Unguja Nightlife Guide 2025: Beach Bars, Club Beats, And Hidden Island Hangouts

Coccobello The Club - Unguja’s buzziest new late night playground

Coccobello The Club is one of Unguja’s newest nightlife openings and it is already pulling in curious locals, expats, and in the-know travelers. With a strong 4.5 rating from early visitors and a very high growth score, it is clearly gaining momentum.

Expect a modern club layout with a proper dance floor, colorful lighting, and a DJ lineup that leans into Afrobeats, amapiano, Bongo Flava, and global chart hits. The crowd skews young and energetic, with a mix of island residents and visitors staying nearby.

Why it is trending now

• Very new opening, so it still feels fresh and undiscovered.
• Strong early reviews and word of mouth pushing it up local “must try” lists.
• People are calling out the upbeat vibe and friendly staff in recent feedback.

Best for

• Late night dancing after a beach day.
• Groups of friends looking for a high energy club rather than a chill bar.

Tips

• Arrive a bit later if you want a packed dance floor. Things usually heat up around midnight.
• Dress casual but neat. Beachwear is fine earlier in the evening, but smart casual works best for late night.

Just a Bar, White Paradise Zanzibar - Secret feeling beach bar energy

Just a Bar, White Paradise Zanzibar is small, new, and already rated a perfect 5.0, even with only a handful of early reviews. It sits within the White Paradise area, so you get that dreamy Unguja beach backdrop with a relaxed, almost private vibe.

This spot leans more toward cocktails and sunset drinks than full on clubbing. Think soft lighting, sea breeze, and playlists that move from chill tropical tunes into more upbeat tracks as the night goes on.

Why it is trending now

• Very new and still under the radar, which makes it feel like a “you heard it here first” place.
• Beachfront setting that is ideal for golden hour photos and laid back date nights.
• Visitors are praising the intimate feel and personal attention from staff.

Best for

• Couples and small groups who want a more romantic or relaxed start to the night.
• Sunset cocktails before heading to a louder club.

Tips

• Time your arrival for sunset to see the shoreline at its best.
• Ask staff about local twists on classic cocktails. Many places in Unguja use fresh tropical fruit and spices.

marhaba Lounge - Local lounge with a growing buzz

marhaba Lounge is not the highest rated spot on this list, but its 3.2 rating and solid growth score show that it is evolving and attracting new visitors. It is a lounge style venue where you can ease into the night with drinks, shisha, and conversation.

The atmosphere is more low key than a full club, with seating areas that work well for groups who want to talk, play cards, or enjoy music without shouting over it. Recent reviews suggest the team is working to improve service and consistency, which is part of why it is gaining attention.

Why it is trending now

• Newer business that is actively improving, drawing in curious locals.
• Good option for people who prefer a casual lounge instead of a packed dance club.
• Growing word of mouth as visitors look for alternatives to the main tourist bars.

Best for

• Pre game drinks before a bigger night out.
• Mixed groups where some people want to chill and others may move on to a club later.

Tips

• Check what night they have music or special events, as the vibe can change.
• If you care about quieter corners, arrive a bit earlier in the evening.

Jambo Bar - Easygoing bar with a local crowd

Jambo Bar has been around long enough to collect more than 50 reviews, sitting at a 3.8 rating. It is also marked as a newer business compared with some long standing island bars, and its steady growth score shows it still has momentum.

This is a straightforward bar experience: cold drinks, simple seating, and a soundtrack that might range from reggae and Bongo Flava to global hits. It is a place where you can mingle with locals, catch a match on TV if they are showing sports, and ease into island nightlife without spending too much.

Why it is trending now

• Attracts a mix of locals and budget conscious travelers, which keeps the energy lively.
• Often recommended as a “first stop” bar before hitting beach clubs or lounges.
• Newer presence in the area, so more people are discovering it through friends and social media.

Best for

• Casual drinkers who want a no frills, social bar.
• Solo travelers looking for a place where conversation is easy to start.

Tips

• Ask about local beers and spirits if you want to try something from Tanzania.
• If you are crowd sensitive, visit on weeknights for a more relaxed feel.

To Be. Club - Cocktail & Grill - Established favorite with serious cocktails

To Be. Club - Cocktail & Grill is the most established venue on this list, with more than 100 reviews and an impressive 4.9 rating. While it is not brand new, it remains one of the most consistently recommended nightlife spots in Unguja.

The concept mixes a quality grill restaurant with a cocktail forward bar and club vibe. You can start with dinner, then slide straight into drinks and dancing without changing venues. Expect polished service, a menu that caters to both locals and visitors, and a music lineup that keeps the energy up late.

Why it is trending now

• High rating and strong reputation make it a go to recommendation for first time visitors.
• Reliable choice when new spots feel too experimental.
• Continues to gain reviews, showing it is still a core part of Unguja’s nightlife circuit.

Best for

• Groups who want dinner and drinks in one place.
• Travelers who prefer a proven, well reviewed venue.

Tips

• Consider reserving a table for dinner if you are visiting in high season.
• Ask bartenders for their signature cocktails, as established spots often have house favorites.

How to plan a night out in Unguja

• Start with sunset: Hit a beachfront bar like Just a Bar, White Paradise Zanzibar for golden hour views.
• Move to a lounge or bar: Shift to marhaba Lounge or Jambo Bar for relaxed drinks and people watching.
• Finish at a club: End the night on the dance floor at Coccobello The Club or To Be. Club - Cocktail & Grill.
• Stay flexible: Unguja nightlife is still evolving. Ask locals and staff what is hot this week.

Safety and cultural tips for Unguja nightlife

• Dress code: Island casual is fine in most places, but aim for respectful smart casual if you are coming from the beach. Bring a light cover up if you are walking through local neighborhoods.
• Cash and cards: Some venues accept cards, but cash is still useful. Ask about payment options before running up a big tab.
• Transport: Arrange a trusted taxi or ride in advance, especially if you are staying far from the main nightlife areas.
• Respect local culture: Unguja has a strong local culture and many residents are Muslim. Be mindful of public behavior and keep beach party vibes inside the venues.

Why use MapsBuddy for Unguja nightlife

Unguja’s nightlife is changing fast, with new clubs and bars opening quietly before they hit the big travel blogs. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review trends, and growth scores so you can spot places like Coccobello The Club and Just a Bar, White Paradise Zanzibar while they are still under the radar. Use this guide as your starting map, then let MapsBuddy help you find the next wave of trending spots before they become mainstream.