Lusaka
A favourite watering hole for many locals, expats and tourists (and basically anyone who likes a drink) is this tropical dive bar, set in an open-air…
Must-see nightlife in Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique
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Malawi
This craft shop and cafe serves fresh juices bursting with goodness and light meals such as feta pizza, ham and cheese pita sandwiches, salads and toasted…
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Livingstone
Just the spot for a sundowner, this open-air bar within the Royal Livingstone Hotel overlooks a dramatic stretch of the Zambezi. As well as the usual bar…
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Malawi
This cocktail bar built into the rocks overlooking the beach is a secluded and magical sundowner spot.
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Malawi
This cafe with two-tone furniture is the local hangout of choice – use the wi-fi and enjoy a cafetière or cappuccino of the strong 'n' sweet local coffee…
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Lilongwe
With woodcarvings on its shaded veranda, this tucked-away chill-out den (find it off Mzimba St) offers coffee, cocktails, board games and dishes from…
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Lilongwe
This Scottish-owned watering hole faces Buchanan's Grill in a leafy compound, with tables outside and a glass bar and purple walls within. It's popular…
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Livingstone
A favourite watering hole for expats and tourists alike, this deck bar (complete with swimming pool) has a spectacular location overlooking the Zambezi…
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Mozambique
The dark, moody Xeirinho is the unlikely nexus of Chimoio's lively (for Mozambique) music scene. Gigs take place on Friday night, and the karaoke's…
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Livingstone
Primarily a hangout for locals and expats, the Farmhouse doesn't need to wow tourists with river views, instead opting for a more rustic property on an…
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Malawi
Attached to the Mimosa Court Hotel, this is a great spot with a sunny terrace for meeting the locals over a cold beer (MK950). Hip-hop videos boom from…
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Malawi
Despite the garish orange swirls decorating its walls, this friendly Indian-owned eatery is pleasant for a beer and a snack. The broad menu ranges from…
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Mozambique
On the riverbank just below the bridge in the main part of town, the multifarious Paraíso Misterioso complex lays on entertainment pretty thick, with…
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Northern Mozambique
Brand new Portuguese-owned cafe that might have sprung from a Lisbon side street, specialising in Portuguese-style coffee and natas (custard tarts) served…
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Malawi
This hotel bar is a pleasant spot to catch up on your emails over a cold beer.
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Zambia
Kitwe's nightlife is low-key compared to the capital, but Cosy Jo's is the place to be at night. It has a huge garden bar and draws a large crowd for…
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Lusaka
A decent rooftop bar atop of Foxdale Court shopping centre, Sky Bar attracts a young crowd for DJs spinning house, hip hop and R&B tracks.
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Northern Mozambique
Nampula's coolest bar is this newish perch encased in the Monica shopping centre that offers cocktails, live music and DJs most nights.
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Maputo
This faded jazz cafe at the train station has a dusty, vaguely old-world ambience and a mix of live music (Saturday) and CDs.
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Maputo
This sleek tapas and late-night place has live music on Thursday evening. By day, try the juices and smoothies.
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Maputo
The late-night waterside bar at the yacht club is especially popular with old-timers on Thursday and Friday.
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Maputo
A popular place with a constantly changing array of groups. Most performances start about 10pm or later.
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Malawi
At One Love, with an unbeatable view of the bay, Kelvin the Rasta serves cold beers and simple dishes such as chapattis, nsima (a filling porridge-like…
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Malawi
Announced by a smoking barbecue and blaring beats, this popular hangout has a big, sandy arena for dancing and a pool table. Come in the evening to chat…
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Lilongwe
This hard-to-find wooden shack, located off Mzimba St, dishes up a bubbling atmosphere, live jazz in the garden and revolving entertainment. A Lilongwe…
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Lilongwe
With a braai (barbecue) smoking away outside and sport fixtures on the TV, this rough 'n' ready joint sees locals lining the bar shoulder to shoulder. It…
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Malawi
Decorated with British football insignia and Beyoncé pin-ups, this local hangout also has seating under shady trees at the rear. Dishes (mains MK5000)…
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Northern Mozambique
The Estrelha, opposite the police station, is a slam-your-bottle-down-on-the-table sort of place with mainly outdoor seating. It's OK if you want to…
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Lusaka
Despite its uninspired shopping mall location, this South African chain pub has three beers on tap, does excellent pub food and has all the sports you…
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Maputo
Inside Núcleo d’Arte (a laid-back artists' cooperative and workshop), with occasional live music.
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Malawi
This hotel bar is surprisingly authentic, with loud African music and soccer matches illuminating the darkened room.
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Lusaka
This South African chain pub, popular with South Africans and Brits, is ideal if you like fake Irish pubs and a more Western drinking experience. There…
