{"id":102877,"date":"2018-03-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/zanzibar-nightlife-where-to-go-what-to-do\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","slug":"zanzibar-nightlife-where-to-go-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/zanzibar-nightlife-where-to-go-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Zanzibar Nightlife: Where To Go & What To Do!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nightlife in Zanzibar can be as enticing as the cultures of the world coming together to dance, or as relaxed as watching the sun set over the ocean through rose-tinted sunglasses. It is what you make of it and this island destination caters to all. Zanzibar is known for many extraordinary things and is a traveller\u2019s dream beach location. Visitors to the islands can look forward to snorkelling in the corals, swimming with marine life or lounging on the beach. And if that doesn\u2019t suit your fancy, you can go on cultural spice tours through the villages, visit ancient palaces that once housed kings and queens or even try your hand at bartering at the local markets. The Zanzibar nightlife options are fun and unique, and you could easily spend your evening at a laid-back beach bar in Kendwa or an up-market nightclub in Stone Town \u2013 the choices are at your fingertips!<\/p>\n

Book your cheap flights to Zanzibar<\/a> online with Travelstart!<\/p>\n

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Nightlife locations in Zanzibar<\/h2>\n

City centre<\/strong> \u2013 Stone Town, Zanzibar City<\/em><\/p>\n

As Stone Town is where you\u2019ll find the urban buzz of the island, it is here that you\u2019ll have the most options within an enclosed area. Less travelling around means more chances to really sit down (or get up!) and enjoy the town\u2019s bars and restaurants. Enjoy putting on a nice pair of shoes as you\u2019ll appreciate a more city-feel atmosphere at the restaurants and bars that you\u2019ll come across.<\/p>\n

Beachside bars and lounges<\/strong> \u2013 Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Nungwi<\/em><\/p>\n

For more of a beach party scene, you would be right to assume that the best parties are held on the famous beaches of Zanzibar themselves! You can leave your fancy shoes at home and head down to bars that come especially alive after dark. You can tick \u2018dancing under the stars\u2019 off your bucket list as many of the beachside bars and lounges cater to the younger crowd and are known to play some good reggae and popular house music to get the crowds going. Just make sure to stay away from the water\u2019s edge once you\u2019ve had a drink or two!<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @pako_rosy<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Types of establishments<\/h2>\n

Restaurants<\/h3>\n
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  1. Taarab restaurant<\/strong>, Stone Town<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This restaurant is perfect for sampling some of the islands\u2019 most tasty seafood and African delights, as voted so on TripAdvisor. Visitors can unwind on the restaurant\u2019s rooftop after a long day of activities with a chilled beverage, while enjoying the sounds from the bustling streets below.<\/p>\n

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    1. Bahari Pizza Restaurant<\/strong>, Jambiani<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This beachside restaurant is perfect for Italian pizza and other enticing flavours, as you enjoy your meal under the stars and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Be sure to come hungry as you indulge in good, authentic food!<\/p>\n

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      1. Kambakocho Bar and Beach Restaurant<\/strong>, Palumbo Reef Resort<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Open until late in the evening, this evening bar and restaurant is located in a popular beach resort and is known for their lobster and crayfish dishes. The d\u00e9cor is a mix of African and Eastern influences, making it a beautiful location to dine.<\/p>\n

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        Image courtesy of @amilliekay<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Sunset spots<\/h3>\n
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        1. 6 Degrees South<\/strong>, Stone Town<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Popular with tourists, this is your ideal location to watch the sun set as you relax and catch up with your travel buddies. Cocktails are known to be more than affordable at 6 Degrees South so you\u2019ll be enjoying the finer things in life at a fraction of the price!<\/p>\n

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          1. Africa House Hotel<\/strong>, Stone Town<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The hotel is well-known and can get crowded, so go early for the best seats to catch the sun go down. This restaurant is open all day and is especially active around town as one of the top sunset-watching spots with its colonial style architecture.<\/p>\n

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            1. Gerry\u2019s Bar and Restaurant<\/strong>, Nungwi Beach<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Gerry\u2019s Bar and Restaurant has made a name for itself for its relaxed atmosphere and a great view of the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Food and drinks are affordable and after sunset, as the evening progresses, you can look forward to good music to get you into the island spirit.<\/p>\n

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              Image courtesy of @gerrysbarzanzibar<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              Cocktail beach bars<\/h3>\n
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              1. Kendwa Rocks Beach Resort<\/strong>, Kendwa<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                A popular Saturday night hangout, this Kendwa Rocks beach bar is located in the resort of the same name and is famous for its good grills, tasty cocktails, and music. The bar is loved for its rustic look as you can either spend your evenings in one of the bungalows or in one of its old wooden beach huts.<\/p>\n

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                1. The Rock<\/strong>, Pingwe<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Possibly the most famous of all beach bars in Africa, The Rock is a great location and an experience all on its own! This beach bar is located in the waters of Michanwi Pingwe Beach and to get there, visitors wade through shallow waters to get to this unique location. Once there, visitors enjoy the views and drinks on offer.<\/p>\n

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                  1. Paje by Night<\/strong>, Paje<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    The hotel of the same name has a beach bar that serves up delicious African, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine with a large array of cocktails to choose from. The hotel arranges a themed party once a week so you\u2019ll be sure to meet lots of fun characters there.<\/p>\n

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                    Image courtesy of @kenthewanderer<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    Nightclubs<\/h3>\n
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                    1. Garage Club<\/strong>, Stone Town<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      For a proper night out on the town, you should visit Garage Club in Stone Town. The club plays a mix of urban fusions, depending on which night you find yourself there, and often gets known DJ\u2019s from around the world to get the crowds pumped.<\/p>\n

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                      1. Red Monkey Lodge<\/strong>, Jambiani<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Monday nights are party nights at the Red Monkey Lodge! Here you will dance to local sounds and get to mingle with those who live on the island as well as lots of travellers too. Book your tickets ahead of time as the lodge is part of the resort.<\/p>\n

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                        1. Coccobello<\/strong>, Nungwi<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Twice a week, if you\u2019re looking for a late-night party then head over to Coccobello in Nungwi for some local and reggae beats. The otherwise laidback bar comes alive on Sundays and Wednesdays and you\u2019ll soon find yourself on the dancefloor, partying the night away.<\/p>\n

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                          Image courtesy of @mark_adem<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                          Zanzibar Nightlife Events and Festivals<\/h2>\n

                          Monthly<\/h3>\n