Best Cities to Stay During AFCON 2027: Where Fans Should Base Themselves
Choosing where to stay during AFCON 2027? This guide breaks down the best cities to base yourself in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania based on stadium access, fan zones, transport, cost, and overall matchday experience.
Choosing the right city to base yourself during AFCON 2027 can make the difference between a smooth, memorable trip and a stressful one. The best city is not always the one hosting the most matches — it’s the one that fits your travel style, match priorities, and energy level.
AFCON 2027, hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offers several strong base-city options. This guide breaks down the best cities to stay during AFCON 2027, why they work, and who they’re best suited for.
The golden rule of choosing a base city
Pick a city that lets you:
- reach matches without stress,
- return safely at night,
- rest properly between fixtures.
More movement rarely equals more enjoyment.
What makes a city good for AFCON fans
The best AFCON base cities usually offer:
- reliable transport to stadiums,
- active fan zones and watch parties,
- a wide accommodation range,
- late-night services,
- good regional connectivity.
Cities missing two or more of these usually frustrate fans.
Best cities to stay in Kenya during AFCON 2027
Nairobi (best all-round base)
Nairobi is expected to be the main gateway city for AFCON 2027.
Why it works
- International flight hub
- Broad hotel and apartment supply
- Multiple fan zones and nightlife areas
- Strong domestic and regional transport links
Best for
- First-time AFCON travellers
- Mixed groups
- Fans attending multiple matches
Watch-outs
- Traffic on matchdays — location matters
Mombasa (best leisure + football blend)
Mombasa works best if you have a genuine break between matches.
Why it works
- Coastal relaxation
- Resort-style accommodation
- Good for recovery days
Best for
- Longer stays
- Couples
- Fans mixing football and holiday
Watch-outs
- Not ideal for frequent match travel
Best cities to stay in Uganda during AFCON 2027
Kampala (best atmosphere)
Kampala delivers some of the most intense fan energy during tournaments.
Why it works
- Compact city layout
- Strong football culture
- Busy watch-party scene
- Often good value accommodation
Best for
- Social groups
- Supporters’ clubs
- Atmosphere-first fans
Watch-outs
- Accommodation near venues fills fast
Entebbe (quiet & controlled)
A calmer alternative to Kampala.
Why it works
- Close to airport
- More relaxed pace
- Easier late-night returns
Best for
- Families
- Short stays
- Fans prioritising rest
Best cities to stay in Tanzania during AFCON 2027
Dar es Salaam (best urban base)
Dar is Tanzania’s strongest AFCON base city.
Why it works
- Large accommodation stock
- Strong transport options
- Active fan zones and nightlife
Best for
- Fans attending stadium matches
- Groups
- Longer tournament stays
Zanzibar (best planned add-on)
Zanzibar works only with proper planning.
Why it works
- Beach recovery
- High-quality accommodation
- Strong tourism services
Best for
- Fans with multi-day gaps
- Post-group-stage stays
Watch-outs
- Not suitable as a daily match base
Cities most fans should avoid as main bases
Some cities are better as day trips or single-match stops, not bases.
Common issues:
- limited accommodation,
- weak transport,
- poor late-night options.
If a city lacks fan zones and late transport, it’s risky as a base.
One city vs multiple cities
For most fans:
- One city base = best experience
- Two cities max = manageable
- Three or more = exhausting
Only move cities when fixtures demand it.
Best base cities by fan type
First-time AFCON fans
- Nairobi
- Kampala
Social & group travellers
- Kampala
- Dar es Salaam
Relaxed / mixed-interest travellers
- Mombasa
- Zanzibar (with gaps)
Family travellers
- Entebbe
- Select areas of Nairobi
How base city choice affects budget
Better base cities:
- reduce daily transport costs,
- reduce last-minute spending,
- protect energy and enjoyment.
Cheaper cities far from venues often cost more overall.
Final advice on choosing where to stay during AFCON 2027
Pick your base city like you pick accommodation: by access, not hype.
If your city choice supports your matchdays, everything else falls into place.
Want help choosing your AFCON base city?
If you share:
- your arrival airport,
- how many matches you plan to attend,
- your travel style,
I can recommend the best AFCON 2027 base city (or cities) for your exact plan.