Africa plus rooftop bars is a trend that’s starting to get very popular nowadays. More and more hotels understand that you need a rooftop bar to be competitive in the business.
Most of the best rooftop bars in Africa can be found at luxurious hotels along a coastline. So, the view you’ll get from these rooftops are often out over the ocean, which is indeed a very nice thing.
Here’s our list of the 10 best rooftop bars in Africa. Made by the world’s leading experts on rooftop bars – The Rooftop Guide.
Perched on top of the renowned Pestana CR7 Marrakech, Akira Back The Rooftop invites to a unique, elegant and elevated rooftop experience.
Floating above the prestigious M Avenue, a true escape in the heart of Marrakech, the breezy terrace features a modern and beutiful decor, where an impressive pergola bar is complemented with plenty of comfy lounge & dining spots. All surrounded by a warm atmosphere and breathtaking city views.
Up here you can depart on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure through Chef Akira Back’s vibrant creations, and indulge in modern Japanese cuisine with Korean essence. From the iconic ‘AB Tuna Pizza’, bursting with umami goodness, to signature rolls and Josper grilled mains.
Drink-wise, you can sip on some of the gastronomic signature cocktails, crafted with precision, or choose something from the carefully selected array of wines.
Open every evening from 6.30pm to 1.30am, Akira Back The Rooftop is a 'must-visit' destination for an exceptional evening under the Marrakech stars.
AKIRA BACK THE ROOFTOP
Found on the rooftop of The Leonardo in Sandton, Johannesburg, Alto234 is the highest urban bar in Africa.
Redefining ‘drinks with a view’, this sky-high (234 meters to be exact) rooftop bar and viewing deck boasts amazing 360-degree views, overlooking the lush landscape of Johannesburg.
Serving only the world’s finest when it comes to drinks, tapas and service, Alto234 is one of the most aspirational and exclusive places in all of Africa, quite simply described in three words: High. On. Life.
Alto234 has a variety of experiences on offer, each at a different time of day. From the relaxing 'Afternoon Experience' to a glittering 'Night Light Experience'.
ALTO234
Perched above the Silo District in the heart of the waterfront, RED Roof Bar is the ultimate Cape Town destination for panoramic views and unforgettable experiences.
Aptly named, the stylish and breezy terrace is set on top of the excellent hotel Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront, and also features a striking red drink van, red umbrellas, and red mosaic tiles in the refrshing rooftop pool.
Surrounded with amazing vistas over the ocean, the city skyline and Table Mountain, here you can sip refreshing cocktails, wine, brews and coffee, and munch on dishes made to share, including sliders, falafel and flat breads.
A fun place to relax with your friends, the RED Rooftop is always a good spot for sunny bites and sunset cocktails, often turning into sky-high vibes with everything from DJ events to pool party's.
RED ROOF BAR
Surrounded by art-galleries in the Gueliz area of Marrakech, Kechmara is a concept store leading up to a roodtop restaurant and bar, where gastronomy and vibes await.
Featuring a cosy and lush second floor rooftop terrace with a hanging garden, this is a great spot to get away from the buzzing streets below and enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe and a creative selection of food and drinks.
From brunch to late night, here you can indulge in international and Moroccan cuisine reinvented with a touch of creativity, and made with fresh and local ingredients.
Drink-wise, the full-service rooftop bar offers a selection of Moroccan, French, Italian and Spanish wines, exotic signature cocktails, as well as draft and bottled beers.
Expect a warm and welcoming setting, and evenings often filled with live music and DJ sets.
KECHMARA
What do superheroes eat? What do superheroes drink? Where do superheroes hang out? Your best chance of finding answers to these questions is probably to head up to Hero Restaurant, one of the most unique rooftop venues in Africa.
Located on 9th floor of the Trademark Hotel in Gigiri, Nairobi, Hero rooftop offers fantastic views over the city skyline, but also so much more.
Celebrating heroes from comics and from the community, the rooftop is built as a speakeasy with a discrete entrance and prohibition-style bar, surrounded with colorful murals on the walls and fun superhero details.
The rooftop menu is highly creative, and not easy to label. There is sushi, but taken out of its native context to give way to more flavor, color and fun, along with small plates filled with influence from the idea of the superhero, and their superpowers.
You just have to try it, just as you have to try the fantastic Hero cocktails, which earned them the #70 spot in the 2021 ranking of The World's 50 Best Bars.
HERO RESTAURANT
A few meters from the heart of the old Medina in Marrakech, the traditional, authentic and refined Koulchi Zine invites to tasty Moroccan, Mediterranean & vegetarian cuisine, served with a side of panoramic 360° views over the city and the Atlas Mountains.
Meaning 'everything is beautiful', Koulchi Zine is inspired by both the beauty of Moroccan traditions and the cool vibes of the 60s. The lush and contemporary venue is set over several levels, and features both indoor seating and multiple terraces.
Open from lunch to late evening, this is a great spot for both a sunny family lunch, or a special dinner under the Marrakech stars, where you can feel Morocco's hospitality in every bite, and go on a special culinary journey.
KOULCHI ZINE
While it's located only on a 2nd story, Rooftops has earned a spot in this list, not for its beautiful views but rather for the experiences it delivers.
This open-air rooftop cocktail bar is one of the most unique venues in Zanzibar, and as such, one you're sure to remember. After all, lying back on one of the bar's coconut wood loungers and enjoying the fully stocked bar and the beautiful sunset isn't something you'll forget any time soon.
Just below you also find the Cinnamon restaurant, serving a global food menu filled with everything from Asian inspired platters to western classics and a selection of Zanzibar dishes. If you wish, you can enjoy your food up on the rooftop.
Rooftops tends to appeal to a younger crowded, which means the atmosphere is vibrant and laid back, but that always goes well with the spirit of Zanzibar.
ROOFTOPS AT Z HOTEL
Found in the heart of the Art-Deco district in Casablanca, The Jame's Rooftop offers an urban jungle experience with a view.
Set on the 5th floor of the JM Suites & Spa Hotel, the rooftop mixes the industrial-chic with the lush, all surrounded with amazing 360° views over Casablanca.
Overlooking the Hassan II Mosque and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, here you can enjoy a cosmopolitan menu, offering a nice selection of refreshing cocktails, wine and beers, as well as global food, from tacos and sushi to juicy burgers.
Open for lunch, after works with a relaxing lounge vibes, and nightly fun including great live DJs on weekends, The Jame's Rooftop is pretty much always a good option to experience Casablanca from above.
THE JAME'S ROOFTOP
Perched on the fantastic five-star hotel The Silo, this rooftop bar offers incredible views of Cape Town's waterfront, as well as the city and the surrounding mountains.
Up here, you can enjoy one of the continent's coolest rooftop infinity pools, as well as comfortable loungers, luxurious decor, and a world-class staff.
While the pool is available only to guests, the rooftop bar is open to the public, but reservations are mandatory, as well as arriving in time.
Open daily, The Silo rooftop bar serves fresh oysters, pulled pork sandwiches, and even has a tempura bar.
Drink-wise, expect South African wines, classic cocktails, champagne, and more. If for any reason, you can't get a table at the rooftop bar, The Silo has a second bar, located on the sixth floor.
THE SILO HOTEL
One of the favorite rooftops in town, Level 8, offers jaw-dropping views of the harbor and the city skyline, as well as comfortable lounge furniture from which to enjoy.
Classic and exotic cocktails, beers, liquors, and more await you, alongside local beats and excellent service.
Located on the eighth floor of the Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro Hotel, Level 8 is also the stage for various live music acts and some of the best sunsets in the world.
LEVEL 8
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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