Zanzibar nightlife
The biggest party areas are undoubtedly Stone Town, Kendwa and Paje, but the bars in Nungwi and Jambiani can still offer a decent place to dance. The clubs and bars play a wide range of music, from Hilife to the latest dance floors.
Stone Town offers the largest selection of bars and clubs and most people end the night at Livingstones or Dharma Lounge. Mercury’s or Africa House are a good place to start before moving on to the more lively places.
Kendwa Rocks offers possibly the biggest party on the island and if you can time it right and make it to a full moon party then it’s even bigger. Evening entertainment usually starts with some local acrobatic shows, traditional dancers, people on stilts and the occasional fire eater. The beat starts off slow but picks up quickly and it doesn’t take long for the dance floor to fill up. Depending on the night, there may be local breakdancers performing on the dance floor, and it’s always fun to try and join in! Combine all this with a perfect beach setting, make this a must-see for all visitors to Zanzibar.
Paje in general is more relaxed and less hectic than Kendwa, but there is one place where the party goes from dusk to dawn, a small hotel club called Paje by Night. Every Friday night there is a huge party here full of people who have been kitesurfing for the day and the atmosphere is always energetic. People often jump from the pool to the dance floor and back again, so be prepared for skimpy beachwear while you’re at the club! If you’re feeling less energetic, people also gather around bonfires to listen to drumming sessions and drink the night away under the stars. Paje has some of the best beaches on the island and is not to be missed.
There are many local pubs in Stone Town and Nungwi that can offer a much cheaper alternative to the more touristy bars and clubs. These places are also great for chatting with the locals and practicing Swahili.
Nungwi is one of the best places to watch the sunset because it is located on the west coast of the island and has one of the best beaches.