AFCON 2027 Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
The complete AFCON 2027 travel guide. How to get there, where to stay, which host cities to base yourself in, visa requirements, cross-border travel tips, and how to book AFCON 2027 packages from anywhere in the world.
Planning travel to AFCON 2027 is different from any previous tournament. For the first time in AFCON history, the Africa Cup of Nations is co-hosted across three countries — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — running from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
That tri-hosted format is good for fans (more cities, more culture, more football) and complex for planning (three visa systems, multiple airports, cross-border logistics). This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your AFCON 2027 travel properly.
The basics: when, where, and what
Tournament dates: 19 June – 17 July 2027 (29 days) Host nations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda Competing nations: 24 Total matches: 52 Format: Group stage (6 groups of 4), Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Third place, Final
Host cities:
- Kenya: Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa
- Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma
- Uganda: Kampala, Entebbe
How to get to AFCON 2027
Flights into East Africa
The three main gateway airports for AFCON 2027 are:
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi — the largest hub, best-connected from Europe, Middle East, and within Africa
- Julius Nyerere International (DAR), Dar es Salaam — main Tanzania gateway, good connections from the Gulf
- Entebbe International (EBB), Uganda — smaller but direct routes from several European and African cities
From the UK, direct or one-stop routes operate into Nairobi from London Heathrow (Kenya Airways, British Airways) and into Dar es Salaam via Doha or Dubai (Qatar Airways, Emirates). Nairobi is the recommended entry point for most international travellers.
From West Africa (Lagos, Accra, Abidjan), regional carriers including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir operate routes into all three host countries.
From the US (New York, Atlanta, Washington DC), the most common routings are via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian), Nairobi direct (Kenya Airways from JFK), or via European hubs.
Inter-city and cross-border travel
This is where AFCON 2027 gets logistically demanding. If your fixtures take you between host cities — for example, a group game in Nairobi followed by a round of 16 in Kampala — you need to account for:
- Domestic or regional flight (1–2 hours, prices from around $80 one way)
- Cross-border visa requirements (see below)
- Transfer time and match-day transport in the new city
Cantravu AFCON 2027 packages handle all inter-city transfers as part of the booking. If you are self-booking, allow 1–2 days' buffer between city moves during the group stage.
Visa requirements for AFCON 2027
Kenya
Kenya operates an eVisa system (apply online at evisa.go.ke). Standard tourist eVisa costs $51 and is valid for single or multiple entry. Many African Union passport holders may receive visa on arrival or visa-free access — check your specific nationality.
Tanzania
Tanzania requires a separate visa from Kenya and Uganda. Apply via evisa.immigration.go.tz. Standard fee is $50 for most nationalities. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EAV) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda but NOT Tanzania — this is a common misconception.
Uganda
Uganda accepts the East Africa Tourist Visa (which also covers Kenya and Rwanda) or a standalone Ugandan eVisa at $50. Apply at visas.immigration.go.ug.
Bottom line: Most international travellers to AFCON 2027 will need two separate visa applications — one for Kenya/Uganda (or the EAV) and one for Tanzania. Budget $100–$150 for visa fees.
All Cantravu packages include visa guidance documentation to help you navigate this.
Where to base yourself for AFCON 2027
Choosing your base city depends on which matches you want to attend, your budget, and how much you want to move.
Nairobi, Kenya
The tournament hub. Largest city, best international connections, most accommodation options across all price points. Expected to host the opening ceremony and some knockout rounds. Best for fans who want urban energy, Kenyan culture, and easy access to the Maasai Mara.
Recommended areas: Westlands, Kilimani, Karen. Avoid areas far from the stadium belt on matchdays. Hotels: Ranges from $60/night midrange to $350+/night luxury (Dusit D2, Fairmont Norfolk, Villa Rosa Kempinski).
Kampala, Uganda
Lower cost than Nairobi. Known for nightlife, food culture, and proximity to Uganda's world-class natural experiences (gorilla trekking in Bwindi, white-water rafting on the Nile at Jinja). Good for fans who want football plus adventure.
Recommended areas: Kololo, Nakasero. Hotels: $40/night midrange to $200+/night luxury (Serena Kampala, Protea Hotel by Marriott).
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Coastal city with Indian Ocean access. Relaxed pace compared to Nairobi. Proximity to Zanzibar (1-hour ferry) makes it the best tournament base for fans who want a beach reset between matches. Higher humidity in June–July.
Recommended areas: Oyster Bay, Masaki Peninsula. Hotels: $60/night midrange to $250+/night (Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu).
How long should you stay?
Short trip (5–7 days): Choose one base city, attend 2–3 matches, add one experience (safari day, Zanzibar, gorilla trek). Suitable for the Opening Ceremony or a cluster of group stage games.
Standard trip (10–14 days): Two base cities, 4–5 matches, cross-border travel, cultural experiences. The sweet spot for most fans.
Full tournament (29 days): Only for the dedicated. Complex logistics, significant cost, best managed with a package that handles movement.
When to book AFCON 2027 travel
Now (mid-2026): Book flights and accommodation before inventory tightens. Prices are lowest and availability is highest. Fixture schedule is not yet confirmed, so book flexible-change tickets and accommodation.
Late 2026 / early 2027: Fixture schedule confirmed. This is when most fans will start booking — meaning prices will rise and hotel inventory will narrow significantly in host cities.
3 months before the tournament: Last-chance pricing for flights. Hotels in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, in particular, are expected to reach peak occupancy rapidly once the schedule drops.
What to budget for AFCON 2027 travel
A realistic budget for a 10-day trip to AFCON 2027 (from the UK or Europe), mid-range style, attending 3 matches:
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Return flights (economy) | $600–$1,200 |
| Hotel (10 nights, mid-range) | $600–$1,000 |
| Match tickets (3 games, standard) | $120–$240 |
| Airport and city transfers | $100–$200 |
| Visa fees | $100–$150 |
| Food and daily expenses | $300–$500 |
| One experience (safari/Zanzibar) | $150–$400 |
| Total estimate | $1,970–$3,690 |
An all-inclusive Cantravu package covers most of the above at a fixed, confirmed price — removing the booking risk and coordination overhead.
AFCON 2027 travel tips
Book accommodation early. Host city hotels will reach full occupancy faster than most fans expect. Book refundable rates now if you are not yet certain of your dates.
Get the East Africa Tourist Visa. If you are visiting Kenya and Uganda but not Tanzania, the EAV is better value and avoids a second application. If Tanzania is on your itinerary, budget separately.
Plan for matchday transport. Stadia in Nairobi and Kampala are not all walking distance from central hotels. Pre-book transfers for matchdays — ride apps and public transport can be overwhelmed.
Carry USD. US dollars are widely accepted across all three host countries and often preferred for larger transactions. Local currencies (KES, TZS, UGX) are useful for everyday spending.
Allow weather buffer. June–July is dry season in Kenya and Uganda (ideal), but Dar es Salaam can be humid. Pack light, breathable clothing with a light layer for air-conditioned venues.
Book safari trips in advance. If you want the Maasai Mara (July migration season) or gorilla trekking in Bwindi, these fill up independently of AFCON. Do not assume you can book on arrival.
Book your AFCON 2027 travel package
Cantravu AFCON 2027 packages start from $2,499 per person all-inclusive (flights, hotel, tickets, transfers). Custom packages are available for different match selections, group sizes, and departure cities.
Contact Cantravu to get a confirmed itinerary and price for your trip.
Ready to book AFCON 2027?
Flights, hotel, match tickets, and transfers — all in one package.