Lusaka
A favourite watering hole for many locals, expats and tourists (and basically anyone who likes a drink) is this tropical dive bar, set in an open-air…
Must-see nightlife in Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique
Malawi
This craft shop and cafe serves fresh juices bursting with goodness and light meals such as feta pizza, ham and cheese pita sandwiches, salads and toasted…
Livingstone
Just the spot for a sundowner, this open-air bar within the Royal Livingstone Hotel overlooks a dramatic stretch of the Zambezi. As well as the usual bar…
Malawi
This cocktail bar built into the rocks overlooking the beach is a secluded and magical sundowner spot.
Malawi
This cafe with two-tone furniture is the local hangout of choice – use the wi-fi and enjoy a cafetière or cappuccino of the strong 'n' sweet local coffee…
Lilongwe
With woodcarvings on its shaded veranda, this tucked-away chill-out den (find it off Mzimba St) offers coffee, cocktails, board games and dishes from…
Lilongwe
This Scottish-owned watering hole faces Buchanan's Grill in a leafy compound, with tables outside and a glass bar and purple walls within. It's popular…
Livingstone
A favourite watering hole for expats and tourists alike, this deck bar (complete with swimming pool) has a spectacular location overlooking the Zambezi…
Mozambique
The dark, moody Xeirinho is the unlikely nexus of Chimoio's lively (for Mozambique) music scene. Gigs take place on Friday night, and the karaoke's…
Livingstone
Primarily a hangout for locals and expats, the Farmhouse doesn't need to wow tourists with river views, instead opting for a more rustic property on an…
Malawi
Attached to the Mimosa Court Hotel, this is a great spot with a sunny terrace for meeting the locals over a cold beer (MK950). Hip-hop videos boom from…
Malawi
Despite the garish orange swirls decorating its walls, this friendly Indian-owned eatery is pleasant for a beer and a snack. The broad menu ranges from…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
Malawi
At One Love, with an unbeatable view of the bay, Kelvin the Rasta serves cold beers and simple dishes such as chapattis, nsima (a filling porridge-like…
Malawi
Announced by a smoking barbecue and blaring beats, this popular hangout has a big, sandy arena for dancing and a pool table. Come in the evening to chat…
Lilongwe
This hard-to-find wooden shack, located off Mzimba St, dishes up a bubbling atmosphere, live jazz in the garden and revolving entertainment. A Lilongwe…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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.
Malawi
This hotel bar is surprisingly authentic, with loud African music and soccer matches illuminating the darkened room.
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…
