FAQs and Travel Tips for Our Wedding

General Information

When should we arrive at the hotel?

We highly recommend checking into the hotel by 25th June, to ensure that you are refreshed and ready for our first event on 26th June.

What is the dress code for each event?

Please refer to the "Wedding Events" tab on the top of our website for detailed information about the dress code for each event.

What should we do if we have specific dietary needs or allergies?

You can provide any dietary needs or allergies for each guest on the RSVP form available on our website.

Are there any preferred gifts for the bride and groom?

Having you at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you still wish to give a gift, we kindly request no boxed gifts.

Can we take photos and share them on social media?

Yes, we would love for everyone to share their photos! Please use the hashtag #MihirWedsNikita when posting on social media.

How can we RSVP, and when is the deadline?

You can RSVP by clicking the button at the top of our website. Please ensure you submit your RSVP by January 5th, 2025.

Travel Information

What is the nearest airport to the hotel?

The nearest airport to the hotel is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), which is about a 1-hour drive away.

Which airlines would you recommend for travelling to Zanzibar?

We recommend flying with Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. We advise avoiding Air France for this trip due to reports of a higher likelihood of lost luggage with this airline.

Are there direct flights to Zanzibar?

There are no direct flights from the U.K. to Zanzibar; however, convenient one-stop options are available with a range of different airlines, as recommended in the question above.

I am coming from Dar es Salaam, how do I get to Zanzibar?

There are several ferry services, including Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries. We recommend choosing business or VIP classes for a more comfortable experience. The ferry ride takes about 1-2 hours. The ferry departs from the Azam Marine Ferry Terminal in Dar es Salaam and arrives at the Stone Town Ferry Terminal in Zanzibar.

Are there any travel restrictions or requirements for Zanzibar?

Travel restrictions and requirements can vary, so please check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements on the official government or embassy websites.

Most travellers will need a visa to enter and we would recommend applying for an e-visa before your trip to avoid any delays at the airport. You can apply for the e-visa online through the Tanzanian immigration website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Additionally, starting October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors (excluding residents) will be required to purchase mandatory inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Travel insurance purchased from your home country will not be valid for entry. You can apply for this specific insurance through the official website: http://visitzanzibar.go.tz.

Do I need a visa to enter Zanzibar?

Most travellers will need a visa to enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar. We recommend applying for an e-visa before your trip to avoid any delays at the airport. You can apply for the e-visa online through the Tanzanian immigration website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Do I need special travel insurance to visit Zanzibar?

Starting from October 1, 2024, all foreigners visiting Zanzibar (excluding residents) will be required to obtain mandatory  inbound travel insurance directly from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Please note that regular travel insurance purchased in your home country will not be valid for entry. This is a government requirement, and travellers will not be permitted to enter without this specific insurance. You can apply for the required travel insurance through the official website: http://visitzanzibar.go.tz.

What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?

Please check with your healthcare provider for any recommended precautions or vaccinations before travelling.

Do I need to take malaria tablets?

There is a risk of malaria in Zanzibar. Antimalarial medication is recommended. Consult with your healthcare provider for the best option for you.

Do I need to take precautions against mosquitoes in Zanzibar?

Yes, there are a lot of mosquitoes in Zanzibar, so please ensure you bring mosquito repellent and sleep under the mosquito net at the hotel.

Accommodation

Is there a special hotel rate for wedding guests?

Yes, we have secured special all-inclusive rates for all our wedding guests at Melia Zanzibar. You can view the special rates by using this link: Click Here. Please note, this link will only be active for 31 days between 1st October 2024 - 1st November 2024.

On which dates can I book using the special rate?

The booking link allows our guests to enjoy the special rate for stays between 19th June 2025 and 10th July 2025. This is why you may see the message "This hotel will open on June 19, 2025" on the Melia booking calendar.

Can I still book after the special rate period ends?

Yes, you are welcome to book whenever you like. Just keep in mind that bookings made after the special rate period will not include the special rate discount.

Is it possible for us to stay on a bed and breakfast or half board basis?

Due to the hotel’s policy, all of our wedding guests are required to stay all-inclusive at the resort during our wedding period.

Are there any alternative accommodation options, such as Airbnb, guest houses, or other hotels?

Due to the hotel’s policy, all of our wedding guests are required to stay at the resort during our wedding period.

Local Information

What is the local currency?

The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), which is accepted by local shops, stalls, and small restaurants. However, most larger venues, such as hotels, prefer United States Dollar (USD). We highly recommend carrying USD to make things easier, as it is commonly used for tourist services like airport transfers, day tours, and activities. You can always exchange USD for Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) as needed.

What is the local time zone?

Zanzibar operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is 2 hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST) during June.

What language is spoken in Zanzibar?

The official languages in Zanzibar are Swahili and English.

What is the weather typically like in Zanzibar during June?

In June, Zanzibar generally experiences warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). While there may still be some showers, they are usually brief and don't last long.

What kind of electrical outlets and voltage are used in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar uses Type G electrical sockets, which are the same as UK sockets, with a voltage of 230V. Therefore, if you are coming from the UK, you won't need to bring a travel adapter.

Kindly RSVP by January 5th, 2025

We look forward to celebrating with you!

RSVP