AFCON East Africa 2027 Itinerary: Football, Wildlife & Adventure in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 is set to be a historic celebration of football, culture and tourism in East Africa. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the tournament from 19 June to 17 July 2027, making it the first AFCON edition to be hosted by three countries.

For football fans travelling to East Africa, AFCON 2027 offers much more than stadium experiences. Visitors can combine exciting football matches with wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, cultural experiences, beaches, national parks and spectacular landscapes.

With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, travellers can extend their AFCON adventure beyond the football stadium and discover the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Uganda.

Please note: CAF has announced the tournament dates, but the final match-by-match schedule, some venues and exact opening/final locations may still be subject to official confirmation.

About AFCON PAMOJA 2027

AFCON PAMOJA 2027 will bring Africa’s top national football teams together in East Africa. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 19 June 2027, with the final scheduled for 17 July 2027.

The word “Pamoja” means “together” in Swahili, representing the cooperation between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The tournament is particularly significant because AFCON is returning to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.

CAF expects 24 teams to compete at the final tournament, while Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have automatically qualified as co-hosts.

For international visitors, this creates an excellent opportunity to combine football tourism and an East African safari holiday.

Suggested 14-Day AFCON East Africa Itinerary

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience football in East Africa while also enjoying a memorable Uganda safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax or enjoy a short introduction to Nairobi.

Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi City & Football Experience

Spend the morning exploring Nairobi.

Possible activities include:

Nairobi National Park
Giraffe experience
Karen area
Local markets
Nairobi city tour
Football fan activities

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere surrounding AFCON as supporters from across Africa gather in East Africa.

Overnight: Nairobi

Day 3: AFCON Match Day in Kenya

Enjoy a full football day.

Have breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your scheduled AFCON match.

Spend the afternoon exploring the host city and interacting with fellow football supporters before heading to the stadium.

After the match, return to your hotel.

Overnight: Nairobi

Important: Exact match venues and match allocations should be confirmed against the official CAF schedule when released.

Day 4: Nairobi to Kampala, Uganda

Travel from Kenya to Uganda by air or another suitable regional connection.

Arrive in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.

Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Kampala offers an exciting combination of modern city life, Ugandan cuisine, music and culture.

Overnight: Kampala

Days 5–6: Kampala & AFCON Uganda Experience

Day 5: Kampala City Tour

Explore Kampala and discover some of the city’s highlights.

Possible activities include:

Kampala city tour
Uganda National Mosque
Local markets
Cultural experiences
Craft markets
Traditional Ugandan cuisine
Local football culture

You can also enjoy an evening at one of Kampala’s entertainment venues.

Overnight: Kampala

Day 6: AFCON Match Experience in Uganda

This is your dedicated football day.

Enjoy the build-up to the match, meet supporters and experience the energy surrounding AFCON PAMOJA.

Uganda is preparing extensively for the tournament, with CAF inspecting stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports and other infrastructure as preparations continue.

After the match, return to your Kampala accommodation.

Overnight: Kampala

Day 7: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leave Kampala early and begin your Uganda wildlife adventure.

Travel west toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations.

The journey provides opportunities to see rural communities, farms, landscapes and changing vegetation.

Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive if time permits.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, hippos and other species, while the wider Ugandan national-park system offers exceptional biodiversity.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Wake up early for a morning game drive.

Look for:

African elephants
Lions
Buffaloes
Uganda kobs
Warthogs
Antelopes
Leopards
Numerous bird species

After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous water birds.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes you through beautiful southwestern Uganda, with dramatic hills, forests and rural communities.

Bwindi is one of Uganda’s most famous destinations because of its mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is one of the highlights of your East African adventure.

After an early breakfast, head to the ranger station for briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking experience.

Walking through the ancient forest in search of a gorilla family can be an unforgettable experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge and relax.

Overnight: Bwindi

Important: Gorilla trekking requires a permit, and availability should be confirmed well in advance.

Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park

Depart Bwindi and travel toward Lake Mburo National Park.

The park provides a different safari environment, with rolling landscapes and wildlife habitats.

Depending on your schedule, you can enjoy an evening game drive or nature walk.

Overnight: Lake Mburo

Day 12: Lake Mburo Safari – Return to Kampala

Enjoy an early morning game drive.

Possible wildlife sightings include:

Zebras
Impalas
Elands
Buffaloes
Warthogs
Giraffes
Uganda kobs

After breakfast, begin the journey back toward Kampala.

Overnight: Kampala or Entebbe

Day 13: Kampala to Tanzania or Kenya

For travellers holding tickets for matches in another host country, this day can be used to continue the AFCON journey into Tanzania or Kenya.

You could extend your trip with:

Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
Arusha
Nairobi
Amboseli
Serengeti
Ngorongoro

The ideal extension depends on your AFCON match schedule.

Day 14: Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast before transferring to the airport for your international flight home.

If your football schedule allows, you can extend your stay to attend additional AFCON matches or explore more of East Africa.

Optional Extended AFCON Safari

For travellers with more time, we strongly recommend extending the itinerary.

A longer trip could include:

Kenya → Uganda → Tanzania

For example:

Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Kampala
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bwindi
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Zanzibar

This creates an exceptional combination of football, wildlife, culture and beach relaxation.

Why Combine AFCON With a Uganda Safari?

Many visitors will travel to East Africa specifically for football. However, spending the entire trip around stadiums would mean missing some of the region’s greatest attractions.

Uganda offers a perfect safari extension.

The country’s protected areas include destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo and Mgahinga.

You can therefore combine:

Football + Gorilla Trekking + Game Drives + Boat Safaris + Culture + Adventure

That combination makes an AFCON trip significantly more memorable.

AFCON East Africa With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda

Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help travellers turn their AFCON football holiday into a complete East African adventure.

Our safari planning can be tailored around your football schedule, allowing you to attend your preferred matches while creating time for Uganda’s wildlife and cultural experiences.

Possible safari options include:

Uganda Wildlife Safari

Explore destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Safari

Add Bwindi or Mgahinga to your football holiday for an unforgettable gorilla experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Forest is another excellent addition for travellers interested in primates.

Uganda Luxury Safari

Choose high-end lodges, private transportation, private guides and personalized safari experiences.

Budget AFCON Safari

Travellers looking for affordability can choose shared safari vehicles, comfortable accommodation and carefully planned itineraries.

AFCON East Africa Travel Tips

1. Book Early

AFCON 2027 is expected to attract large numbers of football fans. CAF has described the tournament as a major continental event and expects significant international interest.

Flights, hotels, safari lodges and transportation may become increasingly competitive as the tournament approaches.

2. Build Your Safari Around Your Match Schedule

Do not book a long safari without considering your match dates.

Your itinerary should leave enough time to travel between football venues and safari destinations.

3. Allow Extra Travel Time

East Africa covers a large geographical area.

Moving between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania requires careful planning.

4. Book Gorilla Permits Early

If gorilla trekking is part of your AFCON itinerary, arrange the permit well ahead of time.

5. Travel With a Professional Local Operator

A local safari company can coordinate:

Airport transfers
Safari vehicles
Accommodation
Park permits
Gorilla permits
Guides
Cross-border travel planning
Match-day transportation
Customized itineraries

Who Is This AFCON Safari Package For?

This itinerary is suitable for:

International football fans
African football supporters
Families
Couples
Friends travelling together
Football clubs
Supporters’ groups
Corporate groups
Adventure travellers
Wildlife enthusiasts
Photographers
First-time visitors to East Africa

It can also be customized for travellers who only want Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or a combination of all three countries.

Frequently Asked Questions About AFCON East Africa 2027

1. When will AFCON 2027 take place?

AFCON PAMOJA 2027 is scheduled for 19 June to 17 July 2027.

2. Which countries will host AFCON 2027?

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

3. Why is AFCON 2027 called PAMOJA?

“Pamoja” is a Swahili word meaning “together,” reflecting the joint hosting and cooperation between the three East African countries.

4. How many teams will participate?

The final tournament is expected to feature 24 teams.

5. Can I combine AFCON with a Uganda safari?

Yes. An AFCON trip can be combined with wildlife safaris in destinations such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Bwindi.

6. Can I go gorilla trekking during AFCON?

Yes. Gorilla trekking can be incorporated into your itinerary, although the timing should be planned carefully around your football matches.

7. How many days do I need for an AFCON safari?

A 10–14 day itinerary is a good starting point. Travellers with more time can plan a two- or three-week East African adventure.

8. Can Turkana Wildlife Safaris organize a customized itinerary?

Yes. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can tailor the safari around your preferred match dates, accommodation preferences, budget and wildlife interests.

9. Can I visit Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania on one trip?

Yes. A multi-country East African itinerary can combine football matches in the three host countries with wildlife, culture and beach experiences.

10. Should I book my AFCON safari early?

Yes. Early planning is advisable because accommodation, flights, safari vehicles and popular wildlife experiences may become highly demanded around the tournament period.

Conclusion: Experience AFCON 2027 Beyond the Stadium

AFCON East Africa 2027 is more than a football tournament. It is an opportunity to discover three extraordinary East African countries during one of the continent’s biggest sporting celebrations.

From the football atmosphere of Nairobi, Kampala and Tanzania to Uganda’s spectacular national parks and mountain gorillas, travellers can create an unforgettable journey combining sport, wildlife, culture and adventure.

With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, your AFCON trip can become much more than attending a football match. You can watch Africa’s best teams compete, experience East African hospitality, explore Uganda’s wildlife and forests, trek with mountain gorillas and return home with memories that go far beyond the stadium.

Plan your AFCON East Africa 2027 adventure with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda and experience football, safari and the magic of East Africa, Pamoja, together.

Tournament dates are based on CAF’s current official announcements. Exact match venues, fixtures and kick-off times should be checked against the final CAF schedule as it is released.