Zanzibar is bursting with a wide range of things to do and see at night time. While going out for a stroll is a great way to spend a quiet evening, you could liven up your nights by enjoying exciting activities on the island. Rather than spending your evenings in your hotel room, get out and experience the island under the light of the night sky.
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things to do in Zanzibar when the sun goes down.
1. Go on a sunset Dhow cruise
Zanzibar is synonymous with beautiful sunsets, featuring a breathtaking display of colours. You can sail off on a traditional dhow from the shores of the ocean and enjoy mesmerizing views of the sun setting over the horizon. Enjoy the moment of serenity and relaxation as you enjoy drinks onboard. This is truly a magical trip and the magnificent view of the sunsets will leave a lasting memory of your holiday at Zanzibar. You can also see the beautiful sunset from anywhere including your hotel room window but there is no better way to experience it than in the waters with nothing blocking the view.
2. Party Hard at Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party
The full moon party is held at the beachfront of a well-known hotel in the north beaches monthly. Here the showcase of local culture stands out and it’s a party like no other. Local singers, dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats are present to entertain you and there are several bars and a large outdoor section in the sand to get your groove on.
3. Dine at Forodhani Market
Forodhani Market is a popular night market in Stone Town, which transform into a gastronomic playground every evening when the sun sets. The food market features a wide range of seafood, prepared by several vendors. You will find some of the best street food in Zanzibar in this market. From squids, crabs, Octopus, prawns, shrimp to local favourites such as kebabs, chapatti, shawarma, roasted plantain, pilau just to name a few. Only your stomach can stop you here!
4. Enjoy Stone Town Bike Tour
Feel the breeze and sunset on your face as you cycle and enjoy some of Zanzibar’s highlights. It’s a great way to learn your way around Stone Town as you stop along some old landmarks and local historic streets. It’s best to ride with expert guides who know the best cycling routes and the best stops.
5. Play Beach Volleyball or Football
While this is not exactly a night time activity, it is a relaxing late evening activity. Running around the white sandy beaches playing ball with your friends, fellow tourists or the locals is hardly a bad idea.
6. Experience Night Performance at Sauti Za Busara Festival
This festival is one of the biggest in the East Africa region and a cultural landmark in Zanzibar and the region as a whole. To put it simply, it’s not one to miss. Live performances take place over three days showcasing music from across genres from Jazz, Afro-pop to Taarab. Performers are pulled from across the region, the continent, and the world so it’s literally a melting pot of cultures. It’s a once a year even so you may want to plan your trip around that time.
7. Catch a movie at Zancinema
On a side street off Malawi Road, you will find the only modern cinema in Zanzibar supporting Full HD and 3D formats. It has full air conditioning together with the usual cinema-ready popcorn and drinks. It shows a wide range of films from local to Hollywood and Bollywood movies for the movie enthusiasts.
8. Dinner at the Rock Restaurant
This open-secret of a restaurant is situated on a rock on the Michamvi Pingwe beach on the south-east coastline. Whether with a group of friends or a quiet candle-lit dinner with a full view of the moon-lit ocean, dining here will be something special. You’ll be delighted by their seafood cuisine tinged with local spices.
9. Party at the beachside bars
When you want to let your hair down at a vibrant bar somewhere on the beach with good music and good crowds, you should head to the northern part of Zanzibar. Nungwi, Paje, and Kendwa are the most bustling places in Zanzibar. You can dance to music from EDM house music to reggae and continental hits.
10. Happy Hour Sundowners
You will enjoy good vibes over mellow music, barbeque snacks and relaxing drinks and cocktails. Couple this with rooftop views of the ocean and swaying palm trees and it sets the tone for a nice wind-down after all those day tours. There are plenty of places with this and Gerry’s Bar and Restaurant, Africa House Hotel, Kendwa Rocks Beach hotel are some popular spots for this.
