FAQs
Question
Can you explain some of the events in the timeline
Answer
We are delighted to share some details about the Wedding Processional and Ceremony **Mehndi** Mehndi, also known as henna, is a dye made from the henna plant that is applied to the hands and feet of the bride and women during the wedding. It is traditionally believed to promote fertility and the bond between the couple. https://www.brides.com/mehndi-party-5075519 ----Wedding Processional Events---- **Baraat** The Groom's prepares to arrive at the wedding ceremony area. He, accompanied by his friends and family, approaches the ceremony where the bride's family is waiting to receive him. Learn more here: https://www.brides.com/indian-baraat-5075885 **Milni** The Bride's family receives the groom as he and his wedding procession approach the ceremony area. This represents a coming together of the two families and the bride's family welcomes the groom by sprinkling rose water on him. Learn more here: https://www.linandjirsa.com/milni-ceremony-indian-wedding-tradition **Ceremony** A traditional Hindu ceremony has 7 steps; we will be borrowing some portions of this for our ceremony. https://cosmopolitanevents.com.au/what-do-seven-steps-in-hindu-wedding-mean/
Question
Can I stay at the Leopard Beach for the night?
Answer
Of course you can! We have secured a block of rooms under the name "Bhudia Wedding." You may feel free to book your own room directly with Leopard Beach. Cost: 20,000 Kenya Shillings (approx $190 USD) based on double-occupancy; for additional guests in room, it may cost slightly more. (Price to be confirmed). -- Note: For immediate family such as brothers, mum, dad, AND for out-of-town guests going on the safari in advance of the wedding-- please check with Sarah & Sanjay before booking your own room as these may have been booked on your behalf.
Question
For Kenya: Are COVID Vaccines and Tests Required
Answer
Yes, a negative PCR test (not an antigen test) is required as of now. As of now, proof of vaccination is not technically required but we have been asked for it upon entering Kenya. We will update as the data approached. https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Question
For Kenya: Is a Visa required?
Answer
Yes. Both US and British Citizens need a visa to enter Kenya. * A Single-entry: $51 - allows 1 entry into Kenya within 3 months of a given date * A Multi-entry Visa: $101 - recommended if you plan to travel elsewhere and return to Kenya during your stay. It used to take ~2 weeks to process these. We recommend applying earlier in case of any COVID delays. Proof of purchased flight and hotel required in order to apply for Visa. You can apply online.
Question
I am with the Safari Party, what can I expect in terms of rooms, transport, bookings, etc.
Answer
All transportation (car transfers, planed) that is a part of the Safari is taken care of. All hotel rooms in Mara are booked for you All hotel rooms in Diani Beach are booked for you for Friday & Saturday; any additional days, please book on your own. - Transfer from Nairobi Hotel to Nairobi airport - Plane is booked for you - Hotel transfers within the park & to-from airport are included - Transfer from Ukunda airport to Leopard Beach is taken care of The hotel can help you arrange transport to airport depending on what time you leave Sunday. Please plan to book all your arrival into Kenya and departure from Diani Beach and Kenya on your own.
Question
For Kenya: Are other vaccines required or recommended?
Answer
The only requirement is a Yellow Fever vaccine if you're travelling from a country with Yellow Fever exposure in the last 1 month. We personally recommend getting Malaria pills from your local travel clinic. You should begin taking these ~1 week before your travel. Cost is approx ~$180 for 24 pills (24 days), which includes your week before Kenya. Standard vaccinations for Hepatis A, Hepatis B, Polio, Measles, Rabies, etc. are all recommended but not required. To be the most safe, I always travel with my vaccination record.
Question
Do you have a Gift Registry?
Answer
We are so grateful that you will all be able to join us, and don't require any gifts! Instead, we'd love to see gifts go to our favorite nonprofits: * Opportunity Network; https://opportunitynetwork.org/ - Sarah sits on the junior board of OppNet, which does an incredible job helping students to get a support network, prepare for college, get internships, and more. It's one of the few organizations that works with talented students through the full spectrum of high-school, college, and into their first careers. (For direct gift page: www.opportunitynetwork.org/sarahandsanjay) * Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ - Sanjay has watched the elephant population and other big wildlife dwindle in Kenya since he's been a boy. Sheldrick is one of the few sanctuaries that is successfully reintegrating elephants and big game into the wild after they've been injured or abandoned. Any gifts made, if you wouldn't mind marking that their in honor of the Jankowski / Bhudia wedding - we'd love it!