Nairobi Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

Nairobi Nightlife

Nairobi is not only the largest city in Kenya, but also the capital. It boasts daytime attractions such as the Nairobi National Park, but also a vibrant nightlife with many clubs and bars.

Clubs

The destination for most club goers is the Westlands. From any hotel located near the city’s center, the ride to the Westlands shouldn’t cost more than 400 shillings. Club Afrique is a favorite among locals. Here, you can hear and feel the real sound of African music. The program starts with live music as performed by bands from all over Africa.

Black Diamond is another popular Westlands clubs. The club boasts very good music from all over Africa. It’s also a great place to enjoy the views, since it has a large terrace where you can catch a breath of fresh air. This club is typical of the area, with many people coming to enjoy the music, dance, and meet with friends. The Red Tape is next door to the Black Diamond, but visitors should be warned that the reputation for this club is not fantastic. Complaints about the location range from troublesome clientele to overly loud music.

Two clubs that stand next to each other are among the most popular places for outings in all of Nairobi. These clubs are Club Havana and Bacchus Lounge both located in the Westlands. Havana is a lively club with a diverse clientelle especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Bacchus Lounge is next to Havana and shares much of the same atmosphere and music.

Dining and Clubbing

Blue Line is a nice looking club which offers very good live music, decent food, and a relaxing ambient atmosphere. The club hosts some of the country’s most popular Kenyan musicians. These artists come to play jazz, fusion, and African contemporary music.

Casablanca is both a very good restaurant and a fine nightclub. It is actually considered one of the best in the city by locals. The club has an Arabian element to its aesthetic and offers a very relaxed atmosphere. Its interiors look much like Bedouin tents and are decorated in the same style. A huge, open area in front reminds visitors of Arabian courtyards, including a fireplace in the center of the court. If it’s a cold night, and in August it usually is, visitors can ask for a portable stove with an open fire to relax by.

The Kengeles nightclub and cafe-bar is in the downtown area. It’s situated on the Koniage Street, not far from the Kenya Comfort hotel. The clientele consists of local Kenyans and tourists visiting the area. Thankfully, both the food and drink are tasty and affordable.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about nightlife in Nairobi.