Best Bars in Unguja, Tanzania: New Zanzibar Nightlife Hotspots to Try Now

Botanic Luxury Point, Paje -Zanzibar - Beachfront cocktails in a lush hideaway

Botanic Luxury Point is one of the freshest arrivals on Paje’s shoreline and it already feels like a secret garden for cocktail lovers. With a perfect 5-star rating from its first visitors and a strong growth score, it is trending because travelers are actively hunting for quieter, design-led beach bars away from the big party crowds.

Expect a leafy, almost tropical-boutique setting right by the sand, soft lighting, and a focus on slow, conversation-friendly evenings. It is the kind of place where you start with a sunset drink and end up staying for hours.

Why it is trending now

• Very new opening in Paje, which is one of Unguja’s most in-demand beach areas
• Early reviews rave about the relaxed upscale vibe and atmosphere
• Perfect match for the current shift toward smaller, more intimate Zanzibar bars

Best for

• Golden hour cocktails after a Paje kitesurf session
• Couples or small groups looking for a quieter, stylish spot
• Travelers who prefer ambient music over loud dance floors

Just a Bar, White Paradise Zanzibar - Easygoing beach bar energy

Just a Bar sits inside White Paradise Zanzibar and leans into a chilled, barefoot-on-the-sand mood. With a 5-star rating from multiple early reviews, it is trending as a go-to for guests who want a casual drink without leaving the resort area, plus curious bar hoppers exploring this stretch of coast.

The formula is simple but effective: ocean views, cold drinks, and a friendly team that remembers faces. It feels like a social hub where travelers swap island tips between dips in the sea.

Why it is trending now

• Very new bar with strong initial ratings and word-of-mouth
• Part of a resort that is gaining visibility on social media
• Travelers are seeking relaxed, no-fuss bars that still feel special

Best for

• Daytime beers or spritzes with your feet in the sand
• Solo travelers who want an easy place to meet people
• Pre-dinner drinks before moving on to nearby restaurants

KIDIMBWI evarosa pub - Authentic local hangout

KIDIMBWI evarosa pub is a small, very new neighborhood pub that offers a different slice of Unguja nightlife. Instead of beach swings and curated playlists, you get local music, regulars chatting over bottled beers, and a real sense of place.

With a 5-star rating from its first reviewers and a high growth score, it is trending among travelers who want to step off the tourist track and experience a more everyday Zanzibar evening.

Why it is trending now

• New local spot drawing early praise for its friendly welcome
• Part of a broader trend where visitors seek more authentic, non-touristy bars
• Budget friendly compared with many beachfront venues

Best for

• Travelers who enjoy neighborhood pubs and local culture
• Low-key nights with simple drinks and conversation
• Starting or ending a casual bar-hopping route away from the beach

Jambo Bar - Classic Unguja party stop

Jambo Bar is not brand new, but it remains one of the better-known names on the island with dozens of reviews and a solid following. With a 3.8 rating and a steady growth score, it is trending as a reliable, high-energy option for people who still want that classic Zanzibar party feel.

You can expect louder music, a more mixed crowd of locals and travelers, and a later closing time than many of the newer, quieter spots. It is the bar you drift to when you decide the night is not over yet.

Why it is trending now

• Newer visitors are rediscovering it as a bridge between beach bars and clubs
• Consistent flow of reviews keeps it visible in search and maps apps
• Appeals to groups looking for a livelier scene than boutique lounges

Best for

• Groups of friends on a night out
• Bar hopping after sunset drinks elsewhere
• Travelers who like music loud and nights that run late

S&S Rooftop Bar - Skyline views with a rising reputation

S&S Rooftop Bar is one of Unguja’s newer elevated spots, literally and figuratively. With a 5-star rating from its first guests, it is trending because travelers are actively seeking viewpoints for sunset photos and city lights, not just beach horizons.

From up top, you can sip a cocktail while watching the colors shift over rooftops and the sea in the distance. The vibe leans more lounge than club, making it ideal if you want atmosphere without chaos.

Why it is trending now

• New rooftop venue in a market that has only a few high-view bars
• Strong early reviews praise the views and relaxed setting
• Fits the growing demand for Instagram-friendly sunset locations in Unguja

Best for

• Sunset drinks with panoramic views
• Date nights or small groups
• Photo-friendly evenings before or after dinner

How to bar hop Unguja like a local

• Time your sunset: Start at a beachfront venue like Botanic Luxury Point or Just a Bar for golden hour.
• Mix beach and city: Add KIDIMBWI evarosa pub or Jambo Bar for a more local or lively feel.
• Finish on a rooftop: Wrap up at S&S Rooftop Bar for night views and a slower final drink.

Unguja’s bar scene is shifting fast, and MapsBuddy helps you spot the places that are just starting to trend. Use these picks as anchors, then follow the local buzz to discover the next wave of Zanzibar favorites before they go mainstream.