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Nairobi Nightlife

Nightlife in Nairobi is surprisingly animated, and the rhythmic strains of African music provide a powerful incentive to dance. Live music is everywhere in Nairobi, and even nightclubs host a mix of DJ sets and guest bands. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs in the centre, but prostitution is widespread - the watering holes in the suburbs tend to be more salubrious, particularly around Westlands and Parklands.

Bars in Nairobi

Gipsy Bar

A mixed crowd of expats and Kenyans gathers at this fun, friendly bar in the suburbs of Nairobi. Music is a mix of import pop and African beats, and there’s a snack menu should you feel peckish between Tusker beers.

Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 444 0964.
Website: www.gipsybar.com

Lord Delamere Terrace

The colonial era lives on in the house bar at the swish Norfolk Hotel. People have been gathering at this historic watering hole since 1904 for a sundowner in front of the setting African sun, and it’s still a prime spot in Nairobi for an evening gin and tonic. They also serve a great menu of European and Asian food.

Norfolk Hotel, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 226 5000.
Website: www.fairmont.com/norfolkhotel

Zanze Bar

A friendly top-floor bar, with pool tables, cheap food and a wide selection of drinks, that gets very busy on weekends. Weekdays tend to be quieter, but plenty of Nairobi city workers swing by for a cold Tusker beer on their way home from work.

Moi Avenue, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 222 532.

Clubs in Nairobi

Florida 2000

The original downtown Nairobi superclub, Florida 2000 attracts a boisterous crowd who dance shoulder to shoulder as the working week gives way to the weekend. Local DJs spin the decks, and visiting celebrities like Coolio and Shaggy have allegedly been spotted on the dancefloor.

Moi Avenue, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 222 9036.
Website: www.floridaclubskenya.com

New Florida Nightclub

Partner to the long-established Florida 2000, this loud and lively nightclub in the heart of Nairobi earns its nickname – the ‘Mad House’ – at weekends. The crowd is predominantly local, the music mixed, and the atmosphere frenetic. And check out the building – like a flying saucer that has collided with an office block.

Koinange Street, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 221 5014.
Website: www.floridaclubskenya.com

Simba Saloon

This huge nightclub at the Carnivore restaurant is the top dance spot in Nairobi, and it positively heaves on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The crowd is a mix of Kenyan party people, expat teenagers, global travellers and aid workers on their nights off. For the ultimate Nairobi night out, dine at Carnivore first, then dance off dinner at Simba.

Langata Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 600 5933.
Website: www.tamarind.co.ke/simba-saloon

Live Music in Nairobi

Klub House

DJs, jazz bands, reggae outfits and even country music stars grace the stage at this popular sports bar in Parklands, central Nairobi. Styled a bit like a safari lodge, it’s a laid-back spot, and locals crowd the pool tables between sets.

Ojijo Road, Parklands, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 374 9870.
Website: www.klubhouse.co.ke

Ngong Hills Hotel

Bands from across Kenya and East Africa play at this hotel venue on Ngong Road. The Sunday jam session is great family fun, with dancers and acrobats to entertain the kids, and nyama choma (roast meat) for the adults.

Ngong Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 386 0894.
Website: www.ngonghillshotel.com

Simmer’s Restaurant

This buzzing bar and restaurant hosts a constant stream of live bands from all over East Africa. Some very talented house dancers are on hand to make sure everyone gets into the swing of things.

Corner of Kenyatta Road and Muindi Mbingu Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 217 659.

Theatre in Nairobi

Kenya National Theatre

Opposite the Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi's main theatre lays on classic and contemporary drama and musicals, with the emphasis on Kenyan actors and playwrights. It’s the heart of the theatre scene in Kenya, and it often hosts visiting shows from other African countries.

Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 225 174.

Professional Centre

This small theatre venue in Nairobi hosts the well-known Phoenix Players theatre group, who regularly perform productions by western and Kenyan playwrights. It offers a more intimate theatre experience than the Kenya National Theatre.

Parliament Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 225 506.

Music and Dance in Nairobi

GoDown Arts Centre

Housed in a converted warehouse on Dunga Road, this impressive artistic enterprise was set up to promote contemporary African art, music and dance. As well as hosting excellent performances, the centre has workshops, a recording studio and an art gallery.

Dunga Road, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 557 770.
Website: www.thegodownartscentre.com

Mzizi Arts Centre

Small but central, this community arts centre hosts contemporary dance and musical performance evenings, with lots of work by local musicians and dancers. Nairobi newspapers have listings of upcoming performances.

Moi Avenue, Nairobi
Tel: (020) 574 372.

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