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Tanzania’s exuberant port city is a lively place after dark, offering nightlife options galore for locals and visitors. Dar es Salaam Nightlife is all about sunny beaches, unique street markets and lively clubs with pumping beats. It also includes cultural energy, from rooftop bars with panoramic shots of the ocean to pulsing clubs where Afrobeat or Bongo Flava rule. When the sun goes down, venues offer everything from dancing until sunrise to live music and local delicacies as part of the entertainment. Experience a nightlife scene that mirrors the city’s vibrant spirit and coastal charm.
10 Places For Dar Es Salaam Nightlife
There is much to do in Tanzania as far as exploring the vibrant and varied Dar es Salaam nightlife is concerned:
1. Maisha Club
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A classic balance of sophistication and vibrant energy, this lounge is a beautiful place to unwind. Located in the fancy Masaki area of the city, it attracts a diverse crowd and a solid lineup of music, with DJs mixing Afrobeat, Bongo Flava and global hits. The club has become a magnet for revellers with its sleek, neon-accented interiors and spacious dance floor. VIP lounges are available for a private and special experience for a classy night out. Theme nights, such as Afrobeat Sundays and Ladies’ Night, guarantee that the vibe remains fresh and exciting.
Location: Haile Selassie Road, Masaki, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 10 PM – 4 AM (Thursday to Sunday)
2. High Spirit Lounge & Bar
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Just outside the city, High Spirit Lounge & Bar is a prime spot for Dar es Salaam nightlife. It has lively atmosphere, delicious cocktails and breathtaking views of the skyline and Indian Ocean. Nestled atop IT Plaza, this open-air rooftop bar is ideal for unwinding after a busy day or partying away the night. It also hosts live acts, including DJs playing Afrobeat, reggae and house music, along with acoustic sets on certain nights. The bar offers creative cocktails, local brews and a selection of international and Tanzanian-inspired dishes. High Spirit offers themed nights and happy hour specials.
Location: IT Plaza, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 5 PM – 2 AM
3. Elements Club
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Located in the vibrant Oyster Bay area of Dar es Salaam, Elements Club is revolutionising the city’s nightlife experience with its fashionable interior, energetic ambience and premium services. The club has an expansive dance floor where noted DJs and live acts keep energy high with a mix of Afrobeat, house and contemporary international hits. VIP sections invite guests to relax, while shisha is available in a separate lounge area. The club features themed nights and celebrity guests for a fun and invigorating atmosphere. The bar features craft cocktails, premium sips and regional favourites.
Location: Chole Road, Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 9 PM – 5 AM (Friday and Saturday)
4. Samaki Samaki Lounge & Club
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Another worth checking out if you’re touring the best of Dar es Salaam nightlife and the seafood dining scene is at Samaki Samaki Lounge & Club. This vivacious watering hole is known for its balanced party vibes, making it great for music lovers who appreciate great food and an energetic crowd. The music here is a lively blend of Bongo Flava, reggae and afrobeat, with DJs both packed the dance floor until night. Every once in a while, the club has live performances by local artists. In addition to the deep house and techno, you can enjoy a wide selection of seafood, from grilled prawns to signature fish platters.
Location: Mlimani City Mall, Sam Nujoma Road, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 4 PM – 3 AM (Monday to Sunday)
5. The Great Wall
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Positioned as both a restaurant and nightlife venue, The Great Wall is in the heart of the city. This now-popular destination doubles as a restaurant and a raucous nightclub that gets going later in the night. Begin your evening with a slew of authentic Chinese dishes, from dumplings and wontons to fiery Szechuan stir-fries. As the night wears on, The Great Wall changes pace, with house, afrobeat, and dancehall DJs and a raucous crowd. With an intimate dance floor and a cosy bar, it’s an ideal place for a group looking to party without the scale of bigger clubs.
Location: Ohio Street, City Center, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 5 PM – 3 AM (Monday to Sunday)
6. Makuti Beach Bar
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For a less rowdy yet still lively night, Makuti Beach Bar is the ultimate beachside hangout. Located along the scenic Coco Beach, this outdoor spot serves the sound of waves with the buzz of evening socialising. Makuti Beach Bar has a laid-back rustic set-up with thatched roofs and wooden seating adding a coastal feel to it. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends while drinking cool cocktails and feeling the ocean breeze. Live acoustic performances and reggae nights are features of the bar. A major highlight for food lovers is the seafood menu, which includes options for grilled lobster and grilled calamari.
Location: Coco Beach, Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 4 PM – 12 AM
7. Slipway Waterfront
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A nightlife with an element of coastal sophistication, the Slipway is in the shopping complex. With views of the Indian Ocean, this open-air venue is ideal for a more sophisticated night by the water. This spot is a live-music destination (jazz to soft rock), with weekend performances that induce a mellow mood. The on-site restaurants and bars offer a variety of international and Tanzanian dishes, complemented with fine wines, craft beers and creative cocktails. Slipway Waterfront is a local and expat favourite for its lively but refined atmosphere.
Location: Slipway Shopping Complex, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 5 PM – 1 AM
8. Karambezi Café
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Karambezi Café is another great option for upscale but casual Dar es Salaam nightlife. It sits atop the cliffs of the Msasani Peninsula, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Set in a cultural hub, Karambezi serves upscale dishes alongside a relaxed mosaic bar ambience. You might begin your evening with a hearty dinner that showcases the freshest in seafood, from grilled prawns to renowned calamari and a prolific list of wines. With a coastal breeze, an elegant vibe and friendly service, Karambezi is suitable for couples and groups.
Location: Sea Cliff Hotel, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 6:30 PM – 12 AM
9. Badminton Institute Sports Club
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The Badminton Institute Sports Club is perfect for casual sports, socialisation, and nightlife. Nestled in the heart of Dar es Salaam, this historic venue is popular with locals who want to wind down in a relaxed space. Its centrepiece is the bar area, serving inexpensive drinks, including local beers and simple cocktails. The club hosts karaoke, live sports broadcasts, and cultural activities, providing a very lively atmosphere. More low-key than glitzy clubs, the Badminton Institute’s unpretentious appeal and community sensibility mirror Dar es Salaam’s local culture.
Location: Zanaki Street, City Center, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 5 PM – 11 PM
10. Kijiji Beach Resort Bar
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Located on Kigamboni Beach, the Kijiji Beach Resort Bar is a good place to escape the busy city. This casual beach bar is the place to spend a laidback night under the stars with tropical cocktails paired with the sound of waves. The bar has an intimate atmosphere, with thatched-roof huts, wooden furniture, and cosy spots for bonfires that all complement the rustic surroundings. From live acoustic sessions to beachside parties, Kijiji is also a place for all occasions. Their cocktail, wine and Tanzanian-inspired bar snacks menu is extensive.
Whether you want a quiet drink or to join a festive crowd, Kijiji Beach Resort Bar offers a true slice of coastal nightlife.
Location: Kigamboni Beach, Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 4 PM – 12 AM
Dar es Salaam nightlife is filled with lively clubs and beach bars to quiet venues and cultural centres. Whether you want to listen to live music or sit on the ocean and sip a drink, the city has something for everyone. These are just some of the best places to visit in Dar es Salaam that offer a chance to see the true identity of the city with memories for both natives and tourists. Plan your trip with TripXL and embrace the nightlife in Dar es Salaam.
Cover Photo: Rasheedhrasheed / Wikimedia Commons
