Victoria Falls (town)
About to open its doors in late 2016 is this cocktail bar/restaurant set up within a 1935 Rhodesian railway carriage. It's by the same team who run 26 on…
Must-see nightlife in Southern Africa
Sunshine Coast
This hip, convivial bar and restaurant with an open-air terrace is a great spot to swill a craft beer or two. The crowd ranges from students to well…
Cape Town
The best place to dance the night away – it helps that they have hunky bar dancers dressed only in skimpy shorts and glitter. Throw your hands in the air…
Cape Town
Combining a motorbike workshop with barbers, a boutique and a live music/DJ space, this is a homage to Americana, with tasty, inventive bourbon cocktails,…
Mozambique
On the riverbank just below the bridge in the main part of town, the multifarious Paraíso Misterioso complex lays on entertainment pretty thick, with…
Sunshine Coast
This loungey spot with big, sea-facing windows is popular for cocktails. The rose petal mojito, Baileys banana colada and potent California iced tea are…
Northern Mozambique
Brand new Portuguese-owned cafe that might have sprung from a Lisbon side street, specialising in Portuguese-style coffee and natas (custard tarts) served…
Cape Town
The coffee and food (pretzel hot dogs, crusty pies and other artisanal munchies) are good, but it’s the smoky, cosy bar that packs the trendsters in,…
West Coast & Swartland
As well as superb coffee from Langebaan's one and only roastery, Wings, this busy place serves Black Insomnia – the world's strongest cup of joe. Burgers,…
Cape Town
Cerveza-quaffing and tapas-munching crowds spill out from this spacious and authentically Spanish-looking bar all days of the week.
Cape Town
This convivial, heritage-listed pub, which is affectionately known as 'Persies' and has been around since 1808, was once Cecil Rhodes’ local. There are…
Durban
This cosy bar has quality craft beer on tap from a range of breweries from Durban, Johannesburg and the Cape. It's a very friendly place, with families…
Johannesburg
Some say the coffee served at this always-bustling, no-lingering joint west of Gandhi Sq is among the best in town. There's also an array of sweet…
Drakensberg Escarpment
Beans About Coffee has been importing, roasting and blending beans from Africa and South America for a decade. Grab a takeaway here and enquire about…
Cape Town
The pioneer and stalwart of the De Waterkant's gay scene remains a highly popular bar and restaurant, not least for its wrap-around deck which provides a…
Zambia
Kitwe's nightlife is low-key compared to the capital, but Cosy Jo's is the place to be at night. It has a huge garden bar and draws a large crowd for…
Cape Town
Take a moment to gather your thoughts and enjoy a well-made coffee at this cool cafe and showroom for furniture- and lighting-designers Pedersen & Lennard…
Cape Town
Apart from great coffee, the traditional bagels are pretty awesome too. They train baristas here and you can book online for their courses – a three-hour…
Windhoek
This spot, cafe by day, bar by night, features a terrace with the capital’s largest rubber tree. There's live music and karaoke, and a cool bar scene with…
Cape Town
These artisan coffee guys specialise in blends, including an organic one and a full-flavour decaf. It's handy if you're browsing the galleries in the area…
Northern Cape
There are a few breakfast items, salads and toasted sandwiches on the menu here but what keeps this convivial cafe busy is its excellent coffee –…
Johannesburg
Check online for details of events such as progressive/deep house and hip-hop parties, and the more interesting international acts, at this giant…
Bulawayo
Part of the boutique Banff Lodge guesthouse is this open-air thatched bar with swimming pool and lawn – the perfect spot to unwind.
Cape Town
This fun gay-friendly bar and dance venue, up a floor from the street, has a devoted crowd of young boys and girls who are always ready to bop to the DJ’s…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
With its mishmash of eclectic decor, this local hang-out does Paarl-brewed Striped Horse beers on draught and burgers on boards. Regular live music adds…
Port Elizabeth
Craft beer lovers rejoice – this convivial pub and restaurant overlooking the Baakens River is like manna from heaven, with a great selection of beers on…
Port Elizabeth
Low on aesthetics but high on energy, this beer hall is one of the liveliest bars in PE. It has a good range of craft beers and also serves food.
Windhoek
Good for a cocktail and a dance or just a chill out in lounge chairs, this bar is located on the corner of Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma Aves.
Lusaka
A decent rooftop bar atop of Foxdale Court shopping centre, Sky Bar attracts a young crowd for DJs spinning house, hip hop and R&B tracks.
Harare
Taking over from the long-established Jazz 105, this city pub continues in the same vein with live bands and DJs playing Afro jazz nightly.
Northern Mozambique
Nampula's coolest bar is this newish perch encased in the Monica shopping centre that offers cocktails, live music and DJs most nights.
Maputo
This faded jazz cafe at the train station has a dusty, vaguely old-world ambience and a mix of live music (Saturday) and CDs.
Maputo
This sleek tapas and late-night place has live music on Thursday evening. By day, try the juices and smoothies.
Maputo
The late-night waterside bar at the yacht club is especially popular with old-timers on Thursday and Friday.
Maputo
A popular place with a constantly changing array of groups. Most performances start about 10pm or later.
Zimbabwe
Mutare's best spot for a drink is this historic social club that attracts a mixed crowd of all ages.
Green Point & Waterfront
A popular bar with minimalist decor, good wine, two dozen beers and an impressive range of tequila.
Cape Town
Cover charges vary at this new LGBT friendly dance venue on the far southern edge of De Waterkant.
Stellenbosch
This funky bar is a Stellenbosch institution. There's regular live music and decent bar food.
