and after a lovely lunch at the "Jewish Museum", we visit the world- famous "Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens", nestled on the Southern Slopes of the mountain, where the various unique species of the "Cape Floral Kingdom" can be enjoyed, as well as different views of Table Mountain from the other side.

"‹We return to our hotel on time to prepare for a wonderful and inspiring Shabbos with the friendly Jewish communities of Cape Town.

DAY 5- CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has a wonderful variety of Synagogues and communities, and what better way to get to know them than to spend a Shabbos in this incredible city.

"‹From the historic "Gardens Synagogue" in downtown Cape Town, to the original "Sea Point Hebrew Congregation", with their famous choirs and Chazanim, to the vibrant "Ohr Sameach", Young Israel style "Morasha", "the Shul on the Bay" and others, there is much to choose from.

"‹Depending on your Shabbos hotel and your preference, we will guide you to the shuls of your choice, after which a delicious Shabbos lunch will await you. What better way to spend a Shabbos afternoon than a relaxing walk along Cape-Town's magnificent beachfront!

DAY 6 -CAPE TOWN/CAPE PENINSULA

Today, we experience some of the world's most spectacular scenery: The "Cape Peninsula" is surrounded by the icy waters of the Atlantic on the West, and the warm waters of the Mozambique current on the East, separated by the majestic mountains of the "Table Mountain National Park."

"‹We start our day with a magnificent boat cruise out to "Seal Island" to see a massive colony of Cape fur seals, after which the famous "Chapman's Peak Drive" takes us along narrow ocean-facing cliffs towards Cape Point, the dramatic meeting point of the two ocean currents and tip of the Peninsula.

After lunch, a spectacular hike leads the walking enthusiasts along cliffs, glorious beaches, and unbeatable scenery to the famous "Cape of Good Hope", first navigated by the original Portuguese explorers so long ago.

At the same time, those who are less energetic can relax and enjoy the magnificent views at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope below.

"‹We continue our scenic drive round the Eastern side of the Peninsula to "Boulder's Beach", where we visit a natural colony of Cape Penguins, a unique and exciting end to a magnificent day. The never-ending Cape scenery takes us back to town and our hotel, where we freshen up for dinner.

DAY 7- PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

We fly to Hoedspruit, gateway to the luxury private reserves of the "Greater Kruger National Park". After a delicious lunch and check-in to your luxury lodge, set out on your first exciting open-jeep safari. With the help of off-road access and specialized game-trackers, getting close to the "Big 5" has never been easier, - but this is NO zoo, and there are NO guarantees- anything can happen at any time on safari!

Some of the animals we hope to see include various antelope species, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile, and of course the famous "Big 5": elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard. Even more elusive are the African wild dog and cheetah!

A freshly prepared, gourmet kosher dinner awaits us on our return to the lodge!

DAY 8-9 -PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

The routine on safari is geared to take advantage of the best hours of the day for game-viewing: early mornings, and late-afternoons- animals generally are less active in the heat of the day. We rise early before dawn for coffee and biscuits, and enter the park in search of the still-active nocturnal animals such as lion and leopard, as well as the antelope and other species they prey on.

"‹Even the leopard needs a siesta, and the middle of the day is relaxed, consisting of time to daven, a splendid late breakfast, an optional bush walk, time to relax by the pool or take a spa treatment, and of course, a delicious light lunch!

In the late afternoon, we continue our safari, searching for species we have not yet seen, and more of those we have already seen. Every game-drive is completely unique-, and the bushveld is always on the move- what one vehicle is lucky enough to spot, the next might miss by a few seconds.

DAY 10- PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AND FAREWELL

The sun has not yet risen over the African bush, and our last exciting game-drive is upon us. Every safari is completely different- animals can be a lot like human beings, and every aspect of their behavior is fascinating to watch and observe.

"‹The incredible sight of a lioness playing with her cubs, a hippo yawning, leopard stalking her prey, or a baboon family playing together, can now be seen by those lucky enough, not just on a National Geographic, but in real life!

After a delicious breakfast, we fly to Johannesburg on time for our flight back home, enriched by all the magnificent creatures and scenic wonders we have seen.

"‹This tour can be taken as a superior luxury, deluxe luxury or ultra luxury tour depending on budget. Please inquire about pricing and differences.

About the provider

Gourmet Kosher Safaris is a name synonymous worldwide with continual innovation, absolute reliability and unwavering dedication to the highest standards of kashrut, cuisine, accommodation and overall travel experience - no matter where you go.

Our founder
"‹In 2001, Rav Yoni Isaacson decided to share his passion for travel, wildlife and gourmet cuisine...

...and boy are we glad he did! Armed with nothing more than his extensive knowledge of geography and halacha, a heightened sense of appreciation for fine cuisine and lots of confidence, he started a little business that has grown into one of the most respected luxury kosher travel companies in the world.

"‹GKS was born when Rabbi Yoni Isaacson pioneered the first Gourmet Kosher Africa Safari in 2001. That unforgettable experience soon became highly sought-out by kosher travelers across the globe and it didn't take long for GKS to became the leading name in luxury kosher eco-tourism

Rooms & accommodation

South Africa

Kashrut & dining

3 freshly prepared kosher meals daily by 5-star hotel chefs, under our strict hashgacha
Snacks and plenty bottled water on excursions; drinks during meals
Quality kosher wines served at dinner

Religious life & Shabbat

Where unavailable, or if logistically more suitable, we take a registered mashgiach with us from another recognized kashrut authority.

Our meals are prepared fresh on site in the presence of a full-time mashgiach. At GKS there is no pre-cooked food brought in from the cities, and certainly no doubling up of the guide or host as mashgiach.

All meat is glatt by default, fresh baked products are pas Yisroel. Regular milk is only used when our kosher certifier permits it on the basis of the ruling of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt'l. Chalav Yisroel lechumra is available in most venues on special request.

Although we are subject to local import regulations and availability in all the regions we visit, nonetheless, we spare no effort or reasonable expense to source the wide variety of kosher products required for a high-end culinary experience, including importing kosher meats, wines, and dairy products from the nearest or most suitable country with a viable Jewish community life.

Of course, despite our uncompromising efforts, when unavoidable limitations exist, such as the beef ban in India and ban on importing raw red-meats into the Galapagos, then our menus are adapted accordingly with every effort made to minimize the impact on the variety of quality dishes we serve.

When local quality kosher baked goods are unavailable, our own pastry chef bakes fresh breads and pastries daily.

We strive where-ever logistically possible to serve quality lunch spreads where-ever we happen to be for the day. Where not possible, packed lunches are provided.

By default, our tours include all drinks at meals, quality locally available wines at dinner, and snacks and bottled water on demand during excursions.

Location

Address: Johannesburg, South Africa

Getting there

Arrival: OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Departure: OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

Contact

Organizer: Gourmet Kosher Safaris
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Phone: +972-52-392-1883
WhatsApp: 00972523921883
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.gourmetkoshersafaris.com/