AFCON 2027 Guide

The AFCON 2027 guide helps football fans plan their visit to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. These three East African countries will jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. For many supporters, this tournament offers more than football. Visitors can explore wildlife parks, cultural attractions and major cities during their stay. However, travelling between three countries requires careful planning. You need to consider match dates, visas, accommodation and transport. At Zamunda Travels Uganda Ltd, we help visitors organise private trips across East Africa. This guide explains how to combine the tournament with a rewarding holiday. Quick answer: AFCON 2027 will take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament will feature 24 national teams. Visitors should confirm official match venues, ticket sales and visa requirements before booking. Football fans can also add gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris or Zanzibar holidays.

AFCON 2027 Guide: Key Dates and Host Countries

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the tournament dates. The opening match takes place on 19 June 2027, while the final follows on 17 July 2027. This will be the first Africa Cup of Nations hosted by three countries. The tournament also returns to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976. The name Pamoja means together in Swahili. It reflects the partnership between the three host nations.

How AFCON 2027 qualification works

CAF has organised the main qualifiers into 12 groups of four teams. The three host countries have already secured their tournament places. Other national teams must qualify through the competition. The remaining qualifying windows run through November 2026 and March 2027. Therefore, supporters should avoid assuming their national team will qualify before the campaign finishes.

AFCON 2027 Host Cities and Stadiums

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are preparing several stadiums and supporting facilities. However, final match allocations remain subject to CAF announcements. Consequently, fans should distinguish proposed or inspected venues from confirmed match locations.

Kenya: Nairobi and other proposed venues

Nairobi is Kenya’s main international travel hub. CAF has inspected Talanta Stadium and other tournament facilities. The city also offers hotels, restaurants and access to Nairobi National Park. Therefore, supporters can combine football with short wildlife excursions.

Uganda: Kampala and regional stadiums

Kampala is Uganda’s main urban centre for football visitors. Mandela National Stadium in Namboole is a major tournament venue under preparation. Hoima and Lira also feature in Uganda’s stadium development plans. However, supporters should wait for confirmed match allocations before selecting regional accommodation. Entebbe International Airport serves the Kampala area. It also provides a convenient starting point for Uganda safari holidays.

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar

Tanzania is preparing facilities in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is a major venue in Dar es Salaam. Meanwhile, Arusha provides access to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Zanzibar offers beaches and cultural experiences. However, visitors should confirm whether their preferred location will host their chosen match.

AFCON 2027 Tickets: How to Buy Safely

AFCON 2027 tickets will be important for every supporter planning a trip. However, ticket availability, prices and sales procedures can change. Therefore, use CAF’s official announcements to verify the authorised ticketing platform. Avoid buying tickets from unknown social media accounts. Also, never assume that a hotel or safari reservation includes match admission. Before purchasing, check the match date, stadium, seating category and refund conditions. Our guides at Zamunda Travels recommend keeping football tickets separate from safari payments. This makes the costs easier to understand.

AFCON 2027 Visa Requirements for International Fans

Visa rules depend on your nationality and the countries you intend to visit. For example, a traveller visiting Uganda and Kenya may need different entry arrangements from someone visiting Tanzania alone.

Kenya entry requirements

Kenya operates an electronic travel authorisation system for many international visitors. However, exemptions apply to some nationalities. Check the official immigration website before departure. Also, confirm whether your passport qualifies for an exemption.

Uganda entry requirements

Uganda requires visas for many international travellers. Eligible visitors can apply through the official electronic visa system. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry. Therefore, check your nationality before paying an application fee.

Tanzania entry requirements

Tanzania offers electronic visa applications for eligible nationalities. Other travellers may qualify for different entry arrangements. Zanzibar forms part of Tanzania, but visitors should also check applicable Zanzibar travel insurance requirements.

Can you use one visa for all three countries?

No. There is no single tourist visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania together. The East Africa Tourist Visa can cover Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for eligible travellers. However, it does not include Tanzania. Therefore, check the visa rules for your complete route before booking flights.

How to Travel Between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

An important part of this AFCON 2027 travel guide is choosing the right transport. International flights connect major East African airports. However, road travel can offer more flexibility for regional sightseeing. Flight schedules and border procedures can change. Therefore, confirm connections before paying for non-refundable accommodation.

Should you fly or travel by road?

Flying saves time on longer routes. However, regional flights can increase your holiday budget. Road travel allows stops at attractions and local communities. Nevertheless, border crossings and traffic can cause delays. Our guides recommend keeping a full travel day available for major international road transfers. Avoid scheduling an important match immediately after a long border journey.

Where to Stay During AFCON 2027

Accommodation demand may increase around popular matches. Therefore, booking early can improve your choice of hotels. Nairobi offers airport hotels, city accommodation and properties near major business districts. Kampala provides hotels in areas such as Kololo, Nakasero and Entebbe. However, the best location depends on your confirmed match venue. Dar es Salaam offers coastal and city accommodation. Meanwhile, Arusha has safari lodges and urban hotels.

Choosing the right hotel

Compare travel time to the stadium rather than distance alone. Traffic can make a short journey surprisingly slow. Also, check cancellation conditions before paying. Match allocations or travel plans may change. For supporters adding a safari, Zamunda Travels can arrange suitable accommodation alongside private transport.

AFCON 2027 Guide to Safari Holidays

AFCON 2027 offers football supporters an opportunity to explore East Africa’s wildlife. The tournament falls during a generally favourable safari period in many parts of the region. However, conditions vary between parks and countries. Visitors can choose a short wildlife experience or a longer safari after their matches.

Uganda: Gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris

Uganda offers mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is especially popular among travellers interested in forest wildlife. However, gorilla trekking requires advance permit arrangements. Permit availability depends on your travel dates and trekking sector. official Uganda gorilla trekking information Queen Elizabeth National Park offers game drives and boat safaris. Visitors may see elephants, buffaloes, hippos and several antelope species. Murchison Falls National Park offers wildlife viewing and boat trips on the Nile. Our guides at Zamunda Travels recommend allowing several days for longer Uganda safaris.

Kenya: Masai Mara and Nairobi National Park

Kenya offers excellent wildlife experiences before or after football matches. Nairobi National Park provides a convenient option for visitors with limited time. Meanwhile, the Masai Mara offers lions, elephants, giraffes and other savannah wildlife. The wider migration season often overlaps with mid-year travel. However, river crossings cannot be guaranteed on particular dates.

Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar

Tanzania combines wildlife safaris with beach holidays. The Serengeti offers year-round wildlife viewing. Meanwhile, Ngorongoro Crater provides opportunities to see several large mammal species. Arusha is a convenient gateway for northern Tanzania safaris. After football and wildlife activities, visitors can relax in Zanzibar. Planning an AFCON safari holiday? Zamunda Travels can help organise private transfers, accommodation and wildlife activities around your confirmed football schedule.

Sample Seven-Day AFCON 2027 Safari Itinerary

This example combines football in Uganda with wildlife experiences. It assumes a suitable match takes place in the Kampala area. This is an illustrative itinerary, not a confirmed tournament package. Actual travel times depend on the route, road conditions and accommodation location. For a more relaxed experience, consider adding another night. This reduces pressure on the final travel day.

How Much Should You Budget for AFCON 2027?

Your total cost depends on travel style, nationality, accommodation and match schedule. International flights, football tickets and safari permits can make a significant difference. Instead of relying on an unsupported package estimate, build your budget around the following categories.

Example budget planning

Consider two travellers spending seven days in Uganda. They would need six hotel nights, airport transfers, meals and match tickets. Adding gorilla trekking would require permits, transport and forest-area accommodation. A private safari vehicle also affects the final price. Therefore, request a detailed quotation rather than comparing package totals alone. Rates change, so confirm current prices with Zamunda Travels.

Best Time to Visit East Africa During AFCON 2027

AFCON runs from June into July. This period generally offers good wildlife viewing conditions across several East African parks. However, mountain forests can receive rain throughout the year.

Uganda in June and July

June and July often bring relatively drier conditions to much of Uganda. This can make wildlife drives and forest trekking more manageable. Nevertheless, Bwindi’s trails may remain muddy.

Kenya during the tournament

Kenya’s safari destinations often experience relatively dry conditions during this period. The Masai Mara can offer rewarding wildlife viewing. However, migration movements vary with rainfall and grazing conditions.

Tanzania during the tournament

June and July form part of the dry season in much of northern Tanzania. These months suit Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris. Meanwhile, Zanzibar can provide pleasant beach conditions.

Health, Safety and Packing Tips for AFCON 2027

Football trips involve crowded stadiums, busy roads and changing travel schedules. Therefore, prepare for both urban travel and outdoor activities.

What should you pack?

• Passport, visa documents and travel insurance
• Official match tickets and booking confirmations
• Light clothing and a warm layer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket for forest visits
• Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent
• Prescription medication and personal essentials
• Power bank and suitable charging adapter

For gorilla trekking, carry sturdy footwear and long trousers. Also, bring gloves if you prefer extra protection on forest trails.

Health and personal safety

Consult a travel health professional before departure. Ask about vaccinations, malaria prevention and your individual medical needs. Yellow fever documentation may be required, depending on the country and your travel history. At stadiums, follow official security instructions. Keep valuables secure and use trusted transport providers. Also, allow extra time for airport checks and major matches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning AFCON 2027

Some travel mistakes can make an otherwise enjoyable holiday stressful. First, avoid booking non-refundable hotels before confirming your match location. Second, never assume one visa covers all three host countries. Third, do not underestimate road travel times. East African journeys can involve traffic, border checks and weather delays. Fourth, book popular safari activities early. Gorilla permits and preferred accommodation may become difficult to secure. Finally, avoid planning a safari transfer and an important football match on the same day. Good planning allows you to enjoy both experiences without unnecessary pressure.

Plan Your AFCON 2027 Holiday With Zamunda Travels

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gives visitors a chance to experience football across three East African countries. However, the best holiday depends on your confirmed matches, available time and travel budget. At Zamunda Travels Uganda Ltd, we arrange private safari holidays, accommodation and transport in Uganda and across East Africa. Whether you want gorilla trekking, a Masai Mara safari or a Tanzania wildlife holiday, we can help plan your route. Contact Zamunda Travels to request a personalised AFCON 2027 safari quotation. Website: www.zamundatravels.com Email: info@zamundatravels.com WhatsApp: +256 704 705 606 Share your travel dates, preferred matches, group size and safari interests. We will help you develop a suitable itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions About AFCON 2027

1. When and where will AFCON 2027 take place?

AFCON 2027 will take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host the tournament. It will feature 24 national teams. However, supporters should confirm individual match venues and kick-off times through CAF before booking accommodation or arranging transport between cities.

2. Which countries are hosting AFCON 2027?

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are the three official host countries. This is the first Africa Cup of Nations shared by three nations. The competition is called PAMOJA 2027. Supporters can plan visits to Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam, but should verify which cities host their chosen matches.

3. How can I buy AFCON 2027 tickets?

Buy AFCON 2027 tickets only through channels authorised by CAF and the tournament organisers. Check official announcements for the sales opening date, ticket categories and payment procedures. Avoid unverified resellers and social media offers. Also, confirm the stadium and match date before booking non-refundable flights or accommodation.

4. Do I need a visa for AFCON 2027?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you visit. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have separate immigration rules. The East Africa Tourist Visa can cover Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for eligible travellers, but not Tanzania. Therefore, check official immigration websites before booking a multi-country football holiday.

5. Can I combine AFCON 2027 with a safari?

Yes. You can combine AFCON 2027 with gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife viewing in Kenya or a Serengeti safari in Tanzania. However, allow enough time between football matches and long transfers. Zamunda Travels can arrange private safari itineraries around your confirmed match schedule, accommodation preferences and budget.