Things to do in Uganda during AFCON
Things to do in Uganda during AFCON
Things to Do in Uganda During AFCON 2027: The Ultimate Football and Safari Experience
When the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 comes to East Africa, Uganda will be more than a football destination—it will be an opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most diverse and exciting countries.
Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, will co-host TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, bringing football fans from across Africa and around the world to East Africa.
For visitors attending matches in Uganda, there is no reason to spend the entire trip inside stadiums and hotels. Between matches, supporters can explore Uganda’s national parks, track mountain gorillas, cruise along the Nile, discover Kampala’s culture, enjoy Ugandan cuisine, and experience unforgettable wildlife safaris.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, football fans can turn their AFCON trip into a memorable African adventure.
Why Visit Uganda During AFCON 2027?
AFCON 2027 presents a unique opportunity to combine the excitement of African football with Uganda’s incredible tourism attractions.
Uganda has diverse landscapes ranging from tropical forests and savannahs to lakes, rivers, mountains, wetlands and volcanic highlands. The country’s tourism attractions include wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee experiences, bird watching, hiking, cultural tourism and adventure activities.
The tournament will also introduce international visitors to Uganda’s hospitality, food, music, culture and vibrant city life.
Instead of simply coming for a match, travelers can plan a football and safari holiday in Uganda.
Top Things to Do in Uganda During AFCON 2027
1. Watch AFCON 2027 Matches
The first activity on every football fan’s itinerary will naturally be watching AFCON matches.
Uganda is one of the three host countries for the 2027 tournament, alongside Kenya and Tanzania. CAF has confirmed that the opening match is scheduled for 19 June 2027, with the final scheduled for 17 July 2027.
For fans visiting Uganda, attending a match offers much more than watching football. It is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of African football, meet supporters from different countries and become part of a historic East African tournament.
Uganda is expected to host matches in Kampala and other designated venues, although visitors should check the official CAF tournament schedule for confirmed venues, fixtures and kick-off times as these details are finalized.
2. Go on a Uganda Wildlife Safari
One of the best ways to spend your days away from AFCON matches is on a wildlife safari.
Uganda has numerous protected areas offering opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, primates and hundreds of bird species.
Popular safari destinations include:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Kibale National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A safari can be arranged before the tournament, between matches or after AFCON.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, visitors can create customized safari packages depending on their available time, interests and budget.
3. Experience the Mighty Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is an excellent destination for travelers who want to combine wildlife viewing with spectacular scenery.
The park is famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before continuing toward Lake Albert.
A safari in the park can include game drives and a boat cruise along the Nile.
Visitors may have opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and many species of antelope, while predators such as lions may also be encountered.
A Murchison Falls safari from Kampala can be incorporated into an AFCON holiday for travelers with several free days.
4. Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
For travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the country’s biggest attractions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, and visitors can trek through the forest with experienced guides and rangers in search of habituated gorilla families.
Uganda is particularly significant for mountain-gorilla conservation, and gorilla trekking provides visitors with an opportunity to experience these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is physically demanding, so travelers should allow sufficient time for transportation, preparation and the trek itself.
For AFCON visitors who have several days available, a Uganda gorilla safari after the football tournament can be an unforgettable way to extend the trip.
5. Track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
If gorillas are not enough, Uganda also offers an extraordinary chimpanzee experience.
Kibale National Park is one of the country’s best destinations for chimpanzee tracking.
Visitors can walk through the forest with trained guides while searching for chimpanzees and other primates.
Kibale is particularly attractive for travelers interested in photography, wildlife, forests and primate conservation.
A chimpanzee safari can also be combined with other western Uganda attractions for a longer holiday.
6. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is another excellent destination for AFCON travelers.
The park offers a combination of savannah landscapes, wildlife, lakes and spectacular views.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Bird watching
- Wildlife photography
- Nature walks
- Community and cultural experiences
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is particularly popular because it provides opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous water birds.
For football fans who want a classic African safari without spending too much time away from Uganda’s main urban centers, Queen Elizabeth National Park can be an excellent option.
7. Take a Boat Cruise on the Nile
Uganda is closely associated with the Nile, and visitors can experience the river through different activities.
The Nile provides opportunities for boat cruises, sightseeing and adventure activities.
For travelers looking for adrenaline, Jinja is especially famous for adventure experiences along the Nile.
Depending on your interests, you can combine a visit to Jinja with:
- Nile boat experiences
- White-water rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Quad biking
- Nature walks
- Cultural experiences
This is a great option for younger football fans and adventure travelers.
8. Visit Jinja, the Adventure Capital of Uganda
Jinja is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations and is an excellent addition to an AFCON itinerary.
Located east of Kampala, Jinja offers a relaxed atmosphere combined with adventure activities.
Visitors can explore the Nile, enjoy restaurants and cafes, take boat trips and participate in adrenaline-filled activities.
A day trip or overnight stay in Jinja can easily be added to a longer Uganda itinerary.
9. Explore Kampala City
Not every AFCON activity needs to involve a long journey.
Kampala offers plenty to explore between football matches.
Visitors can experience:
- Ugandan cuisine
- Local markets
- Art galleries
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Cultural sites
- Religious landmarks
- Restaurants and cafes
- Live music
Kampala is also an excellent starting point for many Uganda safari itineraries.
Travelers can spend match days enjoying football and use their free days to explore the city or begin an organized safari.
10. Visit the Uganda Equator
A visit to the Equator is a fun addition to an AFCON holiday.
The Equator crossing provides travelers with an opportunity to take photographs, shop for souvenirs and learn about the geographical significance of the Equator.
It can also be incorporated into some western Uganda safari routes.
For international visitors, standing on the Equator is a memorable experience and an easy way to add something unique to a Uganda itinerary.
11. Discover Ugandan Food
Football and safari are only part of the Ugandan experience.
Food lovers should take time to sample local dishes and experience Uganda’s diverse culinary traditions.
Popular foods visitors may encounter include:
- Matoke
- Rolex
- Ugali
- Groundnut sauce
- Grilled meats
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Lake fish
- Chapati
- Beans and rice
The famous Ugandan Rolex, made with chapati and eggs, is particularly popular as a quick and affordable street-food experience.
Food is also one of the easiest ways for international visitors to interact with local people and experience Ugandan culture.
12. Experience Ugandan Culture and Local Communities
Uganda is home to many ethnic communities, each with its own traditions, languages, dances, food and cultural practices.
During an AFCON visit, travelers can include cultural experiences alongside wildlife activities.
Community visits can provide opportunities to learn about traditional lifestyles, local crafts, music and dance.
Responsible cultural tourism can also help communities benefit economically from tourism.
13. Go Bird Watching
Uganda is an excellent destination for bird lovers.
The country’s forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers and savannahs provide habitats for a remarkable variety of bird species.
Bird watching can be incorporated into safari itineraries, forest walks and wetland excursions.
For visitors who are not interested in spending every free day watching football, birding provides a peaceful alternative while exploring Uganda’s natural environment.
14. Hike the Rwenzori Mountains
Adventure travelers with more time can consider exploring the Rwenzori Mountains.
Known for dramatic landscapes and high-altitude environments, the Rwenzoris provide opportunities ranging from shorter nature experiences to demanding mountain expeditions.
Uganda Tourism highlights the Rwenzoris among the country’s major adventure and mountaineering destinations.
Because longer mountain expeditions require significant preparation, they are best planned well in advance of an AFCON trip.
Best AFCON Safari Packages in Uganda
Travelers attending AFCON 2027 can choose a safari according to the amount of free time available.
2-Day Uganda Safari
Perfect for visitors with only a short break between matches.
Possible experiences include:
- Wildlife game drive
- Boat cruise
- Short nature experience
- Return to Kampala
3-Day Uganda Safari
A three-day itinerary gives travelers more flexibility.
Possible destinations include:
- Murchison Falls
- Lake Mburo
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
4–5 Day Uganda Safari
Ideal for travelers who want a more comprehensive wildlife experience.
The itinerary can include:
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Cultural experiences
- Wildlife photography
- Nature walks
6–8 Day Uganda Safari
This is ideal for visitors who want to explore more of Uganda.
A longer itinerary could combine:
Kampala → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Kampala
Depending on the route and available time, visitors can include chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking.
10+ Day Uganda Safari
Travelers with longer holidays can experience a combination of wildlife, primates, mountains, culture and adventure.
A longer trip can include:
- Murchison Falls
- Kibale Forest
- Queen Elizabeth
- Bwindi
- Lake Mburo
- Jinja
- Kampala
Combine AFCON 2027 With a Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
One of the best ways to experience Uganda during AFCON is to combine football with a safari.
For example:
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Day 2: Kampala city tour
Day 3: AFCON match
Day 4: Travel toward western Uganda
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park safari
Day 7: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 8: Travel to Bwindi
Day 9: Gorilla trekking
Day 10: Return to Kampala
The itinerary can be modified depending on match dates, available flights and the visitor’s preferred activities.
Why Choose Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help international football supporters transform an AFCON visit into a complete Uganda holiday.
Instead of organizing transportation, accommodation, park activities and safari logistics separately, travelers can work with a local safari operator to create an itinerary around their football schedule.
A customized AFCON safari can include:
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Private safari transportation
- Professional driver-guide
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Gorilla trekking arrangements
- Chimpanzee experiences
- Cultural tours
- City tours
- Customized itineraries
The biggest advantage of planning ahead is flexibility. Your safari can be designed around the exact dates of your AFCON matches.
Tips for Visiting Uganda During AFCON 2027
Book Early
AFCON is expected to attract large numbers of visitors to East Africa. Booking accommodation, flights and safari activities early is advisable.
Gorilla trekking in particular requires advance planning because permits and available trekking dates are limited.
Plan Around Match Dates
Do not book a long safari immediately before an important match without allowing enough travel time.
Build a buffer into your itinerary so that unexpected road delays do not cause you to miss a game.
Choose the Right Safari Duration
If you have only two or three free days, choose a destination that works within your schedule.
If you have a week or more, consider combining several destinations.
Pack for Both Football and Safari
Bring comfortable clothing for city activities as well as practical clothing for wildlife experiences.
For gorilla trekking and forest activities, waterproof footwear, a rain jacket and insect repellent can be useful. Tourism Uganda also recommends appropriate jungle footwear and rain protection for gorilla trekking.
Respect Wildlife
Follow the instructions of guides and park authorities.
Never attempt to approach, feed or disturb wildlife.
Responsible tourism helps protect Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Uganda During AFCON 2027
1. When will AFCON 2027 take place?
AFCON 2027 is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will jointly host the tournament.
2. Why should I visit Uganda during AFCON?
Uganda allows football fans to combine the tournament with wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural experiences, adventure activities and city tours.
3. Can I go on safari between AFCON matches?
Yes. Short safari packages can be organized around your match schedule. The best option depends on the location and timing of your matches.
4. Can I go gorilla trekking during AFCON?
Yes. Gorilla trekking can be added before or after the tournament or scheduled during a sufficiently long break between matches.
5. How many days do I need for a Uganda safari?
A short safari can take two or three days, while a more comprehensive Uganda safari can take a week or longer.
6. What wildlife can I see in Uganda?
Depending on the destination, visitors may see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and many bird species.
7. Can Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda organize an AFCON safari?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can be contacted to arrange customized Uganda safari experiences designed around a traveler’s preferred activities and schedule.
8. Can I combine Uganda with Kenya and Tanzania during AFCON?
Yes. Since AFCON 2027 is being jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, travelers may consider a broader East African itinerary. However, travel arrangements and entry requirements should be checked carefully before booking.
9. Is Uganda suitable for families visiting AFCON?
Yes. Families can combine football with wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, city tours and other activities, choosing destinations and activities appropriate for their children.
10. What should I book first?
It is wise to start with your international flights and AFCON match plans, then arrange accommodation, transportation and safari activities around those dates.
Conclusion: Make Your AFCON 2027 Trip More Than Football
AFCON 2027 will give football supporters a rare opportunity to experience East Africa during one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
Uganda offers far more than football. From the roar of the stadium to the sounds of the African wilderness, visitors can experience wildlife safaris, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the Nile, local cuisine, cultural traditions and the welcoming atmosphere of the Pearl of Africa.
The tournament will be hosted jointly by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, making AFCON 2027 a particularly special opportunity to explore East Africa.
For travelers planning their trip, AFCON 2027 + Uganda Safari is a combination worth considering.
Whether you have two free days between matches or several weeks to explore, Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help you turn your football journey into an unforgettable African adventure.
Come for the football. Stay for the wildlife. Leave with memories of Uganda.