Must-see nightlife in Tanzania

  • Fig & Olive

    Arusha

    On the terrace of the large Cultural Heritage complex on Arusha's western outskirts, Fig & Olive has a Thursday cocktail night, and mellow live jazz and…

  • Yun Long

    Mwanza

    While a dinner here (mains Tsh15,000 to Tsh20,000) is worth it for the waterside view and the leafy lakeside garden overlooking Bismarck Rock, the best…

  • Mercury’s

    Zanzibar Town

    Named for Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury, this is a scruffy but popular waterside hang-out for daytime drinks, evening drinks or sundowners in-between. If…

  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant

    Zanzibar Town

    This worn but popular place in the old British consulate building has seating inside and outside on a deck under trees directly on the beach. Food is…

  • Flames

    Mwanza

    Part of the New Mwanza Hotel establishment, Flames is a fun spot to dance and enjoy meeting locals, but don't expect to carry on much of a conversation –…

  • Via Via

    Arusha

    This cafe is a good spot for a drink, and one of the best places to find out about upcoming cultural events, many of which are held here. On Thursday…

  • Club AQ

    Arusha

    Nightclubs come and go in Arusha with a lot of noise but not much staying power, to the extent that Club AQ is almost a veteran. It has music you can…

  • Sunrise Restaurant

    Zanzibar Town

    The no-frills Sunrise is frequented by locals and budget travellers, and despite the name it's as much a bar as a restaurant, although basic meals (around…

  • Ekocenter

    Northeastern Tanzania

    This little place has a good selection of cold water, juice, beer and other drinks (Tsh500 to Tsh3000) from their solar-powered fridge. It's on the edge…

  • Africa House Hotel Sunset Bar

    Zanzibar Town

    With a front-row view of the ocean, the Sunset Bar at the Africa House Hotel – once the British Club – has a wide terrace and steady supply of cold beer,…

  • Rouge

    Dar es Salaam

    This upmarket nightclub (entry Tsh15,000) with DJ is on the rooftop of the Hyatt Regency, and attracts a mixed crowd of locals and foreigners.

  • Triniti Bar & Restaurant

    Dar es Salaam

    Happy hours, steak-and-wine Wednesdays, live music on Fridays and big-screen weekend sports. There's a Tsh10,000 entry fee for some events.

  • Kite Lodge Beach Bar

    Zanzibar Island

    Rickety wooden tables in the sand, palm-thatch roof, cheap beer, friendly staff and a widescreen view of the ocean. What's not to like.

  • Up North @ 6 Degrees South

    Zanzibar Town

    Enjoy sundowners and sea views from this rooftop bar above 6 Degrees South restaurant on the southwest-facing side of Stone Town.

  • Level 8 Bar

    Dar es Salaam

    The Hyatt's chic rooftop bar has wonderful views over the harbour, lounge seating and live music some evenings.

  • Slipway Waterfront

    Dar es Salaam

    A popular place for sundowners, with prime sunset views. Meals are also available.

  • Tatu Pub

    Zanzibar Town

    Tatu means three in Swahili and this place has three floors: a well-stocked bar on the 1st floor, a pub-style restaurant on the 2nd floor (meals Tsh12,000…

  • George & Dragon

    Dar es Salaam

    A bona fide English pub where they pull pints, broadcast Premier League games and serve pub grub like fish and chips (meals Tsh12,000 to Tsh 22,000)…

  • Masai Camp

    Arusha

    Arusha’s loudest and brashest club is an institution on the town's party scene. The music is a mix of African and Western.

  • Mauwa Bar

    Western Tanzania

    Busy and noisy bar with tables and a pool table outside under the trees. It's catty-corner to the police station.

  • Triple A Club

    Arusha

    Just try to stop your hips gyrating once you step in the door at this busy club.

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