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We're going to do it. We're going to Zambia leaving SMF late Tue night in order to take DL 200 (ATL-JNB) on Tues 3/11.
From there we're going to use eZEDs on South African Airways for the JNB-LUN-JNB round trip. All of that looks good (although reassuring words are always welcome!).
Does anyone have hotel recommendations for JNB and LUN? We "plan" to be in Lusaka 6 days. A hotel in Johannesburg would only be needed if there is a schedule snafu.
Thanks.
Yes! Guesthouse nr JNB has free shuttle--super nice couple, Ina and Arthur, run the place. (PS--Harley enthusiasts!) Reserve online direct and ask for airline rate--just under $100 for double 2 yrs ago. Please mention your Delta friends. Small pool, big braai (bbq) cooked by Arthur etxra charge about $12-15pp) bfast, honor bar. I'd hope for a snafu, just to enjoy the hospitality of some of the nicest folks in JNB! There are lots of other guest houses, many people like Aero but it sounds too backpacker for me.
PS--say hello to Fatty the dog, for me. He'll follow you to your room if you pet him--too funny, too Fatty!
Is it complicated getting off and back into the JNB airport? We're only going to be there 12 hours if we get stranded ... it's a close connection to the last flight of the day for our final leg. Coming home could be more of an adventure, but not thinking about that right now -- plans A/B/C are at the ready. ;-)
Certainly no more complicated than any major airport. I didn't think security was overly trying but nonrev is insane unless you're using One Great Team passes.
You are held at the Delta desks until (IF) the station mgr gives the go ahead to dispense you to pp control and security. Desk super takes you and you have to beat feet to get to gate. You will meet nonrevs who have been there for days (some more than a wk) due to payload optimization (or his whim) S4s can look quite forlorn. Anyway, do your homework for hotels and guesthouses.
If you do use SunRock, they have driver w/sigh at arrivals hall. It's close to JNB--takes only a few minutes.
Try contacting Protea Hotels and see what travel industry rates they are offering. They are mainly in South Africa but have a few places in Zambia.
Protea hotels earn Marriott points now. I never got any id w/Protea in South Africa in the past. May be different w/BA, tho. The Peermont group hotels--various names--are casinos and very commercial. If you want to play...
I just got email from booking.com and Kempton Park is the area near JNB. Aviator, Metcourt, etc. Several options@every $ but SunRock is still our fave. I guess you are on your way--not sure since Wed is 11th. Have a wonderful time and enjoy the flight!
We flew seamlessly from SMF-ATL-JNB-LUN. And we got first class seats to ATL and JNB. We did NOT expect that.
We're in our last full day in Lusaka and start our journey home about noon tomorrow. Connections and loading look good so far, but one never knows. :-)
Our purpose was to assess an orphans sponsorship program and that work has gone well. There is much to do in terms of planning, finance, infrastructure (water and sanitation), and health issues. But having been here, we feel like we better "know" the situation and better serve the need. We may be coming back to do some hands on work with construction and teacher training.
It's been a gratifying experience. Next time we'll add some tourism. We did see an elephant nursery.
Thanks to all for your help and insight. Dave (FOMTS -Father of My Three Sons)
That is so great! Love the long haul "Delta One" service/flatbeds. What a way to go!
Which flt are you planning JNB/ATL? 2 pax?