Kampala
A Kololo institution, Bubbles is the closest you'll find to a true pub in Kampala. Its bar and furnishings were shipped in from an old Irish boozer back…
Must-see nightlife in East Africa
Lamu Island
Right in front of the main jetty, Petley's is the local watering hole for just about everyone. In fact, it's the only non-hotel bar in Lamu to serve…
Nairobi
A lively and friendly top-floor bar with pool tables, a dance floor, cheap beer and reasonable food. During the week things are relatively quiet, but from…
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…
Kilifi
You can disco dance on caffeine (and alcoholic things) at this popular nightspot. Nyama choma (barbecued meat) is on the grill, wi-fi is on the house and…
South Coast
A huge complex of water slides and bars transforms into the strip’s rowdiest nightclub in high season, blazing into the small hours. During the day it's a…
Watamu
A joint where you can do everything from watching sport, singing (karaoke night is Tuesday), dancing and eating (nyama choma (barbecued meat) and fries)…
Kisumu
You name it and they’ll stick it in a blender and pulverise the bejesus out of it. The pumpkin-and-beetroot juice looked foul so we shared a very special…
Lake Bunyonyi
Grab a cup of local coffee or cold beer at this open-air cafe. There's little competition for ambience – it has a fantastic wooden deck with sweeping…
Diani Beach
The only nightclub in Diani not attached to a hotel is Shakatak. It’s quite hilariously seedy, but can be fun once you know what to expect. Like most big…
Malindi
In the Galana Centre, Fermento is the upmarket place of choice for a night out in Malindi, with a smart and young crowd who start off with cocktails…
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)…
Watamu
Come for ice-cold Tuskers and seafood at this quirky, Virgin Mary–themed bar (the Biblical figure, not the drink). There's usually football on TV and a…
Kampala
One of the definitive stops on the Kampala night shift, this cool place has a covered bar and a huge outdoor area. Be careful here: pickpocketing is often…
Southern Rift Valley
The least seedy of Naivasha's clubs, you'll find local DJs, a disco ball and dancing till dawn at this popular place. We'll let you decide if the name…
Malindi
You can count on seeing both – stars and garters – during a night out here. Decent live music nightly, and good nyama choma (barbecued meat), too.
Kampala
Taking over from Al's bar, one of Uganda's most famous (although notorious) bars, Deuces keeps the flag flying as the place in Kampala that never sleeps.
Moshi
A large, loud club for dancing or just hanging out and playing pool. The music is mostly Western, but a few African rhythms make themselves heard.
Kampala
In an industrial location, the ‘black angel’ has long held Kampala’s most popular dance floor. Events are listed on the website.
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.
Malindi
This tiny roadside bar deserves a mention for its lovely garden and fresh carrot juice. Who needs alcohol to clink glasses?
Western Tanzania
Busy and noisy bar with tables and a pool table outside under the trees. It's catty-corner to the police station.
Entebbe
The place to kick on to once you're ready to hit the dance floor. Check its website for special events.
Lake Victoria
This humble beer garden of sorts is one of the most popular and most sociable drinking spots in town.
Kampala
An old timer along the notorious Kabalagala strip, this open-air shack is less raucous than others, but is still open around the clock.
Kampala
Popular with students, Club Silk has a pumping dance floor (mainstream, East African pop and Nigerian music) that goes until late.
Burundi
Locals come from far and wide to relax with a Primus beer and munch on the tasty brochettes that are served at this large beachfront bar. By 11pm the…
Burundi
Out the front is the trendy Balneo Lounge Bar with comfy leather chairs, mood lighting and private nooks. The Havana Club itself is out back and is one of…
