Your Guide to the Best Waterholes in Arusha
The city of Arusha is well-known as the gateway to the northern circuit of popular national parks in Tanzania. Situated at the foothills of Mt. Meru, the city is considered the “Safari Capital of Northern Tanzania”. However, the city is not known for the fascinating and memorable safari adventures it offers, it also a place where you can let loose for the night and party till you drop in a club or even enjoy chilled beers with your friends in a relaxed bar.
Whether you are looking for exciting things to do at night, Arusha has a vibrant nightlife scene with a wide range of clubs and bars. Here are some of the best Arusha clubs and bars to visit whenever you are in town!
1. Triple A Nightclub
It’s one of the largest and most hospitable joints in Arusha in the Sakina suburb area. Triple A is an all-round spot featuring a restaurant, a lounge, a bar and also hosts live band performances in the nightclub for revellers to enjoy. They have an ample parking lot and security, and the entrance is free, but an entry fee applies to the nightclub. There is a separate lounge with a few screens for those who enjoy sports and other activities.
Triple A Nightclub
2. Billionaires Lounge
Located in Arusha city centre near St. Thomas hospital, this is one of the city’s best nightclubs and lounges. With resident DJs playing through all genres of music, neon lights on the dance floor, an array of drinks at the bar, this club will make you feel like a VIP just as their tagline says.
3. Empire Sports Bar
You will find this large modern bar at the TFA Complex in Arusha and it’s quite popular with expats working in the city. The music selection is great and they have a variety of drinks to choose from. They also host karaoke and live music showcases. During weekdays, the DJs just play a selection of music from dancehall to reggae. The bar features pool tables, large screens to televise sports, dart boards, and a lounge bar.
4. Club D
For revellers wanting to experience Tanzanian nightlife with the locals, Club D is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to party in Arusha. It is located in the Moshono area on Sakina road in Arusha. This club packs fun and excitement as the locals bring out all the local flavour from this side of town. It is ladies night on Wednesdays and entry is free. Partygoers dance the night away to hip-hop, dancehall, and local Tanzanian music.
Club D
5. Lively Lady Bar & Grill
Located off Sokoine Road towards Nakumatt Supermarket, you will find this little gem of a place. Its beautiful interiors with red shining lights – bring the club to life at night. The food here is a mix of Indian and local cuisine and they are delicious. The bar may not be big but a variety of drinks are served here. The crowd is mixed with Indians, locals and some expats too and the atmosphere is great. The bar comes alive after ten and if you’re a rock music lover you will break a leg here.
6. Johnny’s Bar
This is a funky spot found at TGT Arusha and is also one of the good places to watch the sunset over a cold beer. Their happy hours are famous around town, with their ‘buy one and get one free’ offer on beers and wines! This makes Friday nights even more fun for both locals and tourists.
Johnny’s Bar
7. La Fiesta Lounge
If you’re in Arusha and you like your salsa moves, then La Fiesta Lounge is where to be on a Tuesday night for salsa-filled Latino dance lessons. It is located at the PPF Commercial building in Njiro. If salsa is not your thing, do not to worry. They have funky music as well for the rest of the nights and all kinds of assorted drinks at the bar. There are large screens for the sports lovers and they serve delicious plantain and roasted meat or chicken to fill you up before you start grooving.
8. Boogaloo Nightclub
Inside the Njiro shopping complex in Arusha, you will find the Boogaloo Nightclub. Revellers have access to a sports bar, a cocktail bar, pool tables and a VIP lounge. There’s also a barbeque grill where you can feast before dancing the night away. Top DJs are invited to play at the club and Fridays are for Karaoke. The music is great and there’s a large floor for dancing when the music hits you.
9. Via Via Café
Via Via Café is located on Boma Road and has a cool outdoor by the regional museum. With a variety of drinks and food, as well as hospitable staff, you will enjoy your night here. There is an entertainment galore from in-house pop music to showcases by professional dancers, karaoke by locals and live band performances. Via Via has two bars, one serving local beers and the other cocktails. This hotspot comes alive on Thursdays and it’s a place to go when you are looking for a little culture with your bottle of beer.
FYI – Spots That Have Closed Down
Avoid the disappointment of heading to clubs or bars that are no longer in operation. We have discovered the following popular places that have closed their doors permanently:
- Club Velocity
- Colobus Club
- Mango Tree Bar and Lounge
Put on Your Dancing Shoes and Hit The Town Tonight
If you keen to have some fun tonight, you know where to go. Head down to one of these rocking spots and party like a local in Arusha
We'd love to hear from you If you have anything to add to our list or would like to tell us about your experience give us a shout!
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