AFCON 2027 Travel Guide: Following Your Team in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Everything a visiting supporter needs to plan the trip: when the tournament is, which stadiums in Tanzania and Zanzibar are proposed as venues, how to get between the host cities, visas and tickets, the June weather, and how to fit a safari, Kilimanjaro or the beach around the matches. Written by our team in Moshi, who will be arranging fans' travel through the tournament.

What You Need to Know: AFCON 2027 runs from June 19 to July 17, 2027, co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Four stadiums are proposed as Tanzanian venues: the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000 seats), the new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha (30,000–32,000, under construction), and the Amaan Stadium (about 15,000) and Fumba Stadium (36,500, under construction) in Zanzibar. CAF confirms the final venues and fixtures. June and July are dry-season months, the best time for a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, and our AFCON 2027 packages start at US$1,205 per person.

Arusha, a proposed AFCON 2027 host city near Kilimanjaro and the safari parks

What Is AFCON 2027, and When Is It?

AFCON 2027 is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Africa's national-team championship, played from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda host it together under their joint "Pamoja" bid, Swahili for "together": the first time the tournament has been held in East Africa since 1976, and the first time three nations have shared it.

Key date What happens
Until March 2027 The qualifiers decide which teams take part
After the qualifiers The draw sets the groups; CAF then publishes the match schedule and venues
June 19, 2027 Opening match
July 17, 2027 The final

For travelers, the timing is good news: the tournament falls in East Africa's long dry season, the peak months for game viewing and mountain climbing. The flip side is that hotels, lodges and flights will be busy, so it pays to book early and fit the details to the fixtures later.

Which Stadiums in Tanzania and Zanzibar Could Host Matches?

Four stadiums are proposed for matches in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Two are finished and two are still being built; CAF confirms the final list with the match schedule.

Stadium City Capacity Status
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Dar es Salaam 60,000 Tanzania's main national stadium and the primary venue in Dar es Salaam
Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium Arusha 30,000–32,000 New stadium under construction, with a design inspired by Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
Amaan Stadium Zanzibar City About 15,000 Historic stadium, renovated to meet CAF Elite standards
Fumba Stadium Zanzibar 36,500 Under construction; possible venue once completed

Kenya and Uganda host the rest of the tournament, mainly in Nairobi and Kampala.

What Are Tanzania's Host Cities Like for Visitors?

Each proposed host city is a different kind of trip, and each sits close to some of Tanzania's best-known sights.

Arusha: the safari capital

Arusha is the starting point for northern Tanzania's safaris, about an hour by road from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and an hour and a half from Moshi, our base. Arusha National Park is 45 minutes away, Tarangire and Lake Manyara about two hours, and the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti within a day's drive. Evenings are cool at about 4,600 ft (1,400 m). See things to do in Arusha.

Dar es Salaam: the coastal city

Tanzania's largest city and main port, warm and busy, with Julius Nyerere International Airport, the fast ferry to Zanzibar and the SGR train towards Mikumi National Park. Between matches there are city tours, island beaches such as Bongoyo and day trips to historic Bagamoyo. See things to do in Dar es Salaam.

Zanzibar: the island

Matches in Zanzibar would put supporters on an island of beaches, Stone Town's historic lanes and spice farms, about two hours from Dar es Salaam by fast ferry or a short flight from Arusha. See things to do in Zanzibar and which beach to choose.

How Do You Get Between the Host Cities?

Fly between Arusha and the coast, and use the fast ferry between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar; the roads between the regions are long.

Route Best way Time and cost
Dar es Salaam – Arusha Domestic flight US$450 per person each way, booked with your trip
Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar Fast ferry About 2 hours; US$55 per person
Arusha – Zanzibar Domestic flight Included in our AFCON Serengeti and Zanzibar package
Arusha – Nairobi Road, through the Namanga border About 6–7 hours
Tanzania – Kampala International flight Book separately; we arrange the Tanzania side

On match days, use a pre-booked driver rather than looking for transport in the crowds: our return stadium transfers cost US$40 per person per match, or US$30 per person for groups of four or more.

What Visas Do You Need for AFCON 2027?

Plan on separate entry for each host country. A joint visa for fans has been discussed by the three governments, but as of October 2026 nothing had been agreed.

  • Tanzania (including Zanzibar): an eVisa, US$50 for most nationalities and US$100 for US citizens, through the official portal; we can apply for you for a US$45 service fee (see visa help). Zanzibar also has its own immigration check, so keep your passport with you when you cross
  • Mandatory insurance: Tanzania's government inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult, on top of your own travel insurance
  • Kenya: an Electronic Travel Authorization, about US$30–35, applied for online before you fly
  • Uganda: an e-visa, about US$50, applied for online

Your passport must be valid for six months after arrival. Kenya and Uganda are on the yellow fever list, so carry your certificate if you travel between the host countries.

How Do You Get AFCON 2027 Tickets?

Tickets are sold through CAF's official channels, and we can help you get them. As of October 2026, official sale dates and prices had not been announced, and reports warn of websites already selling tickets that may be fake. We don't sell tickets directly, but we can guide you through the official sale, help you buy tickets for your team's matches, and arrange the purchase on your behalf once sales open, then plan your transfers around them. Our match ticket help is one of ten fan services you can book on their own.

  • Buy only through the official tournament channels, or with our help through them
  • Recent tournaments have asked fans to register with ID before buying, so have your passport details ready
  • Be wary of resale sites and social media offers before official sales open
  • Book refundable or flexible travel first, and confirm match days when the fixtures are out

What Is the Weather Like During AFCON 2027?

Dry and pleasant. June and July are dry-season months in northern Tanzania and on Zanzibar.

Where June and July Pack
Arusha Sunny days, cool mornings and evenings A warm layer for evening matches
Dar es Salaam Warm, coastal and humid Light clothes, sun protection
Zanzibar Dry, with a steady sea breeze Light clothes, modest dress for Stone Town
Kilimanjaro and the safari parks Clear days; the coldest nights of the year on the mountain Layers; see our Kilimanjaro packing list

Money, Phones and Getting Online

  • The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); US dollars are widely used for tourism. Bring US dollar notes printed after 2009
  • Cards work in larger hotels; carry cash for markets, food stalls and tips. ATMs are found in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town
  • A local SIM card needs your passport for registration, or buy an eSIM before you travel
  • Swahili and English are the official languages; a few words go a long way: karibu (welcome), asante (thank you)
  • Plugs are mostly the British three-pin type G, at 230 V; Tanzania is on East Africa Time, UTC+3

Staying Safe and Healthy at the Matches

Tanzania is a safe destination for visitors who take normal precautions, and the same applies on match days: travel with a pre-booked driver, keep valuables out of sight in the crowds, carry water and sun protection, and agree a meeting point with your group. Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha are in malaria areas, so ask your doctor about prevention well before you travel; see our travel health guide and Tanzania travel guide.

What Can You Do Between Matches?

Group matches are usually a few days apart, enough for a day trip or a short safari. From Arusha, a game drive in Arusha National Park, Tarangire or the Ngorongoro Crater; from Dar es Salaam, the 2-day Mikumi safari by train or a Zanzibar day trip; on Zanzibar, Stone Town, the dolphins and the beaches. Longer trips, such as a Kilimanjaro climb or a Serengeti safari, fit best before your team's first match or after their last.

How Do You Plan an AFCON 2027 Trip to Tanzania?

  1. Decide your base by where your team is likely to play: Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
  2. Book flexible travel early: hotels in the host cities will be busy
  3. Get your tickets through the official channels, with our help if you'd like
  4. Add the trip around the football: a safari, a climb, the beach or day trips
  5. Confirm the match days once CAF publishes the fixtures; we adjust your plan to fit

Our AFCON 2027 Tanzania travel collection brings this together in ready-made packages, from a 5-day Arusha fan base to 12 days with Kilimanjaro, with transfers to every match. If you'd rather plan the trip yourself, book only the fan travel services you need: airport transfers from US$60 per person, stadium transfers from US$40 and planning from US$75.

Common Questions About Traveling to AFCON 2027 in Tanzania

When is AFCON 2027?

From June 19 to July 17, 2027, co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Which stadiums in Tanzania could host AFCON 2027 matches?

The proposed venues are the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha, and the Amaan and Fumba stadiums in Zanzibar. CAF confirms the final list with the match schedule.

Can you help me get AFCON 2027 tickets?

Yes. We don't sell tickets directly, but we can guide you through the official sale, help you buy them and arrange the purchase on your behalf once sales open.

Do I need a visa for each host country?

For now, yes. A joint fan visa has been discussed but not agreed; Tanzania's eVisa covers Zanzibar too.

Is June a good time to visit Tanzania?

Yes. June and July are dry-season months, among the best of the year for safaris, Kilimanjaro and the beach.

How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Arusha?

By domestic flight; we book it with your trip at US$450 per person each way. The road takes a long day.

Can I go on safari during the tournament?

Yes. Day trips and 2- to 4-day safaris fit between matches, and longer safaris or a Kilimanjaro climb before or after your team's games.

Is Jaynevy Tours an official AFCON partner?

No. We are an independent, licensed tour operator in Moshi, not affiliated with CAF; we arrange travel, transfers and ticket help around the tournament.

The Bottom Line

AFCON 2027 brings Africa's biggest football tournament to Tanzania in its best travel season. Choose your base by where your team plays, book flexible travel early, get your tickets through the official channels, with our help if you want it, and add a safari, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar around the matches. Our team in Moshi can arrange all of it.

Send us your team, the number of travelers and the trip you have in mind through the contact form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will reply with a written quotation.

Ready to plan your trip?

Tell us your dates and interests and our team in Moshi will send a written quotation with the itinerary and price.