We hope you are excited for Essence of Africa 2026 and we look forward to welcoming you to Zanzibar! We have provided some guidance on your participation and the practical arrangements for your time with us. Should you require any further detail, our team is on hand to assist.
Essence of Africa will take place from 20–22 October 2026.
Diamonds Bijoux
Bwejuu, Zanzibar 43305, Tanzania
https://www.bijoux.diamondsresorts.com/
Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar is a beachfront resort located in the area of Bwejuu on Zanzibar’s picturesque south-east coast, approximately one hour from Zanzibar International Airport and just a short drive from the closest town, Paje.
The programme runs daily from approximately 08:30 to 18:00, with minor variations across the three days.
The full Event Programme is available at:
https://essenceofafrica.travel/
The programme runs daily from approximately 08:30 to 18:00, with minor variations across the three days.
The full Event Programme is available at: https://essenceofafrica.travel/
Invitations are extended to international companies specialising in Africa, operating within the following categories:
All buyer applications are reviewed by a selection committee. Buyer approvals are allocated based on regional balance, business relevance, and the available hosting capacity. We aim to curate a considered mix of established and new buyers across our key markets to ensure a succesful event for all.
Buyer regions: Europe, America’s, Australasia, Africa & The Middle East,
Early bird exhibitors qualify for dedicated social media features
Premium exhibitors qualify for preferential table placement and an additional exhibitor badge as well as an on site interview with the social media team.
The updated Essence of Africa 2026 exhibitor list is available at: https://essenceofafrica.travel/exhibitors-2026/
If your company logo is missing, please update your logo in your exhibitor portal directly.
All exhibitors have been sent log in details directly. Your exhibitor portal is the central place to access key event information and manage your exhibitor details ahead of the show.
Please take some time to review and complete your portal information carefully. The details you provide will be used for your exhibitor listing and shared with hosted buyers during the meeting preferencing process.
As a priority, if you haven’t done so already, please upload your company logo and name of your second badge holder directly in the portal.
Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
While Uber and Bolt are not currently available in Zanzibar, visitors will find a variety of convenient transportation options across the island.
Most accommodation establishments have their own transport companies or you can arrange private transfers. Once you have booked your hotel, please confirm transport facilities directly with them to ensure you are able to get to and from your hotel and the show seamlessly.
Essence of Africa have partnered with Sense of Africa & Fishermans Tours & Travel who offer transport to and from the airport as well as private shuttles should you need assistance during the show. If you need to arrange private transfers, please contact our partners directly for preferred trade rates on code: EOA2026.
Sense of Africa
Email: essence@senseofafrica.co.ke
Reservations: +255 654 187 540
Operations: +255 788 706 101
Fishermans Tours
Email: reservations@fishermanstours.com
Reservations: +255 774 144 446
Operations: +255 774 441143
At this stage, there are no official shuttles available during the show as exhibitor accommodation is widely spread on the island. We are however looking at possible meeting points that could be accessible along the east coast to be used as collection and drop off points during the morning and evening – this will be confirmed closer to the show.
Taxis
Licensed taxis are readily available from the airport and major tourist areas.
As fares are generally negotiated in advance, it is recommended that travellers confirm the price before commencing their journey. Please note that most local taxis don’t have credit card facilities and therefore cash will be required. The drivers accept Tanzania Shillings (TZS) and US Dollars ($). It is best to draw cash from an ATM at the airport on arrival.
Private Drivers & Car Hire
For maximum flexibility, visitors may prefer to hire a private driver for half-day or full-day excursions. Self-drive car rental is also available; however, visitors should note that a local Zanzibar driving permit may be required. The cost of the local driving permit is $10.
Parking at Diamonds Bijoux
Diamonds Bijoux is a hotel and therefore parking for self-drive vehciles is limited during the event. Should you need parking, please notify us to ensure arrangements are made in advance. Local authorities will be notified and on standby for parking inside and outside the hotel property.
Please allow sufficient time for transfers as the island can be congested as certain times of the day.
The below airlines have partnered with us for Essence of Africa 2026.
You will need the dedicated landing page and booking reference code sent on email.
Kenya Airways is pleased to offer you an exclusive discount of up to 15% on flights to Zanzibar to attend Essence of Africa 2026.
Market fare penalties, applicable fare differences, and change fees will apply for any changes made to the tickets outside.
You will need the booking reference code sent on email.
Airlink has access out of Johannesburg and Cape Town which helps international routing from South Africa.
Safarilink is pleased to offer all Essence of Africa 2026 attendees a 20% discount, subject to availability on the website using the promo code (obtained from the organisers).
Travel date validity: 17 – 25 October 2026.
For accurate flight details, please visit our booking panel on our website and enter the Essence of Africa special booking code to activate the savings.
Diamonds Bijoux, Essence of Africa 2026 partner hotel will be hosting the international buyers on the property for the duration of the event and is fully booked.
Some exhibitors that have neighbouring hotels have generously offered preferred rates over this period despite it being in high season.
Exhibitors are encouraged to enquire directly for rates, availability, transfer information and booking terms. We recommend securing your reservation early, as availability may be limited during the event period.
Please note: All accommodation listed below is based on a single room occupancy and excludes Zanzibar city infrastructure tax of $5pp/pn which will be charged directly on check out. This is a standard charge at all hotels in Zanzibar.
| Hotel Name | Category | Location | Approximate Travel Time to Diamonds Bijoux | Website | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.O.M P.O.M Suites | Residential Suites | Paje | 10 minutes | https://go.pompomsuites.com/essenceofafrica | Email: reservations@pompomsuites.com Phone: +255650613099 EOA2026 Rates: 1 & 2 bedroom apartments : $110 - $205 pp/pn optional breakfast & transfers |
| Samawa Living Suites | Luxury | Paje | 10 minutes | https://samawazanzibar.com | Email: mercy.mvunjapori@envilodges.com Phone:+255716381732 EOA2026 Rate: Special Request |
| White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa | Luxury | Paje | 10 minutes | https://www.whitesandvillas.com/en | Email: reservations@whitesandvillas.com or book directly from 19 – 24 October 2026 on direct link: https://sky-af1.clocksoftware.com/spa/pmswbe/#/hotel/8882 Phone: +255778923854 EOA2026 Rate: 25% savings |
| Shukran Palace | Luxury | Michamvi Beach | 20 minutes | https://www.shukranpalace.com/ | Email: sales@shukranpalace.com Phone: +255796055555 EOA2026 Rate: $150 B&B pp/pn |
| JAZ Elite Aurora | Luxury | Michamvi Beach | 20 minutes | https://www.jazhotels.com/destinations/zanzibar | Email: info@jazhotels.com Phone: +25520238541111 EOA2026 Rate: $200 B&B pp/pn |
Please note:
All accommodation is based on a single room occupancy and excludes Zanzibar city infrastructure tax of $5pp/pn which will be charged directly on check out.
Disclaimer: While we support you every step of the way, the organisers of Essence of Africa do not take responsibility for the services and offerings of the properties above, details have been listed as assistance and a guideline for your review. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on the roads, traffic and transfer arrangements.
Zanzibari exhibitors have been encouraged to support the pre-show Zanzibar weekend. We are pleased to confirm that we have over 100 places for buyers to select and experience Zanzibar prior to the show. These will be managed as two-night, three-day educational experiences.
Key timings:
Thank you for all our fam trip partners for their support.
All fam trips can be viewed here: https://essenceofafrica.travel/fam-trip-opportunities/
Exhibitors beyond Zanzibar are able to submit post-show fam trips if they would like to encourage buyers to stay on after the event and explore additional destinations.
Key timing:
Most buyers have limited time available but we find that 3 night, 4 day fam trips work well adjoining an event timeframe.
What we would need is a clear itinerary detailing the cost per buyer, ground handling details, air lift, experiences, meals & accomdation as well as any inclusions and exclusions in order for the buyers to make an informed decision.
If you have something in mind, you welcome to send it through to us to review on hello@eoa.travel. All itineraries will be loaded on our website as post show fam trips and buyers will be able to contact you directly to make further arrangements.
These post-show fam trips beyond Zanzibar are arranged directly with exhibitors and fall outside the official programme.
Tanzania operates an official eVisa system:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
A yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel routing. Please consult your doctor and carry certification where applicable. Some airlines may request proof of your yellow fever vaccination and we recommend carrying your certificate in person to avoid any travel issues.
Malaria prevention is recommended and to minimise mosquito bites while travelling, insect repellent is recomended. Medical advice should be sought prior to travel.
Zanzibar enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round. During October, visitors can expect warm temperatures, high humidity and predominantly sunny conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 29°C to 33°C (84°F–91°F).
While Zanzibar is a popular international tourism destination, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully when visiting local villages and communities, with shoulders and knees covered where appropriate.
This is not your standard business trade show – no suits needed! Please wear comfortable, yet respectful, clothing to enjoy ‘business at the beach’.
We recommend:
Tanzania uses 230V electricity with UK-style Type G three-pin plugs. International visitors are advised to bring a suitable travel adapter for charging electronic devices.
Zanzibar operates on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC +3, and does not observe daylight saving time.
You may wish to carry local currency for incidental purchases and gratuities. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH), and US Dollars ($) are also accepted in major tourist locations.
Please note that most local taxis don’t have credit card facilities and therefore cash will be required.
Our Team is available to support you throughout the process.
General questions: exhibitor@eoa.travel or hello@eoa.travel
Travel questions: travel@eoa.travel
We look forward to welcoming you to Zanzibar for Essence of Africa 2026.
