3 Best Party Holiday Destinations In Africa [Cape Town, Lagos & More]

Luke Iles – Uploaded 27.07.2023

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The best African cities for nightlife and clubbing

If you are looking for a party holiday destination that is unlike anywhere else in the world, you need to visit some of the best party holiday destinations in Africa!

You may think that nightlife cities are only exclusive to party destinations such as Asia, South America, Europe, Oceania and North America however in my opinion Africa has some of the best nightlife cities in the entire world.

Not only do you get incredible sleepless cities where you can dance the night away but you also get to experience the incredible African culture that is different in every country and city that you visit in the continent.

Africa is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes across the continent. Not only this but its vibrant nightlife caters to all tastes and there is always something to do day or night in these party destinations no matter what type of holiday, you are planning to have.

Some of these amazing nightlife destinations combine thrilling daytime activities such as hiking, exploring cities, relaxing on beaches and taking part in thrilling wildlife adventures alongside the lively club scene and dance parties that feature in the destinations mentioned.

As a travel blogger, I have attempted to visit some of the best party holiday destinations in the world and I have to say, if you want an experience out of this world, you have to visit some of the best nightlife destinations that I have mentioned on this list!

people partying in the sea

The three best nightlife cities in Africa

Although you may be unaware, there are actually plenty of top-quality party holiday destinations in Africa. Although I didn’t get to visit all the best nightlife cities in Africa, there were a few which stood out to me on my short trip over to the continent and in the future I would like to check out again. Some of my best memories in Africa took place in these nightlife destinations so if you are looking for a nightlife city that is unlike any other, check out these three party destinations in Africa.

The best party holiday destinations in Africa that I have visited include:

  1. Marrakech, Morocco
  2. Cape Town, South Africa
  3. Lagos, Nigeria

1. Marrakech, Morocco

sunset in marrakech

Location:

Marrakech is a city in western Morocco nestled beneath the Atlas Mountains. The city is known for its exotic nightlife with traditional Moroccan houses being converted into event spaces and hotels providing an exotic setting for parties.

Things To Do:

  • Experience the nightlife in Jemaa el Fnna – Jemaa el-Fnna is the hub of nightlife in Marrakech. It is a bustling square that comes alive at night time with various entertainment options including street performers and live musicians. It is a great place to soak in the lively atmosphere with bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.

 

  • Relax in the Rooftop Bars & Lounges – Marrakesh has plenty of rooftop bars and lounges where you can relax and drink the evening away whilst listening to relaxing live music and DJs whilst watching the sunset over the city. It provides an incredible experience where you can enjoy cocktails, shisha and a laid-back atmosphere whilst watching the sunset.

 

  • Party in a Moroccan Nightclub – Pacha Marrakech was one of the best nightclubs that I attended when visiting Marrakech. It is a world-renowned nightclub chain that has a trendy ambience, and an impressive lineup of famous Djs and is the best spot if you are looking to dance the night away in Marrakesh.

Pricing:

Flights – A flight from London with a return costs around £300 – £350 to Marakesh Menara Airport.

Hotels – The average price for a hotel room in Marrakech is £40 – £60 a night.

Food – A standard meal in a restaurant costs around £10.

Our Rating:

We rate Marrakech an 8/10.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

cape town harbour at dusk

Location:

Cape Town is a coastal city located on the southern tip of the African continent in South Africa. With its pristine beaches and view of Table Mountain, Cape Town sets the stage for an unforgettable party experience with plenty of bars, clubs and live music venues.

Things To Do:

  • Visit Long Street, the party capital of Cape Town – Long Street is the party centre of Cape Town known for its energetic nightlife with a lineup of bars, pubs and nightclubs which you can bar hop or spend the night in dancing the night away depending on your plans. Whether you’re into live music, dancing or enjoying drinks with friends Long Street has it all.

 

  • Party in Shimmy Beach Club – Located in the V&A Waterfront area, Shimmy Beach Club is a must-visit if you are visiting Cape Town. Shimmy Beach Club is a premier beachfront venue known for its stylish and upscale beach parties. It has an incredible ocean view with poolside lounging, live music and easy access to the beachfront.

 

  • First Thursdays – If you are lucky enough to be in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month you have a chance to participate in a unique event. On First Thursdays, art galleries, boutiques and cultural spaces stay open till late offering a mix of art, music, food and drinks as visitors explore the city’s creative scene. This event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is one for the bucket list if you are fortunate to visit during the first Thursday of the month.

Pricing:

Flights – A flight from London with a return costs around £1,100 to Cape Town.

Hotels – The average price for a hotel room is £40 per night.

Food – A standard meal in a restaurant costs around £12.

Our Rating:

We rate Cape Town a 9/10.

3. Lagos, Nigeria

a busy lagos street with cars and people

Location:

Lagos is situated on the southwestern coast of Nigeria and is a city of contrasts offering a mix of modernity and traditionalism that contributes to the unique party experience. From upscale rooftop bars to beach clubs on the seafront, there is plenty to do and see in Lagos.

Things To Do:

  • Party in Victoria Island – Victoria Island is the central district in Lagos that is known for its vibrant nightlife. It is home to various bars, clubs and lounges along the strip which play live music in plenty of different genres from Afrobeats, Hip Hop and EDM. If you are looking to dance the night away to some of your favourite music, visit Victoria Island.

 

  • Join one of the Famous Beach Parties – Lagos has some incredible beaches and what is better than relaxing on an incredible beach? Partying on it! Head to places like Elegushi Beach or Tarkwa Bay for beachside fun, and music and dancing under the stars.

 

  • Visit the New Afrika Shrine – The New Afrika Shrine is one of the most legendary and well-known music venues in Lagos. It is a must-visit for any avid partygoers when visiting Lagos. Established by the late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, it is not only a place for music lovers but also a historical landmark hosting live performances, concerts and events that celebrate the essence of Afrobeat music.

Pricing:

Flights – A flight from London with a return costs £850 – £900 to Lagos International Airport.

Hotels – The average price for a hotel room in Lagos centre is around £40 – £70.

Food – A standard meal in a restaurant costs around £12.

Our Rating:

We rate Lagos an 8.5/10.

Conclusion

Africa is the hidden gem of party destinations in my opinion. When I first visited, I didn’t expect anything like what I experienced and I have to say it was one of the best times of my life visiting all three of these African party destinations.

Each city mentioned on this list has its own unique charm and excitement whether it is the rhythmic beats of Lagos, the coastal allure of Cape Town or the exotic charm of Marrakech, these three party holiday destinations will provide you with an unforgettable experience with plenty of activities to do in the day and night time when visiting on your next holiday.

For partygoers who want to spice things up and are seeking a vibrant nightlife full of culture and taste then you need to visit one of these three amazing nightlife holiday destinations in Africa!

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Luke Iles

Luke is a leading travel writer within the travel niche and is also a co-founder of HandL Blogs one of the UK’s leading travel blogging websites. Luke has a love of all things travel.

Initially becoming friends with his other co-founder, Harry, at the age of four years old, they let their love for travel evolve, making it their mission to visit every country in the world!

Today they want to share their passion and experiences of travelling across the globe with written blogs on topics that are most important to them. From travel, cooking, fitness and tech blogs!

Whether that be trying new food in a new country and sharing it in a cooking blog; visiting a new gym in a certain city and reviewing it in a fitness blog or learning about the newest tech within the travel industry.

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 Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to HandL Blogs at no cost to you if you decide to purchase through these links. These are products we have personally used and stand behind. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

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