Lilongwe
With a braai (barbecue) smoking away outside and sport fixtures on the TV, this rough 'n' ready joint sees locals lining the bar shoulder to shoulder. It…
Must-see nightlife in Southern Africa
Cape Town
Ponder the legend of Van Hunks, who challenged the devil to a smoking match atop the peak that can be seen from this bar and restaurant's deck. It’s a…
Pretoria
A popular yet noisy chain cafe, which does dependable burgers and salads and serves a wide selection of cocktails. The TV screens, fast wi-fi and laissez…
Malawi
Decorated with British football insignia and Beyoncé pin-ups, this local hangout also has seating under shady trees at the rear. Dishes (mains MK5000)…
Hermanus
The decor is a bit shabby but the ocean views more than make up for it. There's sushi and pizza on the menu (mains R55 to R115), local beer on tap, sport…
West Coast & Swartland
This tiny tasting room overlooking the harbour and with a glimpse of Bird Island offers tastings of up to eight wines from the Vredendal-based vineyard.
Cape Town
Taking its name from the lofty storey it occupies, this glitzy club with white leather sofas to lounge on provides stunning views of the city should you…
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch’s second-oldest pub attracts a slightly older crowd than many places in town, with its well-priced pub grub, large array of craft beer, live…
Stellenbosch
Popular with both locals and students, Trumpet Tree has a shady beer garden where you can nibble pizzas and sip on craft beer during the lengthy happy…
Port Elizabeth
This spit-and-sawdust watering hole's terrace and bar fill up even on weeknights. TVs show sports and the open kitchen produces pizzas and pub grub. There…
Harare
In a city with not too many drinking options, this Irish pub offers a safe, but generic, environment for a relaxed beer. There's Guinness on tap, sports…
Cape Town
A pioneer of the artisan coffee scene, Deluxe is a tiny cafe with what looks like a giant kit model for a Vespa hanging on the wall. It's a popular…
Northern Mozambique
The Estrelha, opposite the police station, is a slam-your-bottle-down-on-the-table sort of place with mainly outdoor seating. It's OK if you want to…
Winelands
Enjoy a taster tray of five beers while watching the brewers in action at the small brewery behind the bar. Food is served – typical pub grub where…
Garden Route
This tiny bar serves a wide range of craft beer from around the country and there's even an equally tiny brewery on-site. Grab a pint and a bar snack to…
Lesotho
Maseru’s expat community and local players climb the hill for sundowners with a view at Hotsoma Bar. Cocktails at the pool bar are a popular way to kick…
Lusaka
Despite its uninspired shopping mall location, this South African chain pub has three beers on tap, does excellent pub food and has all the sports you…
Route 62
Based in a charming building that was once the town post office, the microbrewery produces four different ales and serves cheese and sausage platters (R60…
Johannesburg
Air your grievances loudly and proudly all day long at this left-leaning Mozambican pub that vies with Nuno's next door for the busiest tables on the…
Lesotho
Opened in 2017, this downtown Maseru club features comedy, Latin dance and hip-hop nights, along with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the main drag.
Cape Town
This charming kosher cafe is one of the projects for the Astra Centre, which provides sheltered employment for Jewish people with special needs.
Plettenberg Bay
A long-established bar in the centre of town with sports on the big screen in the early evening and DJs playing pop and dance tunes later on.
Southern Mozambique
This popular beachside place offers tasty meals, Friday barbecues with live music, sundowners overlooking the water and a convivial ambience.
Maputo
Inside Núcleo d’Arte (a laid-back artists' cooperative and workshop), with occasional live music.
Stellenbosch
A chilled, student-filled place that also serves lunch – opt for the pizza. There's often live music as well as regular drinks specials.
Knysna
Knysna's top spot for late-night dancing offers a relaxed vibe and a balcony area for lounging. DJs play when there are no live bands.
Hermanus
A chilled-out bar with good cocktails and DJs most nights. In the early evening it's a great place to enjoy sunset with a beer.
Malawi
This hotel bar is surprisingly authentic, with loud African music and soccer matches illuminating the darkened room.
Cape Town
This coffee roasters and cafe has several branches around town including this handily located one on Long St.
Cape Town
This cafe branch of the Woodstock-based coffee roasters is set up within a showroom for BMW motorbikes.
Stellenbosch
This club has a small dance floor beyond the long bar where DJs pump out dance and house music.
Northern Cape
The vintage beer ads, worn floorboards and wooden tables at this ‘old time’ hostelry, established in 1870, tell of many raucous nights. Sadly, the pub…
Lusaka
This South African chain pub, popular with South Africans and Brits, is ideal if you like fake Irish pubs and a more Western drinking experience. There…
Zimbabwe
For those looking for a drink in town, this is very much a local affair, but friendly enough.
Sunshine Coast
This watering hole popular with students is much less atmospheric than the bars on New St.
