FAQs
Question
Lodging
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Our wedding will take place on the southern side of Lusaka, at Lilayi Lodge. We would recommend reserving a hotel on this side of town to make getting to and from the venue easy. Our recommended hotels: First choice: Sandys Creations Resort (about $120/room/night including breakfast) To book, email, reservations@sandyscreations.net with the subject line: Scott Wedding Second choice: Twangale Park Lusaka (about $170/room/night including breakfast) To book, email, reservations@twangale.co.zm with the subject line: Scott Wedding We will have a shuttle to the wedding venue on Saturday from these hotels. After your safari or before flying back home, we would recommend staying closer to the airport or in the Kabulonga area before departing Zambia. Ciela Hotel Lusaka is a large Marriott hotel close to the airport with a spa, golf course, restaurants and brewery. There is also a Protea Hotel and Radisson Blu hotel that side of town. These hotels can be booked online. If you're interested in a smaller hotel with more character or more budget options, please let us know! There are plenty! If you are booking reservations through Tyrone or Luke, they can help you with these bookings.
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Airline Options
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From the US: Qatar Airways Emirates Ethiopian Airways Kenyan Airways United/Delta through South Africa (This is only an affordable option if you buy separate flights - one to Johannesburg and then separate flights from Joburg to Lusaka. It’s obviously a bit trickier but can be economical.) From the UK: Emirates Kenyan Ethiopian (options to fly through South Africa and buy separate flights up to Lusaka also available) South Africa: Proflight Rwandair Airlink
Question
Is there Malaria in Zambia
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Malaria is technically present all over Zambia but some regions are considered more high risk than others. The prevalence of Malaria during the winter months (May-September) is also much less than during the hotter, wetter months. We would recommend speaking to your local doctor about Malaria profolactics prior to travelling to Zambia. Duncan has lived in Zambia since 2014 and Taylor 2016 and neither have gone down with Malaria so far.
Question
What will the weather be like?
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July is one of the cooler months in Zambia. Temperatures at night will most likely be as low as 12 C (54 F). During the day it will hover around 25 C (77 F). Many hotels do have heating and/or air conditioning, but we recommend being prepared for all weather - bring your jacket and a swimsuit! If you are going on safari, a beanie, warm jacket, wool socks are recommended for cold morning drives. Dress in layers as the sun comes up, you will warm up!
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Getting around
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Driving in Lusaka can be challenging. We drive on the left hand side of the road, lots of potholes, mini buses, and sometimes Google Maps takes you off roading. We would recommend renting cars only if you feel confident driving in complex conditions. If you're interested in renting a car, please let us know and we'll help you get in touch with a rental company. Taxis are readily available and will know how to get to common destinations (hotels, restaurants etc.). Ulendo is Zambia's Uber. Download an app, tell them where you're headed and someone will pick you up. You can pay with cash or credit card. (We've never used either of these ourselves, but they have been reliable for our friends) Shuttles for larger groups (5+) can be arranged to keep you all together. These are typically booked by the day or half-day and come with a driver. Please let us know if you're interested in this option and we'll help to connect you with reputable companies.
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Kids
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For our guests from Zambia, we ask that you plan to leave your children at home during the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday. For our international guests, your hotel or Duncan and Taylor can try to help you find a nanny for the wedding and reception. If you'd prefer your children are at the venue with you, they are welcome to sit on laps during the ceremony, and join the other kids in the movie room during canapes and dinner. There will be nannies in the movie room with the kids.
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Communication in Zambia
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Wifi will be available at most hotels in the city (if you are going on safari, you can check whether wifi or cell service is available). Getting a local phone number is recommended while in Zambia. There are three phone carriers in Zambia: MTN, Airtel and Zamtel. You can buy a SIM* card for any of these network providers after exiting the airport - it costs about 5 or 10 ZMW ($.50). Once you have a SIM card, you can buy "talk time" and convert it into a "bundle" to start using your phone for talk, text, and data. You probably won't need more than 100/150 ZMW ($5-$10) for your entire trip. The worker at the network provider can help you set this up. If you need to top up with more 'talk time' later, you can purchase it from the side of the road or in most grocery stores. *You can place the Zambian SIM directly into your phone or bring an old phone to use with your Zambian SIM while you're here.
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Outlets and Power
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Zambia uses British plug points - international adapters will have the correct converter for your appliances. Zambia uses 240v power. Many small American appliances are only suitable with 110v power so make sure to check your appliances before plugging in.
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Money
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We recommend paying with your credit card whenever you can - easiest and then using cash at markets/to pay taxis etc. Getting cash is easiest from an ATM which are located within walking distance of Sandys hotel and frequently around town. The max you can usually get out of an ATM is 4-6,000ZMW ($215 - $315). You can also get cash from a Bureau de Change. We find this a more expensive option (depending on what your bank charges for ATM fees) and can be time consuming, but definitely an option. If you prefer the Bureau, we recommend bringing new, high denomination bills.
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Vaccines
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You do not need any specific vaccine to enter the country. The COVID vaccine is no longer mandatory; however, you still may want to carry a copy of it, especially if you're transiting through other countries.
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COVID-19
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We've planned our wedding in 2023 with the hopes that most of the COVID-19 risks, travel restrictions, and other complications will be behind us; however, the safety of our families and guests is of the utmost importance. Changes will be made, if needed, to comply with local and international guidance and regulations. For travel in to Zambia, there are no COVID restrictions and you no longer need to have a PCR test to enter the country whether you're vaccinated or not. For vaccinated travelers traveling to the UK and South Africa, PCR tests are no longer required. US Citizens no longer need proof of vaccination or testing to enter the U.S. Non-US Citizens must be vaccinated or have a PCR COVID test within 24 hrs of traveling to enter the US. PCR tests in Zambia are easily accessible with a 24hour turnaround from Lusaka for about $100, some lodges are also providing this service. We will continue to update this section if/when things change.