When we are looking for a cool island getaway, a party island where we can just let our hair loose and party through the night, Google offers us a great list of islands where the nightlife is the main attraction… but for some reason, it is not yet mentioned that Zanzibar is a party island too. I never understood how someone could order their first beer or cocktail at 10am simply because they are on their poolside daybed, but I guess this is the beauty of being on holiday in paradise… by the time you get up, the music is playing, everyone is happy to see you, you left all your worries at home, so you do what the other guests are doing, you party!
Zanzibar, the best party island in Africa
Africa is a huge continent filled with so many different cultures, landscapes and of course, different types of nightlife experiences, but what we don't see much of, are affordable island getaways with next level party places. If you search “Party islands in Africa,” you get some of Africa's top islands such as Cape Verde, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, etc. but nothing about parties. If you search “Top party islands” you get the global favorites which are listed below… but none of those are in Africa. Since people around the world are looking for new party destinations and will not see Zanzibar as an option, I am here to tell you that Zanzibar is a party island, and the best party island in Africa.
What are Googles Top 10 Party Islands?
10) Ios, Greece
9) Magaluf, Mallorca
8) The British Virgin Islands
7) Ayia Napa, Cyprus
6) Pag, Croatia
5) Santorini, Greece
4) Mykonos, Greece
3) Patong Beach, Phuket Island, Thailand
2) Hvar, Croatia
1) The one and only, Ibiza, Spain
There are parties across the island
Many tourists choose to spend their first or last night or 2 on the island in the historical business hub, Stone Town. This is where the airport and ferry port are located, and due to its Unesco Heritage status and the old infrastructure with new world charm, this makes it a place you just have to visit. We all know the famous Freddy Mercury of Queen, well he grew up in Zanzibar and of course this has inspired his old homes to become tourist attractions, and the Mercury’s restaurant is a great port side spot for sunset drinks and a good booty shaking session on a Friday night.
6 Degrees South is my absolute fav for a night out in Town, its a 3 story chic restaurant with a gorgeous rooftop terrace overlooking the waterfront area. 6 Degrees has happy hour from 5-7pm so you can start your evening with amazing cocktails and international beers, and once the sun sets and the DJ hits the decks, the dance floor fills up and you can party till your hearts content.
Tatu is another hotspot for a Town party, it is situated right next door to 6 Degrees South, and as the name states, it is also a 3 level bar and restaurant with more of the restaurant vibe on levels one and two (Moja and Mbili) and floor 3 (Tatu) is the main bar and dance area.
For the die hards like myself, the last stop would be 5K, this is where you end up if you want to keep going till 6am.
The north of Zanzibar has an exciting nightlife as well, in fact once a month is the famous Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party which attracts thousands of party goers from all over the world. There are multiple bar outlets, fire dancers and acrobats to name a few, and the music is a mix of Afrobeats musicians and international party DJ’s. Unlike the Stone Town parties, this is one where you can kick off your shoes and dance in the moonlight, you can even include a dip in the ocean if you need to cool off from all the dancing.
One of the beauties of this part of the island is that there are many others bars, large and small, all playing great music and attracting many party animals like us.
Now where I feel is the best part of the island for nightlife, is the south east coast, the part of the island where you will find the Paje Beach Parties.
The first time I ever visited Zanzibar was in November 2011, I spent a month on the coast and had the time of my life. My first Friday I was told to go to Jambo Beach Bar in Paje, it was just a makuti covered bar on the beach, there were several large speakers placed amongst the palm trees, and a bathtub filled with huge pieces of ice and as many cold beers that could fit in the tub. The music was blaring, I was surrounded by hundreds of high energy youngsters such as myself, locals and tourists alike, everyone living their best lives and dancing their hearts out. Nobody wore shoes, nobody wore make-up, we were young, wild and free… and I was sold, I never wanted to leave. Fast forward past several years of making Zanzibar my home and then coming and going whenever possible, Jambo Beach Hotel is now an increasingly popular upmarket hotel with a party setup that blew my mind. I recently arrived after 3am, to hundreds of people singing and dancing barefoot in the sand. The sound is way better, the bar is way better, but the atmosphere is equally as awesome.
Coral Rock is the ultimate way of stopping any Monday blues and making it your favorite day of the week. As the images above show, this is a party you don't want to miss. Your night can start around 10pm with local bands and entertainers, but when the clock strikes 12, a new energy arises, the DJ’s get started and the dancefloor becomes the heartbeat of the east coast.
If you like a good pool party, Summer Dream Pool Party is the place for you, again, I would only go after midnight, and that is the time when the party is really getting started. Hundreds of over excited island lovers, bumping and grinding to the hottest jams in and around a giant lush swimming pool.
If you are looking for something bougie and completely extraordinary, hows about checking out Tikki Beach Club on a Wednesday night, not only do they have one of the newest and most beautiful venues, they also host the only foam party on the island.
As you can see, I have a lot to say about the east coast nightlife, but more so, I have so many reasons to believe that Zanzibar is a party island. No matter which part of the island you are on, and no matter what night of the week it is, there is a party for you.
If you would like to plan your next holiday in Zanzibar and need help with booking the best spot and making the best arrangements, our team at www.wildandfreezanzibar.com are here to make that happen.
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