Destinations Eastern Africa

7 Popular Bars and Beach Clubs to Enjoy Stone Town Nightlife

Stone Town nightlife
Written by Abraham Odhiambo

A holiday in Zanzibar offers everything you could possibly want – perfect white sand beaches, historical villages and terrific Stone Town nightlife. Speaking of nightlife, Stone Town bars aren’t like the ones you may be familiar with back at home. Here, you don’t have to wait for night to strike before the fun begins since the culture is very much as soon as the sun begins to descend, the music is up and so are your spirits.

Let your hair down, grab a drink and feel the music as you enjoy the most epic evenings of your life. Here are seven popular bars and beach clubs to enjoy Stone Town nightlife.

1. 6 Degrees South 

Located on Shanghai Street, 6 Degrees South gets high marks for its happy hour from 5pm to 7pm on weeknights and Friday nights with live Afro Jazz and themed disco. During that period, you get cheaper drinks and some of the best entertainment.

Make memories and enjoy yourself in one of the joint’s famous signature sundowner cocktails or mocktails in the rooftop bar North.

2. Kendwa Rocks

Kendwa Rocks

Kendwa Rocks. Photo/ Booking.com.

Kendwa Rocks offers you an unforgettable beach holiday all year round. This is the place to be on those Saturdays that fall during, or near the full moon since the famous Full Moon Party is hosted here. The party takes place right on the white sand beach and its all about music and dancing under the stars.

Kendwa Rocks also has a lounge bar, The Rocks, where party lovers can have fun all night. Enjoy a selection of South African wines, international and local spirits, and beers. This is one of the beach bars to experience Stone Town nightlife.

3. Starehe Club 

Starehe Club is very popular with locals, making it a great place for tourists who want to spend time interacting with locals and learning one or two about their way of life. It is located along Shanghai Street and the balcony overlooking the bay make the club an ideal place for a tranquil evening.

4. Forodhani Gardens

Forodhani Market

Forodhani Market. Photo/ Midlife Leap.

If you’re looking for fun after dark but want to avoid the usual pubs and clubs, Forodhani Gardens is your place. The street market here comes alive at night with food stalls, vendors and performers. Spend an evening at Forodhani Gardens to really get a feel for the local community. Don’t forget to carry along a picnic blanket and arrive early to find a great spot on the grass.

5. Cholo’s Disco Bar

A party central on Nungwi Beach, Cholo’s Disco Bar is one of the popular joints to experience Stone Town nightlife. The bar is known to attract a more adult crowd and is a great place for delicious meals, drinks and a fun atmosphere. Offering plenty of dancing, Cholo’s Disco Bar is the place to be during this cold season in Europe.

6. Garage Club 

Garage Club is one of the popular bars in Zanzibar to experience Stone Town nightlife. The club rocks until sun-up on weekend nights making it one of the most popular discos in Stone Town. Get ready to have fun dancing to house, Afrobeats, hip-hop and reggae tunes.

7. Dharma Lounge

Dharma Lounge

Dharma Lounge. Photo/ BestKava Bar.

Dharma Lounge, located near the State University of Zanzibar, is the place to go if you want to give the youth a run  for their money and show them superb dancing moves. This is where students in Zanzibar and the younger international crowd looking for a modern club to party into the wee hours of the morning come to. Experience the best of Stone Town nightlife at Dharma Lounge this December holiday.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Stone Town?

Yes, alcohol is served in the majority of hotels and restaurants in Stone Town. There are just a limited number of hotels/ restaurants that do not serve alcohol in the whole of Zanzibar.

Is Zanzibar Good For Partying?

From vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs to cultural festivals and beach parties, there is something for everyone in Zanzibar. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful island and create unforgettable memories.

Why Is Stone Town Famous?

Stone Town is the historical centre of Zanzibar City, the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago. As a primary trading post on the spice, silk and slave trade routes for many years, Stone Town has been a unique meeting place blending Arabian, Indian, European and of course African cultures.

How Many Nights in Stone Town?

Most tourists visit Stone Town on a day trip but it is recommended you spent at least 2-3 days in the heart of Zanzibar. There are plenty of hotels in the area to book.

About the author

Abraham Odhiambo

Abraham Odhiambo is a writer with interests in nature, travel, African safari and sports. I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in Media and Communication at Egerton University.

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