Essential Packing List for East Africa: AFCON 2027 Edition

East Africa covers a wide range of climates and contexts. Getting your packing right means enjoying every part of the trip rather than managing shortfalls.

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Understanding the climate

During the tournament (June–July 2027)

East Africa in June–July is generally dry season across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — which is one reason it was chosen. But altitude changes everything:

• Nairobi sits at 1,700m. Evenings are cool (12–16°C). Days are warm but not hot (22–27°C). A layer for evenings is essential.
• Dar es Salaam is coastal and humid (25–32°C). Hot and sticky. Light, breathable fabrics only.
• Kampala is equatorial and at moderate altitude. Warm but pleasant during the day, mild evenings. Rain can appear quickly.

Pack for three different contexts — not just one.

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Match day essentials

• Team shirt or supporter gear — obvious, but: bring one for travel, buy one locally for stadium wear. Local markets near stadiums will sell everything.
• Small backpack — CAF security rules restrict bag sizes at stadiums. Check the specific dimensions for each venue before you go.
• Power bank — phone use is heavy on match days. A 10,000–20,000mAh bank is essential.
• Cash in local currency — KES, TZS, or UGX depending on the venue country. Not everywhere in stadiums takes cards.
• A physical copy of your ticket — phone batteries die and connectivity inside stadiums can be unreliable.
• Sunscreen — afternoon matches in Kenya and Tanzania at altitude mean intense UV even when it doesn't feel hot.
• Earplugs — optional but useful for long travel days when you need to sleep in transit.

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Clothing: the practical list

Bring:

• 2–3 lightweight cotton or linen shirts (breathable for warm cities)
• 1 fleece or light jacket (essential for Nairobi evenings)
• 1 waterproof light jacket (Kampala rains can appear without warning)
• Comfortable walking shoes (cities are walkable; stadiums mean standing)
• One pair of smart shoes or trainers (some restaurants and clubs have smart casual requirements)
• Shorts for coastal / daytime use
• Light trousers for evenings

Don't pack:

• Heavy winter layers — unnecessary everywhere
• Suits or formal wear (unless you have a specific professional commitment)
• Excessive footwear — two pairs of comfortable shoes is the right call

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Health and safety kit

• Antimalarial medication — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are all malaria risk areas. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
• DEET insect repellent (50% or higher) — essential for evenings outside
• Rehydration salts — for dehydration from heat, travel, or gastric adjustment
• Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) sachets — in case of food poisoning
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics — ask your GP for a standby prescription
• Any regular prescription medication — bring double the supply in case of delays
• First aid kit basics — plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief
• Sunscreen SPF 50+

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Documents and admin

• Passport valid for 6+ months beyond your travel dates
• Printed visa confirmation or e-visa approval
• Travel insurance documentation (printed and digital)
• Hotel confirmation letters — useful at immigration
• Emergency contact list — separate from your phone
• Yellow fever certificate if required for your routing (check your specific itinerary)

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Tech and connectivity

• Universal travel adapter — East Africa uses Type G (UK) plugs in most hotels
• Unlocked phone — buying a local SIM on arrival is cheap and gives you excellent local data rates
• Offline maps — download Google Maps for all three cities before you go. Data can be slow near stadiums.
• VPN — not essential but useful if you need to access home streaming services

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What to buy locally instead of packing

• Supporter gear — genuinely good merchandise available near match venues
• Kangas and kikois — beautiful local fabrics, lightweight, dual-purpose as beach cover, gift, or clothing
• Sunglasses — available everywhere, cheap
• Sandals — good quality and much cheaper than back home

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The rule that saves packing stress

If you're unsure whether to pack something: check whether you can buy it in Nairobi, Kampala, or Dar. The answer is almost always yes. Modern East African cities have everything a traveller needs. Don't over-pack.