Zanzibar is not just about turquoise waters and white sandy beaches—it’s also a haven for nightlife lovers seeking the perfect sundowner or an all-night beach party. From laid-back reggae bars to upscale cocktail lounges right on the sand, beach bars in Zanzibar offer the ultimate island vibe with a twist of tropical indulgence. Whether you’re chasing sunset cocktails, live music under the stars, or electrifying DJ nights, this guide to Zanzibar’s best beach bars has you covered.
Let’s dive into the island’s top venues to drink, dance, and celebrate.
Table of Contents
Kendwa Rocks Beach Bar – The Epicenter of Zanzibar’s Party Scene
Kendwa Rocks is legendary, and for good reason. This beachfront bar and resort on Kendwa Beach transforms every Saturday into a full-blown festival, drawing travelers from across the island.
Weekly Full Moon Parties and DJ Events
Kendwa Rocks hosts the island’s most famous Full Moon Party, a high-energy affair complete with international DJs, fire dancers, and booming beats that echo across the ocean. Even outside the Full Moon schedule, the Saturday night parties are an institution, with DJs spinning Afro-house, reggaeton, EDM, and island-inspired rhythms.
The Beachfront Setup
The open-air bar sits right on the sand, with palm-shaded cabanas, bonfires, and cocktail stations set up during events. It’s the perfect setting to dance barefoot under the stars, sip mojitos, or meet other travelers in a festive, free-spirited environment.
Drinks and Food
The drink menu features everything from local beers to tropical cocktails served in coconuts. The bar’s kitchen serves Swahili dishes, grilled seafood, and international options, making it a great spot for dinner before the party heats up.
Gerry’s Bar – Laid-Back Vibes with Live Music in Nungwi
For those seeking something more relaxed yet full of character, Gerry’s Bar in Nungwi is a must-visit. This unpretentious beachfront bar delivers stellar sunsets, acoustic tunes, and a community vibe that’s hard to beat.
Acoustic Sessions and Sunset Performances
Local musicians and traveling artists frequently perform at Gerry’s, offering unplugged sets that range from reggae and folk to Afro-fusion. The live music typically starts just before sunset, creating a chill, ambient mood as the sky turns orange and pink.
Community and Connection
Gerry’s Bar is beloved by expats, locals, and tourists alike. The atmosphere encourages conversation and camaraderie, with communal seating, hammocks, and a bar staff who remember your name. It’s the kind of place where you come for one drink and end up staying all night.
Drinks and Dining
Gerry’s prides itself on its cold beer, fresh cocktails, and hearty portions. Try the spiced rum punch or the house-made ginger mojito while digging into grilled calamari or coconut curry. The food is simple, fresh, and perfectly suited to beachside dining.
The Rock Bar (and Restaurant) – Iconic Views with Classy Cocktails
Situated on a rock in the Indian Ocean off Michamvi Pingwe Beach, The Rock is Zanzibar’s most photographed dining spot—but it also offers a top-tier beach bar experience during sunset hours.
Sunset Cocktails with a View
The bar at The Rock opens in the late afternoon for pre-dinner drinks, offering some of the best panoramic views on the island. Watching the sun dip behind the horizon with a martini in hand is a quintessential Zanzibar experience.
Elegant Ambience, Elevated Drinks
This is not a party spot—it’s a place to unwind with a perfectly mixed Negroni, glass of wine, or premium spirit while soaking up the ocean breeze. The bartenders are well-trained and happy to craft bespoke cocktails on request.
High-End Experience
While the prices reflect the exclusivity, the overall experience—reached by foot during low tide or by boat when the water rises—is magical. Perfect for honeymooners, romantic evenings, or travelers seeking something sophisticated.
Paje by Night’s Jambo Beach Bar – Party Meets Chill on the Southeast Coast
Paje is a hotspot for kite surfers, backpackers, and digital nomads, and Jambo Beach Bar—part of the Paje by Night boutique hotel—is where the action converges.
Weekly DJ Sets and Beach Bonfires
Every Friday night, Jambo Beach Bar turns into a lively dance floor. Local and international DJs mix Afro-beats, tribal house, and island techno, attracting a youthful, energetic crowd. On quieter nights, you can still enjoy a bonfire on the beach with chill tunes in the background.
Great for Day-to-Night Vibes
What makes Jambo unique is its versatility. By day, it’s a relaxed lounge with beanbags, smoothies, and hammocks. By night, it morphs into a boho-chic party venue. It’s the perfect spot to go from beach day to beach bar without missing a beat.
Creative Cocktails and Themed Nights
From passionfruit caipirinhas to frozen watermelon margaritas, Jambo’s cocktail menu is fresh and inventive. Occasionally, they host themed parties—like white parties or neon nights—which add an extra layer of fun.
Upendo Beach Bar – Luxury Chill with a Live DJ Twist
Located in Michamvi, Upendo is part beach club, part villa, and part high-end dining experience. It has become one of Zanzibar’s top beach bars for a stylish, upscale crowd seeking curated experiences.
Sunset DJ Sets and Stylish Sundowners
Upendo is renowned for its Sunset Sessions—laid-back DJ sets playing downtempo house, soul, and chill-out grooves as the sun sets over the reef. The vibe is elegant but not pretentious. Think beanbags, shisha lounges, and beautiful people sipping rosé.
Ideal for Special Occasions
Upendo regularly hosts private parties, pop-up events, fashion shows, and wellness experiences. It’s an excellent place for birthday dinners, engagement celebrations, or just a classy evening with friends.
Signature Drinks and Plated Perfection
The mixologists at Upendo are known for infusing local herbs, spices, and fruits into their drinks—try the Swahili Spice Martini or the Hibiscus Mojito. Their seafood platters and sushi are some of the best on the island.
B4 Beach Club – Electro Beats and Edgy Nightlife in Paje
For those who want a modern beach club with serious dancefloor energy, B4 Beach Club in Paje delivers. It’s trendy, sleek, and dedicated to music lovers.
International DJs and Electro Music Culture
B4 is the heart of the electronic music scene in Zanzibar, with weekly DJ nights that pull in talent from across Africa and Europe. Genres range from deep house and Afro-tech to funky lounge and experimental beats. Events often stretch into the early hours.
Creative Space with Urban Jungle Design
The bar is nestled among palms and driftwood architecture, with concrete lounges, graffiti walls, and neon accents. It feels more like a Berlin or Ibiza beach bar—but with Zanzibari soul.
Premium Cocktails and Late-Night Snacks
Cocktails here are crafted with attention to detail—expect infused gins, smoked mezcal concoctions, and everything in between. A small but tasty menu of sushi, tacos, and bar snacks fuels the night.
Kae Funk Sunset Bar – Reggae Rhythms and Laid-Back Evenings
If your perfect night involves Bob Marley, cold Kilimanjaro beer, and watching the sun melt into the ocean, Kae Funk is your jam.
Live Reggae and Afrobeat Nights
Located in Michamvi Kae, this colorful beach shack is known for its reggae nights and live drumming sessions. The music is soulful, the crowd is friendly, and the setting—sunset-facing mangrove-lined beach—is pure magic.
Affordable, Authentic, and Unforgettable
Kae Funk isn’t about flash or fashion—it’s about feel-good vibes and barefoot dancing. The bar hosts community-driven events, storytelling nights, and jam sessions where locals and travelers create music together.
Drinks on a Budget
With cheap cocktails, strong mojitos, and local rums on offer, Kae Funk is ideal for budget travelers looking for authentic nightlife in Zanzibar.
Baladin Zanzibar – Craft Brews and Laid-Back Vibes by the Sea
Located in Pingwe on the east coast, Baladin Zanzibar is a beach bar with a twist: it’s also the island’s first craft brewery. Combining Italian flair with a passion for brewing, Baladin offers something entirely unique in Zanzibar’s bar scene.
House-Brewed Beer and Beachfront Bliss
Forget generic lagers—Baladin serves a rotating selection of craft beers brewed right on-site. Try their signature amber ale or tropical wheat beer while lounging under palms just steps from the Indian Ocean.
Weekly Music Sessions and Pizza Nights
Baladin may not throw wild raves, but it nails the relaxed, communal atmosphere. Weekly live music events feature local jazz bands, acoustic duos, and even spoken word nights. Themed evenings—like Italian pizza night—bring together guests for a more intimate, cultural experience.
Gourmet Touch
Beyond drinks, Baladin serves artisanal pizzas, tapas-style plates, and house-made desserts. If you’re after a cozy night with good company, unique beer, and ocean views, this is your spot.
Mr. Kahawa – Boho Beach Bar Meets Creative Hub in Paje
Mr. Kahawa is more than a beach bar—it’s a lifestyle hangout beloved by surfers, artists, and digital nomads. Right on the sands of Paje, this beachfront café-bar evolves throughout the day, hitting its stride during golden hour and into the night.
Chillout Sessions and Live DJ Sunset Grooves
As the sun sets, the vibe shifts from laptop mode to cocktail hour. DJs spin laid-back electronic, downtempo, and Afro-Latin beats, often setting up right on the beach. Occasional pop-up events include fire dancing and local drum circles.
Creative Community Vibe
This beach bar attracts an eclectic crowd—from kite surfers and yoga teachers to musicians and remote workers. The design blends boho-chic furniture, reclaimed wood, and colorful fabrics, creating an aesthetic that feels effortlessly cool.
Healthy Cocktails and Conscious Cuisine
Think beetroot mojitos, turmeric margaritas, and kombucha-infused gin. The bar prides itself on its health-conscious yet flavorful offerings, alongside vegan and vegetarian bites.
Tatu Bar at Langi Langi – Classic Charm in Nungwi
Tucked into the beachfront Langi Langi Beach Bungalows in Nungwi, Tatu Bar offers a quieter, more classic beach bar experience with the perfect blend of intimacy, charm, and traditional Swahili hospitality.
Oceanfront Romance and Occasional Live Music
Tatu Bar isn’t about raucous parties—it’s about good drinks and better company. On select evenings, live taarab or acoustic guitar performances accompany the crashing waves, making it an ideal spot for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind.
Local Meets Global
The cocktail menu includes local infusions—like clove and cardamom rum mixers—alongside standard favorites. The bartenders are known for their skill and storytelling, often sharing cultural tidbits with your drink.
Great for a Date Night
With candlelit tables, cozy seating, and an endless ocean view, Tatu Bar is a great place to start or end your night in Nungwi.
The Loop Beach Bar – Vibrant, Youthful Energy in Jambiani
Located within The Loop Hotel in Jambiani, this beachfront bar buzzes with youthful energy, artistic décor, and nightly happenings. It’s a place that draws a fun-loving, social crowd and knows how to keep the good times rolling.
Daily Happy Hour and Dance-Floor Fridays
Every evening starts with a generous happy hour—2-for-1 cocktails, craft gin mixers, and spicy Swahili rum blends. Fridays are dance nights, where the beach becomes a makeshift dancefloor lit with fairy lights and fire pits.
Eclectic Music Lineup
Expect everything from Afro-jazz to global electronica. Guest DJs and live musicians keep the vibe fresh, and themed nights—like salsa under the stars—add variety to the lineup.
Ideal for Travelers Who Love to Mingle
If you’re looking to meet fellow adventurers and dance barefoot until midnight, The Loop Beach Bar is a lively, welcoming venue that rarely disappoints.
Why Zanzibar’s Beach Bars Are Unmissable
Zanzibar’s beach bars aren’t just places to drink—they’re experiences that reflect the rhythm of the island. Here’s why they’re a must for every traveler:
1. Sunset Is a Daily Celebration
Every evening feels like a holiday. With west-facing beaches like Kendwa and Michamvi, Zanzibar offers front-row seats to some of the most dramatic sunsets on earth. Beach bars build their entire vibe around this daily ritual.
2. The Music Is Global Yet Local
From Afro-house to reggae, dancehall to deep house, the island’s beach bars showcase a blend of traditional African rhythms and global electronic trends. Whether it’s a live band or a DJ spinning under the stars, the beats are always good.
3. Events Make Every Night Different
Whether it’s a full moon bash, a DJ pool party, or a beachfront bonfire with acoustic guitar, Zanzibar’s beach bar scene is full of variety. You never really know what kind of magic the night will bring—and that’s part of the fun.
Tips for Enjoying Zanzibar’s Beach Bars
- Bring Cash: Some places still don’t accept cards.
- Dress Comfortably: Think boho, barefoot, and beachy—but chic if you’re heading to upscale spots like Upendo or The Rock.
- Check Schedules: Parties, DJs, and live music are often scheduled weekly or monthly. Follow bars on Instagram or ask locals for the latest updates.
- Be Mindful of Tides: Some venues are tide-dependent for access or atmosphere.
- Stay Nearby: To enjoy nightlife to the fullest, book accommodations close to your preferred party beach—Paje, Kendwa, Nungwi, or Michamvi.
Where to Stay Near Zanzibar’s Best Beach Bars
For Party Lovers
- Kendwa Rocks Hotel (Kendwa) – Ideal for all-night dancing and full moon events.
- B4 Beach Club Villas (Paje) – Steps away from electro beats and stylish nights.
For Sunset Chasers
- Upendo Beach House (Michamvi) – High-end sunset sessions with DJ beats.
- Kae Funk Bungalows (Michamvi Kae) – Rustic and laid-back with front-row sunset seats.
For Laid-Back Travelers
- Gerry’s Bar Guesthouse (Nungwi) – Affordable, homey, and musical.
- Paje by Night Hotel (Paje) – Cozy jungle-style bungalows near Jambo Beach Bar.
Final Thoughts: Where to Find the Best Beach Bars in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s beach bars offer an irresistible combination of music, scenery, and energy. Whether you’re looking for raucous parties with top DJs, mellow reggae nights by the sea, or sunset cocktails in elegant surroundings, there’s a beach bar here with your name on it.
Don’t leave the island without experiencing this vibrant part of its culture. From the legendary Kendwa Rocks to the soulful shores of Kae Funk, the beach bars of Zanzibar are where unforgettable nights begin—and sometimes, where the morning sun finds you dancing barefoot in the sand.
Ready to explore Zanzibar’s beach bar scene? Start planning your tropical nightlife escape now!
