Kampala
Full of diners plugged into their laptops, this smart, earthy cafe has free wi-fi to go with its strong Ugandan coffee, fresh juices and excellent…
Must-see nightlife in East Africa
Southern Rift Valley
It's worth stopping by to see who's propping up the bar at this old-fashioned country club. There's an ancient pool table, a piano, television, outdoor…
Nairobi
At Sierra Premium, which claims to be Kenya's first boutique brewery, beer is brewed according to the 1516 German Purity Law, using just hops, malt, yeast…
Mombasa
We know why this place was named after the Disney state. Like a theme park for grown-ups, there's all sorts to get into here: an outdoor pool, a 'crazy'…
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…
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…
South Coast
The first bar to get going in Mtwapa, Casuarina always makes for a fun night out, with some good dancing and decent grilled food to chase the booze down…
Kigali
The swimming pool bar at the Hotel des Mille Collines serves as the city’s most popular daytime bar at weekends, with expats coming here to relax by the…
Southern Highlands
This nightclub at the eastern end of town hosts regular concerts out in the parking lot, featuring bongo flava stars from Dar es Salaam. Call in advance…
Lake Victoria
The nightclub in Bukoba is open 24 hours but the bar only gets busy in the evening, and the club from Friday to Sunday. It's bright yellow, and so vast…
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…
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,…
Kigali
Dolce ticks all the cool boxes: a great terrace with good city views, a congenial atmosphere, an enticing interior, plenty of cold beer, tasty brochettes …
Kampala
This busy cafe on Parliament Ave is a good spot for Ugandan coffee, farmed on the slopes of Elgon, the Rwenzoris and the Virungas, as well as freshly…
Kigali
This offbeat rooftop cafe is famous for its perfectly brewed coffee, excellent tea, yummy pastries, generous sandwiches, colourful decor and chilled…
Moshi
If you're craving a coffee in the busy Boma Rd area, Arusha Coffee Lounge is a cool, quiet hang-out, with good wi-fi, better coffee and a range of…
Kisumu
Tucked behind the main matatu stage, this club is big on ohangla (Luo traditional music) with the odd Kiswahili hip-hop tune thrown in for good measure.
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.
Fort Portal
The most popular spot for a drink in Fort Portal, this Belgian-owned bar/club has outdoor seating and plenty of large screens showing sports.
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.
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.
Zanzibar Town
Enjoy sundowners and sea views from this rooftop bar above 6 Degrees South restaurant on the southwest-facing side of Stone Town.
Uganda
Gulu’s most popular drinking spot for locals and expats alike, with plenty of seating areas and live music on weekends.
Uganda
Across from the bus park, this modern cafe is the place to go for excellent coffee, juice, breakfast and tasty wraps.
Dar es Salaam
The Hyatt's chic rooftop bar has wonderful views over the harbour, lounge seating and live music some evenings.
Entebbe
Across from the golf course, this happening bar has outdoor decking, indoor lounge and sport on the TV.
Dar es Salaam
A popular place for sundowners, with prime sunset views. Meals are also available.
Nairobi
The ‘Madhouse’ (or 'Maddi' to its friends) is arguably the most famous of all Nairobi's nightclubs, although a few changes of venue over recent years have…
Nairobi
About halfway between the city centre and Westlands, close to the National Museum, this stalwart draws massive crowds for its top-notch DJs, excellent…
Southern Rift Valley
This sleek hole-in-the-wall coffee stop serves herbal teas, hot chocolate, frappuccinos and caramel concoctions, as well as – obviously – decent coffee…
Nairobi
Lounge-style chill-out venues are all the rage in Nairobi, but this Moroccan-style place was doing it long before the trend took hold. It continues to be…
Kampala
An attractive outdoor set-up with a sprawling tree, luxurious pool and popular restaurant, Cayenne is a top place to hit night or day. However, the party…
Kampala
Heaving with wazungu (foreigners) and locals, divey Iguana is a contender for the most popular bar in town. Upstairs is a boozy affair, whether as a spot…
Mombasa
Of all the gin joints, in all the towns…walking into this one isn't the worst thing you could do. Classy but still cheeky, Casablanca is wildly popular…
Nairobi
Established in the 1950s, this venerable firm has only recently branched out into the cafe business, but it's certainly made an aggressive, Starbucks…
South Coast
This place can't seem to make up its mind as to what it is. Is it a cocktail bar? A sports bar? A Lebanese restaurant? The lighting is too dim and the…
Southern Rift Valley
This place is Kenya's version of Starbucks and locals love it. It's all there, from creative coffees, milkshakes and pastries to free wi-fi, and all…
