Africa House: "Africa House sunset" Top 5 Page for this destination Zanzibar Island Nightlife Tip by toonsarah

One of the most popular places to end a day in Stone Town is on the first floor roof terrace of the Africa House hotel, sipping a cold drink and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. We found ourselves drawn there on most evenings. In those days (1999) the hotel was a pretty basic back-packers’ hostel and the roof top bar consisted of a simple counter where a barman served chilled bottles of beer pulled straight from a chest of ice, and a scattering of ill-assorted chairs (plastic and wooden) and tables dragged into position by groups of drinkers. It was not only a great place from which to watch the sunset, but also a great place to meet fellow travellers, and we had several interesting conversations here. Checking the hotel’s website I see that much has changed since our visits, and this is now a luxury hotel with a bar to match. The furniture all harmonises, the bar area is tastefully draped with cool fabrics, the bar serves exotic cocktails. But the tradition of the Africa House sunset experience has thankfully been preserved, and if it can now be enjoyed in greater comfort, is that such a bad thing? Although of course it will almost certainly cost you more!

By the way, I recommend that you don’t do as most of the drinkers did and hurry away as soon as the sun has disappeared into the sea. After dark this roof top becomes a perfect spot from which to gaze at the night sky, and you can watch the stars come out and even look for shooting ones while having just one more for the road”.

Dress Code: Well in our day the dress code was totally casual, but looking at the website I have a feeling that smart casual could be more appropriate nowadays

Directions: On the western edge of Stone Town, right by the water
Theme: Other
Website: http://www.theafricahouse-zanzibar.com/www.theafricahouse-zanzibar.com/Sunset_Bar.html