In this article, I explore some of the best nightclubs in Harare and what they have to offer.
As the name suggests, Harare is a city that never sleeps.
Zimbabwe’s capital is always full of energy no matter the time of day, and one would even argue that it becomes more vibrant at night.
As soon as the sun goes down and the bright lights come on, the city becomes a paradise for merrymakers, thanks to the entertaining nightspots on offer.
When it comes to nightlife, there is so much to do and so many places to go, with the nightclub being the final destination for most revelers.
There are many exciting nightclubs in Harare and I will point you in the direction of some of the best.
Nightclubs in Harare
Pablo’z
Located at Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale, Pablo’z has been one of the most prominent nightspots in Harare for close to a decade.
If you want chill with the big boys, as they say, this is the place to be as it usually attracts the rich and famous.
As soon as you get to the entrance, its clear from the get go that this establishment is all about exclusivity and luxury, from the marble stairs to the chandeliers and mirrors that greet you.
Weather you are in the VIP lounge or the upper deck, the opulent atmosphere is hard to miss, with champaign bottles being popped left, right and center.
While the bouncers are no longer as strict as they used to with the dress code, this is one spot you do not want to be in if you are not well dressed.
The entertainment is also top notch with the management enlisting some of the best DJs in the country.
However, if your pockets are light, it might be a good idea to look for somewhere else to because this particular place can be a bit pricey.
Private Lounge
This is probably the most unique place on this list, being the only ‘legal’ strip club in Zimbabwe.
You have probably seen naked pole dancers doing their thing on music videos or in movies and this is exactly what you get when you go to Private Lounge.
Despite being situated downtown, don’t let the location fool you as this club looks exquisite once you are inside. It was recently renovated, not only to give it a fresh look, but also to create a better experience for patrons.
The service is excellent and I don’t think anyone will complain while being served with a naked waitress.
While I wasn’t counting during my visits there, it is safe to say there are more than 40 strippers in the club at any given time, who will be taking turns to entertain revelers.
Whether you want a lap dance or just want to see beautiful women taking off their clothes and perform mesmeric bedroom acrobatics on stage, Private Lounge is definitely worth checking out.
Entrance attracts a small fee, but once inside, the beverage prices are reasonable so anyone can afford to step into this ‘erotic’ haven.
Karma
Karma is also up there when to comes to the boujee lifestyle, with table and bottle service being their major offering.
The moment you get in there, you can tell that the club was meant for high rollers with the way that it is set up.
There is a big bar area in the middle which is surrounded by booths and tables, with the VIP and VVIP areas in a more private and secluded section.
If you can’t afford to get a booth or at least a small table, you might just not have the best of experiences unless you are comfortable having your drinks while dozens of individuals are literally looking down on you in their elevated sections. Like I said earlier, Karma is more for the big leagues.
They have moderate pricing for local beers and ciders which is an attractive element for those who do not have deep pockets but still want to party with their opposite numbers.
Zeus & Olympus
Offering a balance between luxury and affordability, this two in one establishment is definitely one of the best places to party in Harare.
Being in the CBD, at the famous NetOne Building, this is probably the most accessible nightspot in the city.
Olympus Lounge, which is on the upper floor is meant for those who prefer VIP treatment in a luxurious setup as this is a table service only space. The decor is exceptional and the white comfy couches also add a nice touch.
Another interesting element is that there will be beautiful girls to spice up your table and keep you company if you are in need of such.
Meanwhile, Club Zeus downstairs is a different animal all together and even the dark colour scheme says a lot.
This is where hardcore party people will feel at home, with a long list of talented DJs and MCs making sure that everyone is up on their feet all night long.
I have lost count the number of times I have left this club after 4am in the morning with people still in there jamming.
Zeus and Olympus are worth checking out if you are in Harare and need a real party experience.
Mashwede
This outdoor and indoor joint has been a major player on the local leisure scene for a while and continues to attract merrymakers.
Despite being in the high density suburb of Glen View, the spot welcomes people from all walks of life including those from the North of Samora.
Mashwede is sort of a complex with various amenities including food outlets and bars which caters for various crowds.
The entertainment program is also solid, with top DJs and artists frequenting the joint.
Habhana Lounge
Habhana Lounge is another upmarket, lively nightclub located at South Gate Mall in Hillside.
If you are up for a laid back vibe, with nice music and a good ambience, then this is just the spot for you.
Whoever was in charge of designing the setup and decor for the club did a great job because it just looks stunning. From the unique chandeliers to the 3D artwork, everything just looks great.
If you love reggae and dancehall music, their Marasta Sundays which are headlined by Garry B and Etherton B, with House of Stone providing live music performances, are worth checking out.
However, this is another place you should avoid if you want your drinks to be below the $3 price point. At least they have now introduced local beers, which was not the case when the place first opened.
Guzzlers
Maybe you have heard many people saying they are going to K6 (Kwawadzana 6) for drinks and have wondered what the whole fuss is about.
K6 is home to one of the most vibrant nightspots in Harare at the moment, Guzzlers.
While there is an indoor section, all the action is outside where the DJs and MCs always make sure the crowd is entertained.
If you are not into big crowds, this is probably not the place for you because this joint has been getting packed lately.
The alcohol and food is very cheap which is probably a bonus.
Evitro
Located at Belgravia Shops, Evitro is without a doubt one of the best nightclubs in Harare.
The joint is one of the few popular spots where you can get some action on a Wednesday, since most clubs in the city only open their doors from Thursday.
Their Wednesday nights used to host live reggae bands, but they have since rebranded it to Aktion Pak Reggae Wednesdays which are hosted by Papa Lodza and the Badd Bwoy Family.
While Thursdays and Sundays are their more prominent nights, this is one spot which will always get packed especially from midnight as most people who don’t want to go home even when other nightspots are dying down will always end up there in the wee hours of the morning. It is one of those places that does not close early.
The only downside is that the place is quite small so when it is full you get to understand the definition of an overcrowded nightclub. Your shoes will definitely be stepped on.
Gunners
Those who love reggae and dancehall music can confirm that Gunners in Highfields (Pama Stones) is one of the best places you can be if you want to enjoy the sounds of the Caribbean.
While its no longer as prominent as it used to a few years ago, I have been there a few times this year and can confidently tell you that its still kicking.
While this is more for the ‘ghetto massive’, there are many uptown merrymakers who still frequent the place because of the entertainment aspect.
The interior is also not that bad and you can enjoy your drinks comfortably in a good environment.
There are many nightclubs in Harare that are located in high-density areas and this is one of those that standout in that lot.
Eclipse
Eclipse is one of those places where many people have a ‘love–hate relationship’ with for reasons that I shall not mention in this article. Those who have been there know what I am talking about.
However, one thing is for sure, this place is always banging and provides top notch entertainment.
Being in the CBD, next to the old parliament building also means that it is easy to access.
When it comes to pricing of food and drinks, this club is among the most competitive in town as you can get a proper meal for as little as $3.
So besides that other ‘element’ that I said I shall not mention, Eclipse is a really good place to drink and dance the night away.
Honorable Mentions
- Room 213 Lounge
- Club Zone
- Tin Roof
- City Sports Bar
- Akiz
When it comes to the best nightclubs in Harare, it all boils down to personal preference and some might argue otherwise. You can let me know (social media handles in the bio below) which ones you think I should have included on this list and those that don’t deserve to be on it.
I am also sure there are many who might be wondering why I did not include places like Jam Tree, Hometown, Saints ‘n’ Sinners, Pariah State and Cosmopolitan. These fall under restaurants and this article was specifically for the best nightclubs in Harare.
Andrew Moyo is a veteran entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. He has worked for some of the biggest publications in Zimbabwe including The Sunday Mail.
