travel & stay
A Loving Note About the Journey!
We want to take a moment to speak from the heart.
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We know that traveling to Zanzibar is a big journey — one that takes time, planning, and resources. And while we’d be overjoyed to celebrate with every single one of you in person, we also know that not everyone will be able to make the trip.
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Please know this: there is absolutely no pressure, no expectation, and no hard feelings if you can’t be there. Your love and support mean everything to us, wherever you are in the world.
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We chose Zanzibar because it’s Muhammed’s home — a place that holds deep meaning for us as a couple — and we wanted to begin our marriage somewhere that reflects our roots, our values, and our dreams. If you’re able to make the journey, we’ll welcome you with full hearts. If not, we’ll carry you with us in spirit.
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There will be more moments to celebrate, hug, and dance together — and no matter where or when, we are grateful to have you in our lives.
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With Love Always,
Muhammed & Shari "The Zanzibaes"
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what to knOw befOre yOu gO:
Passports, Visas, & Travel Insurance
U.S. Passport (Required): All travelers will need a valid passport to enter Tanzania. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date and has at least two blank pages. Be sure to check your expiration date and renew it NOW if necessary!
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Visa Required for U.S. Citizens: You’ll need a tourist visa to enter Zanzibar/Tanzania. You have two easy options:
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Apply Online (Recommended): Get an eVisa ahead of time at https://visa.immigration.go.tz
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Cost: $100 USD
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Processing time: 7–10 business days
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Type: Single-entry tourist visa
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Purpose of visit: Holiday/Tourism
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Visa on Arrival: You can also get your visa at the airport in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.
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Same cost ($100 USD)
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Will require a longer wait at immigration
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Tip: We recommend applying online at least 2–3 weeks before your trip for the smoothest experience. If you're traveling from a country other than the U.S., be sure to check your country's specific visa requirements for Tanzania.
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Travel Insurance (Required): Zanzibar requires all foreign non-residents to purchase the "Inbound Travel Insurance" from the national insurer, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
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Purchase Here: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
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Cost: The cost of the mandatory insurance is $44 USD per person. Children aged 2-17 pay $22 USD, and children under 2 years old are exempt.
While not required, we strongly recommend purchasing additional/personal travel insurance for your trip to Zanzibar, especially since this is an international journey that may include multiple flights, layovers, or excursions.
Why it’s a good idea:
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Covers trip cancellations or delays
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Protects against lost luggage
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Includes emergency medical coverage (your U.S. insurance likely won’t apply in Tanzania)
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Gives peace of mind while traveling abroad
You can purchase coverage through:
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Your airline (when booking flights)
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Credit cards (some include limited travel insurance — check your benefits!)
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Trusted travel insurance providers like:
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World Nomads
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Allianz Travel
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SafetyWing
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Travel Guard
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Tip: Look for a plan that covers both medical and trip cancellation, just in case life happens. We hope everything goes smoothly, but we want you to feel protected and prepared either way!
Vaccines & Health Prep
Your health and safety are super important to us as you prepare to travel. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip to see what’s right for you. Here's what you need to know to feel confident and comfortable heading to Zanzibar:
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Recommended Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccines to enter Tanzania if you're flying directly from the U.S. However, the following vaccines are recommended by the CDC for travel to East Africa:
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Hepatitis A
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Typhoid
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Tetanus/Diphtheria booster (if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years)
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Hepatitis B (for extended travel)
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Yellow Fever — Only required if you’re coming from or transiting through a yellow fever–risk country. (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, parts of South America)
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Malaria Prevention: Zanzibar is a low-risk malaria zone, but antimalarial medication is still recommended, especially for rural excursions or extended stays.
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Ask your doctor about Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam, and any possible side effects
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Wear mosquito repellent (DEET-based)
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Sleep with screens or mosquito nets (most hotels provide them)
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Food & Water Safety
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Drink only bottled or filtered water (trust Shari on this, she learned the hard way lol)
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Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s purified
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Eat hot, freshly cooked food
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Wash fruits/veggies with safe water
Medical Care: We highly recommend getting travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, just in case. (See our Travel Insurance section above.) Most hotels and resorts are within reach of reliable clinics, but it’s good to be prepared.
If you have any health questions or need help finding a travel clinic near you, feel free to reach out — we want you to feel fully supported on this journey.
Tickets & Common Flight Routes
Let’s Get You to Zanzibar! The trip to Zanzibar is a long journey for many of our guests, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with helpful tips to make your travels smoother.
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The main airport you’ll fly into is: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — located in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
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Flight Routes and Airlines: Zanzibar doesn’t have many direct flights from the U.S., so most guests will have 1–2 layovers. Most routes from the U.S. are 19+ hours and can take 1-2 days, depending on departure time. Common routes include:
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Qatar Airways – via Doha (DOH)
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Turkish Airlines – via Istanbul (IST)
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Emirates – via Dubai (DXB)
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KLM/AirFrance/Delta – via Amsterdam (AMS) + Dar es Salaam (DAR)
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Ethiopian Airlines – via Addis Ababa (ADD)
Many guests travel through Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Amsterdam (KLM). Depending on where you're flying from, you might also pass through Nairobi or Dar es Salaam before a short flight to Zanzibar.
Pro Tip: Some guests may fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) and take a short 20-minute local flight or a 2-hour ferry to Zanzibar.
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We’re here to help you get from takeoff to touchdown — and we’ll be waiting on the other side with hugs and a warm “Karibu (welcome)!”
Travel
Logistics & Accommodations
We recommend arriving 1–2 days before the wedding to:
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Adjust to the time zone, Zanzibar will be 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time!
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Rest and reset after the long travel days and flight!
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Enjoy the island before the festivities begin!
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Once You Arrive, the Customs/Entry process is fairly easy:
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Lines can be slow, especially during peak hours — pack your patience and a good podcast
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Be prepared to show:
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Passport
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Printed Visa Confirmation Page
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Printed ZIC Travel Insurance Confirmation Page
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Proof of accommodation (print or screenshot)
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Return flight ticket
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Currency exchange: USD is accepted in many places, but the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) is preferred. Don't worry, we will help you exchange any desired currency, and ATMs are safe for most U.S. debit cards.
SIM cards: You can purchase a physical SIM card in town; however, an eSIM is the recommended option. Shari uses Airalo - use this code to get a discount: SHARI7844
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Getting to Your Hotel: Transportation from the airport will be provided. Once we know your arrival time and lodging location, we will arrange your safe and reliable airport pickup. We’ll send details in advance.
Accommodations: Options for accommodations will be provided, and multiple price points as we get closer to the wedding date. ​
June Weather & Packing Tips
June is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar, and it’s one of the reasons we chose it for our celebration! Here’s what you can expect:
Common Weather for the Zanzibar Winter:
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Warm, comfortable temperatures
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Days: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
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Nights: 65–72°F (18–22°C)
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Low humidity with gentle ocean breezes
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Very little rain — June marks the start of the dry season
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Sunshine all day with dreamy sunsets in the evening
Perfect weather for beach walks, dancing under the stars, and celebrating love.
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What to Pack: Make sure style meets comfort! Zanzibar is a Muslim country -- please dress modestly. Here are our recommendations to help you pack smart — whether you’re planning to relax, explore, or show up fabulous for the big day:
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For the Vibe
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Lightweight, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, flowy styles)
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Casual resort wear for daytime
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A light scarf or wrap for cooler evenings or modest areas
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Comfortable sandals or flats (roads can be sandy or uneven)
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For the Elements
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Sunscreen (reef-safe if you’re swimming)
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Hat or sunglasses
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Swimsuit + cover-up for the beach or hotel pool
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Light bug repellent for the evenings
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For the Wedding Festivities
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Island-chic, celebratory outfits!
Think: flowy dresses, bright colors, linen suits, florals, or prints
(We’ll share more on wedding attire on the “Events” page.)
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Optional but Helpful
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Travel-size first aid or medication kit (ibuprofen, motion sickness, etc.)
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Power adapter (Tanzania uses Type G sockets, 230V)
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Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
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A few small gifts or snacks for the journey
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Most importantly, pack whatever helps you feel relaxed and joyful. The island vibe is all about comfort, connection, and celebration — no stress, just love, soft breezes, and good memories.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Zanzibar is more than just beautiful beaches — it's a vibrant island with a rich history, warm-hearted people, and deep-rooted traditions. As you prepare to celebrate with us, we invite you to embrace the spirit of the island by learning a few cultural customs that will help you connect, respect, and fully enjoy the experience.
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Respect for Religion: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, and religion plays an important role in Muhammed's daily life.
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Dress modestly when outside of resorts or on excursions (especially in towns or villages). For women, covering their shoulders and knees is appreciated. A scarf can be useful to have on hand.
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During the call to prayer (heard five times a day), locals may pause to reflect — it’s a beautiful moment of peace.
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Avoid public displays of affection in public areas (hand-holding is fine, but kissing or hugging is best saved for private spaces).
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Greetings & Politeness: Zanzibari culture values warmth and kindness.
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Greeting others with a smile and a friendly “Mambo” (hello) or “Salama” (peace) goes a long way.
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When entering shops or speaking with locals, always start with a greeting — it’s seen as respectful and friendly.
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Use your right hand when eating and giving or receiving items — it’s considered the clean and polite hand on the island.
Shoes Off, Heart In: In many homes and some guesthouses or cultural spaces, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering. If in doubt, just ask us.
Shopping & Tipping: Bargaining is common in local markets — done with a smile, it’s seen as part of the experience! Tipping isn’t required, but is very appreciated. For example, rounding up a taxi fare or giving a small tip (10,000 TSh) to hotel staff is a kind gesture.
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Island Time = Relaxed Time: Zanzibar moves at a slower, more intentional pace. Things may take longer than expected, and Shari has learned -- that’s okay. Patience, kindness, and going with the flow will open the door to a richer, more peaceful experience.
Travel With Heart: We hope you’ll fall in love with the island’s rhythm, the warmth of its people, and the beauty of its traditions, just as we have.
Approaching the journey with openness, humility, and joy will help you experience the best of Zanzibar, not just as a guest but as family!
Language & Communication
One of the most heartwarming ways to connect with the people of Zanzibar is through language. While many locals in tourist areas speak English, taking the time to learn a few words in Kiswahili is a sign of respect — and often earns you a warm smile (and maybe even a better deal at the market!).
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Here are some easy, useful phrases to get you started:
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Asante (sana) – Thank you (very much)
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Karibu – Welcome
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Pole pole – Slowly/Take it easy (a true Zanzibari motto!)
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Hakuna matata/Hakuna shida – No worries (Yes, it’s real!)
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Habari gani – How are you?
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Ndiyo/Hapana – Yes/No
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Rafiki – Friend
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Ninakupenda – I love you!
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Pesa ngapi – How much does this cost?
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Kwa heri – Goodbye!
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Tips for Speaking Kiswahili:
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Speak slowly and smile — locals will appreciate your effort, no matter your accent.
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Most Zanzibaris will help you pronounce words correctly if you ask!
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The language is phonetic: say every syllable as written (e.g., Ka-ri-bu, not Kah-ree-boo).
Feel free to try these out — especially “Asante sana” and “Pole pole,” which you’ll hear often. Zanzibar isn’t just a destination — it’s a rhythm, a language, a feeling. We hope these little phrases help you feel part of it!
Listen to a language lesson HERE!
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Travel Smart, Stay Safe: Tips for a Smooth Journey: Zanzibar is a peaceful, welcoming island, and Shari has felt nothing but warmth from the people and places visited. Still, as with any international travel, it’s important to stay aware and make wise choices. Here are a few friendly tips to help keep you safe and stress-free during your stay:
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Be Mindful in Public Spaces
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Stick to well-lit, populated areas when walking at night.
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Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.
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When exploring towns or villages, travel in pairs or small groups, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Keep Your Valuables Secure:
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Use a money belt or crossbody bag with zippers when exploring.
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Leave unnecessary valuables (like expensive jewelry) at your hotel.
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Most hotels have in-room safes — use them for passports, electronics, or extra cash.
Use Trusted Transportation:
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We have drivers who will transport you to any destination. If they are unavailable, ask your hotel to arrange reliable taxis or drivers — it’s common and often safer than hailing one on the street.
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Always confirm the fare before the ride begins (or agree to use the meter if available).
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Avoid riding motorbikes or scooters unless you’re experienced.
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Stay Connected:
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Make sure your phone works internationally or get an eSIM (Shari uses Airalo - use this code to get a discount: SHARI7844) or a local SIM card (available at the airport or shops).
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Let your travel companions know if you're heading out on an excursion or to explore.
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Download WhatsApp for your phone — it’s widely used across the island for communication with hotels, drivers, and even restaurant reservations.
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