After Dark on the Spice Island
Zanzibar Nightlife — Bars, Beach Parties & Evening Experiences
From bonfire-lit beaches in Nungwi to rooftop cocktails above the ancient rooftops of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s evenings offer something for every mood — whether you want to dance until sunrise or simply watch the stars appear over the Indian Ocean.
Nightlife by Area
Nungwi
The liveliest nightlife on the island
Nungwi is Zanzibar’s undisputed party capital. Beach bars line the northern shore with DJ sets, fire dancing shows and bonfires that burn well past midnight. The atmosphere is relaxed and barefoot — grab a cocktail, sink your toes into the sand and let the evening unfold. Gerry’s Bar is a long-standing favourite with its beachfront location and reggae soundtrack. The Z Hotel hosts upscale poolside events with visiting DJs. For something more laid-back, join a beach bonfire where travellers and locals gather around the flames, sharing stories and cold Kilimanjaro lager under a canopy of equatorial stars.
Highlights
Kendwa
Home of the famous Full Moon Party
Kendwa is best known for its legendary Full Moon Party, held every month at Kendwa Rocks and widely considered the biggest beach party in East Africa. Hundreds of revellers gather on the wide, sandy beach for an all-night celebration featuring live music, international DJs, fire performers, acrobats and dancing until sunrise. Outside full moon nights, Kendwa maintains a mellow beach bar vibe that is slightly quieter than neighbouring Nungwi but still perfectly social. The Kendwa Rocks beach bar is a great sunset spot any night of the month.
Highlights
Stone Town
Rooftop cocktails and live taarab music
Stone Town offers a more sophisticated evening scene. The rooftop bar at Emerson on Hurumzi serves cocktails with a panoramic view over the old town’s rooftops, minarets and the Indian Ocean — it is arguably the best sundowner spot on the island. 6 Degrees South bar and restaurant combines waterfront dining with a stylish cocktail lounge. Mercury’s, named after Freddie Mercury who was born in Stone Town in 1946, is a waterfront bar popular with music fans and history buffs alike. For cultural immersion, attend a live taarab performance at the Old Fort or the Dhow Countries Music Academy — Zanzibar’s traditional musical genre blending Arabic, Indian and African influences into something truly mesmerising.
Highlights
Paje
Chill kite-surfer vibes after dark
Paje’s nightlife reflects its laid-back kite-surfing community. The east coast beach bars offer a quieter alternative to the Nungwi party scene, with chilled music, craft cocktails and the sound of waves providing the soundtrack. Paje By Night is the most popular evening spot, attracting a mix of local kitesurfers, digital nomads and tourists. The vibe is social without being loud, making it ideal for travellers who want a relaxed evening with good company rather than a full-on party. Occasional beach events and live acoustic sessions add variety.
Highlights
Evening Experiences Beyond Bars
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow boat as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Most cruises include drinks, light snacks and sometimes a seafood dinner served onboard. Departures from Stone Town and Nungwi are the most popular options.
Forodhani Night Market Food Tour
Experience Stone Town’s famous night market with a knowledgeable guide who navigates the smoky stalls and helps you sample the best Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, urojo soup and sugar cane juice.
Stargazing on the East Coast
The east coast villages of Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu have minimal light pollution, making them exceptional for stargazing. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Some lodges offer guided astronomy sessions.
Night Snorkeling Tours
Seasonal guided snorkeling excursions take place after dark, typically using underwater torches to illuminate the reef. Nocturnal marine life including octopus, lobster, lionfish and bioluminescent plankton creates a completely different underwater world.
What to Know
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so alcohol is available at tourist-oriented establishments but should be consumed respectfully. Stone Town is more conservative than the beach resort areas — avoid drinking visibly in the streets of the old town. In Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje, the atmosphere around bars and beach clubs is relaxed and alcohol flows freely.
Taxis are available at night across the island and are generally safe. Always agree on the fare before getting in, as meters are not used. Most hotels can arrange a return transfer if you are heading out for the evening. The main roads between Nungwi, Kendwa, Stone Town and Paje are paved and well-travelled, though street lighting is limited outside urban centres.
The legal drinking age in Tanzania is 18. Most bars and beach clubs do not charge entry fees except for special events like the Full Moon Party. Cocktails at upscale bars typically cost $8–15, while local beers (Kilimanjaro, Safari, Serengeti) are $3–5 at beach bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there good nightlife in Zanzibar?
Yes, Zanzibar has a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in Nungwi and Kendwa on the north coast. Nungwi offers beach bars with DJs and fire shows most nights. Kendwa hosts a legendary monthly Full Moon Party. Stone Town provides a more refined evening atmosphere with rooftop bars, live taarab music and cocktail lounges. The east coast (Paje) is quieter but has a lively kite-surfer social scene.
When is the Kendwa Full Moon Party?
The Full Moon Party takes place every month on the night of the full moon at Kendwa Rocks beach. The event typically starts around sunset and continues until sunrise. Entry is usually free or has a minimal cover charge. It draws several hundred people and features multiple DJs, fire performers and beach bars. Check the lunar calendar for exact dates during your trip.
Can you drink alcohol in Zanzibar?
Yes, alcohol is widely available at hotels, beach bars and tourist restaurants throughout Zanzibar, despite the island being predominantly Muslim. However, visitors should be respectful of local customs. Stone Town is more conservative — avoid drinking in public streets. Beach resort areas (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje) are more relaxed about alcohol. During Ramadan, be especially discreet about drinking in public during daylight hours.
Plan Your Perfect Zanzibar Evening
From sunset dhow cruises to Full Moon Party packages, our team can build evening experiences into your Zanzibar itinerary. Let us know what kind of night you are looking for.