Zanzibar Nightlife: A Guide to the Island's After-Dark Wonders
Weekly Guide, Where to Party Every Night
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Zanzibar isn’t just about white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, it’s also home to a surprisingly rich nightlife scene.
From beach bonfires and DJ sets to karaoke nights and live jazz, the island offers something for everyone, every night of the week.
Whether you’re staying in Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani, or Pingwe, this guide is your go-to calendar for unforgettable island evenings. Let’s break it down.
Weekly Party Calendar: Night by Night
Monday – Easy Breezy Beach Vibes
Coral Rock, Jambiani – Live Music (8 PM): Classic coastal tunes with a laid-back crowd. Afro vibes and sea breeze included.
Evergreen, Bwejuu – Afro House Live (9 PM): A free-entry hotspot where the music is deep and the energy’s high.
Summer Dream, Paje – Afrobeats & Reggaeton (~11 PM): Lively and youthful, with a small entrance fee (5–10k TZS).
Tuesday – Fire Shows and Afrohouse Grooves
Kitete Beach Club, Bwejuu – Live Band + Fire Show (8 PM): This one’s a must-see. Fire dancers light up the beach as bands play till late.
Dhow Inn, Paje – Afrohouse DJ (9 PM): Great for cocktail lovers. Dance starts slowly and peaks after 10 PM.
Summer Dream, Paje – Afrohouse Bash (~11 PM): A true late-night local party scene.
Wednesday – Karaoke and Community Vibes
Simba Apartments, Bwejuu – Karaoke Night (8 PM): A midweek must. Expect good food, cold drinks, and a crowd that’s ready to sing (or cheer). Bonus: free shot for first-time singers!
BAR PAJE, Paje – Karaoke + DJ (8 PM): Another fun option, with the real energy building after 10 PM.
New Ahrbo, Paje – Local Afro DJ (~10 PM): For those who want to keep the party going late.
Thursday – Warm-Up for the Weekend
Ocean Restaurant, Paje – Live Acoustic Music (8 PM): A mellow start to your night. Ideal for dining with soft tunes.
HI Sky Bar, Paje – Afro/Reggae Lounge (8 PM): Rooftop setting with a mellow playlist and sweeping views.
Commando, Jambiani – Afrohouse Party (10 PM): Locals and expats mix it up on this buzzy Thursday night.
Friday – Let the Weekend Begin
HI Sky Bar, Paje – DJ Set (8 PM): Warm up here with a cocktail and skyline views.
Commando, Jambiani – Afrohouse (10 PM): One of the island’s most consistent dancefloors. Music goes late.
HI Beach Club, Paje – Beachside DJ Bash (10 PM): Sip something tropical and dance barefoot in the sand.
Saturday – The Big Night
The Rock, Pingwe – Live Band + Fire Show (4–8 PM): Not just dinner—it's a beachfront experience. Arrive early!
Red Monkey, Jambiani – Live Jazz (9 PM): A smooth, soulful escape from the heavy beats. Great date night pick.
B4 Beach Club, Paje – Electro/Deep House (~11 PM): Wild and electric. This is your all-night Saturday session.
Sunday – Slow it Down
Chez Zébra, Paje – Live Music (7:30 PM): Great for winding down after a packed week. Sunset views and soft sounds.
HI Sky Bar, Paje – Chill DJ Set (8 PM): Rooftop breeze and background beats to finish the week easy.
Wednesday Highlight: Simba Apartments Karaoke Night
Midweek Magic in Bwejuu
Location: Simba Apartments, Bwejuu
Time: 8 PM till late every Wednesday
Entry Fee: Free
By Wednesday, most travelers are ready to mingle and Simba Apartments is where it’s happening. Their karaoke night blends relaxed resort charm with a playful energy that attracts a mix of locals, expats, and holidaymakers.
Expect:
A beautiful poolside setup with fairy lights
Open mic karaoke (yes, even you!)
Delicious Swahili-fusion food from their in-house kitchen
Signature cocktails and ice-cold Safari beers
Free shots for brave singers
Whether you sing solo, duet, or just cheer from your seat, it’s a night you’ll remember. It’s not just about music, it’s about the people.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Night Out
Bring Some Cash
Most places in Zanzibar are cash-based. Keep some Tanzanian shillings on hand, 5,000 to 20,000 TZS covers most drinks and entrances.
Dress the Part
Beach-casual rules here, but neat and stylish goes a long way. Think linen shirts, sundresses, and comfy sandals.
Transport Matters
Most beach towns are spread out. Ask your hotel or venue staff to help call a reliable taxi especially late at night.
Timing is Key
Arrive early for seated events like The Rock or Ocean Restaurant. Dance parties usually warm up between 10–11 PM.
Book Through Us
Skip the stress of planning and let us handle your night out. From reserved tables to event bookings, we’ll get you in where it matters most. Just hit the WhatsApp button at the right bottom of this page and rest assured while we are working on it.
Final Word: Make Every Night Count
From beach bars to rooftops, bonfires to karaoke, Zanzibar’s nightlife is full of surprises. Whether you’re starting your week at Coral Rock, singing your heart out at Simba Apartments, or going hard at B4 on Saturday night, each evening brings something unique.
Cheers to unforgettable island nights!
