Pretoria
This large theatre complex in the heart of central Pretoria hosts opera, jazz, comedy, ballet and theatre in its five theatres: the Arena, Studio, Opera,…
Must-see entertainment in Africa
Hurghada
An offshoot of the Cairo-based cultural and performance space, El Sawy stages music and theatre performances and other events and activities for children…
Alexandria
The former Sayed Darwish Theatre has been refurbished and now this lovely, frivolous building houses the city’s modestly proportioned but splendid opera…
Harar
This old-town place gets going early. Music kicks off around 8pm and dancing soon follows. It's popular with young Hararis. During the day it serves as a…
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Johannesburg
The city’s orchestra stages a regular circuit of concerts at venues such as Wits University and City Hall. Call or check its website for the latest…
Cape Town
This hallowed ground of South African rugby is home to the Stormers (www.thestormers.com). Provincial, international and Super Rugby matches are played…
Cape Town
These jazz gigs are staged at venues around town, including Langa township's Guga S'Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre.
Antananarivo
This slightly disreputable bar has cabaret, bands and traditional music performances every night of the week; it’s always full and the atmosphere is good.
Addis Ababa
An institution, this central cinema puts on the usual diet of action-packed and slightly passé Hollywood movies. Films are shown daily in three sessions.
City Hall Theatre & Cultural Centre
Addis Ababa
A plush 1000-seat place in the Piazza, which shows productions on Tuesday and Friday. Sometimes there’s traditional Ethiopian music on public holidays.
Cape Town
One of South Africa’s oldest contemporary dance companies. Puts on performances and holds classes at Artscape.
Pretoria
There are two cinemas here: Ster-Kinekor shows regular blockbusters, while Cinema Nouveau specialises in arty films.
Durban
This is a not-for-profit venture that brings new artistic works to the stage. Boatman's Rd runs parallel to Margaret Mncadi Ave (Victoria Embankment).
Durban
Weekends see this unassuming restaurant liven up with performances from local rock, jazz and blues bands. There's another venue at Wilson's Wharf.
Cape Town
On Thursday nights you can catch live jazz sets in this plush cocktail lounge. On other nights DJs play for an up-for-it crowd of party seekers.
Cairo
Wonderful arthouse cinema showing both local and international films, but mainly from North Africa and Middle East, with English subtitles.
Addis Ababa
This impressive building, with its massive marble and bronze entrance hall (and the odd pigeon), hosts theatre most weekends at 5pm.
Lagos
Owned by renowned mask-wearing musician Lagbaja, this is a big outdoor venue with lots of live music and a robust local following.
Johannesburg
Has the widest distribution of multiplexes, with screens in the Fourways, Westgate, Eastgate, Sandton and Rosebank malls.
Gauteng
Home for the Orlando Pirates and worth a visit, especially when they play against their sworn enemy, the Kaizer Chiefs.
Libreville
This cultural centre offers a wide range of events, films, concerts and shows. There's also a restaurant and wi-fi.
Carthage
Arthouse cinema screening local and international films. Also hosts occasional cultural events and workshops.
Bloemfontein
The local paper lists music, ballet, drama and opera performances held at this striking modern building.
Stellenbosch
Open-air performances of theatre, music and dance are held here from November to March.
Durban
With 60,000 seats, ABSA Stadium is currently home to the Natal Sharks rugby team.
Southwestern Uganda
Visit Kikorongo Women Community for performances and craft demonstrations.
Tunis
It may lack the glamour of Ascot, but the Arab horse racing at the Hippodrome is still a fun day out. Casual attire and a slightly frenetic betting system…
Giza
Narrated by the Sphinx, this is a rather dated spectacular. It’s not worth a special trip, but fine if you’re in the area – it is neat to see the Pyramids…
Luxor
This highly kitsch sound and light show is a 1½-hour Hollywood-style extravaganza that recounts the history of Thebes and the lives of the many pharaohs…
Cairo
Egypt's 'tech valley'. Once part of the old AUC campus, this set of buildings has been transformed into a hub for local tech and media start-ups. As well…
Cape Town
On Mondays, from as early as August to as late as April, the Grand Daddy Hotel’s rooftop trailer park of Airstream caravans is the venue for this al…
Cairo
The best of the Nile cruisers, run by the Marriott, is a relatively economical way to see a big-name belly-dancing star such as Randa or Farah, along with…
Cairo
Worth visiting for the gorgeous interior alone, this old-school hall got a makeover in recent years, and its Orientalist fantasia, complete with red…
Cairo
The Fairmont Nile City's restaurant is one of the classier venues to take in a belly dancing show with long-time Cairo favourite Soreya regularly…
Port Louis
The mighty popular city casino is about the liveliest place in town after midnight – its salient (some would say tackiest) feature externally is its ship…
Monrovia
Friday nights at the Palm Spring Resort in Congo Town herald live music in the bar, before the mass exodus into the casino, where the younger generations…
Cairo
This five-star club is all red curtains and white marquee lights. Top seats, at tables nearest the stage go for LE1900 (drinks not included), with the…
