Concert halls Tanzania

On the corniche, on the upper floor of a historic building, the island's best-known taarab club, DCMA, offers regular concerts almost every day to visitors who want to discover the traditional music of Zanzibar. Wednesday is Ngoma music, Thursday is Asilia taarab extravaganza and Sunday is afro-kabisa, an afrofusion-afrojazz style. The line-up changes from night to night, so each concert is unique. A must-see!

The terrace has its feet in the sand, under tall trees on Stone Town's main beach, lit by candlelight in the evening. An excellent spot for a drink, especially during afro-jazz concerts followed by jam sessions. Large canvases by Tanzanian artists decorate a room under high ceilings and around a central bar. We love this slightly dilapidated, totally arty colonial building (the late Livingstone's), with plenty of space and thick walls. On the menu, well-balanced cocktails, Swahili dishes and grilled meats.

The Red Monkeys is a lodge located at the southern end of Jambiani, towards Makudunchi. Every Sunday, a famous Jam Session is held here, where all the island's musicians and often a guest band take turns singing and playing to an audience of regulars, locals and tourists. The atmosphere is often funk, soul and jazz, and the bar is charming, set in the trees overlooking the beach. Swahili barbecue is on the menu.

This roadside bar in Jambiani is the best place to go out on a Saturday night. Run by David, a very friendly Frenchman who's been here a long time, Zanzibarbar is unique for its festive atmosphere and for the quality of the bands playing on the Saturday night stage. There are plenty of French and Belgian residents, as well as Maasais in the darts area and Swahili on the dancefloor. We love this vast place with its feet in the sand, its beautiful garden and its large swimming pool for an evening splash.

If you're in the mood for music, Coral Rock hosts an unmissable Afro groove jam every Monday. Acoustic musicians and singers take turns on stage, then it's the DJ's turn to turn up the heat. During the show, you can generously order Coral Rocks' beautiful plates, such as freshly seared tuna on a bed of avocado, or simply grilled shrimp and octopus, at reasonable prices. The cocktails are also a good choice.