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AFCON 2027 in East Africa: The Ultimate Guide to the Africa Cup of Nations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
AFCON 2027 in East Africa is set to become one of the most exciting sporting events in African history, bringing together football supporters, international visitors and national teams from across the continent. For the first time, the Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the region’s sporting talent, cultural diversity, wildlife destinations and tourism experiences.
The tournament, officially known as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, is expected to attract thousands of football fans, international media professionals, players and tourists. Beyond the football matches, the event will introduce visitors to some of Africa’s most remarkable destinations, from Uganda’s gorilla trekking forests and wildlife parks to Kenya’s famous safari landscapes and Tanzania’s beautiful beaches and cultural attractions.
For Tukumbe Tours and Travel, AFCON 2027 presents an exciting opportunity to connect football tourism with unforgettable East African safari experiences. Visitors can combine their passion for football with wildlife adventures, cultural encounters, nature excursions and memorable journeys across the three host countries.
What Is AFCON 2027?
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the biggest international football competition organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It brings together national football teams from across Africa to compete for the continental championship.
The 2027 edition will be particularly special because Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will share hosting responsibilities. It will be the first time in the competition’s history that three countries jointly host the tournament.
The official name is TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.
The word Pamoja is Swahili for together, representing unity, cooperation and the shared ambition of the three East African countries.
The tournament is also significant because AFCON returns to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976. This makes the 2027 edition an important milestone for the region’s football development and international tourism.
When Will AFCON 2027 Take Place?
Football supporters and international visitors can already plan around the official tournament dates.
Opening match: 19 June 2027.
Final match: 17 July 2027.
Host countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Competition: TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.
Participating teams: 24 national teams.
The month-long competition is expected to attract visitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and other parts of the world.
Fans will have an opportunity to follow their national teams while exploring the attractions of East Africa. The tournament will also provide an opportunity for local tourism businesses to introduce international visitors to the region’s hospitality, wildlife and cultural experiences.
Which Countries Will Host AFCON 2027?
Three East African countries will jointly host AFCON 2027. Each country offers a different atmosphere, football culture and tourism experience.
Uganda – The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is expected to play an important role in hosting the competition, welcoming football supporters and international visitors.
The capital, Kampala, is a major centre for accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and transport. Uganda’s football supporters are particularly passionate about the national team, the Uganda Cranes.
Beyond the stadiums, Uganda offers some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife and nature experiences.
Popular destinations include:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is home to endangered mountain gorillas and is one of the world’s most famous gorilla trekking destinations.
Murchison Falls National Park: Famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, boat cruises and wildlife safaris, this park offers opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and numerous bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: One of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations, Queen Elizabeth is known for elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Kibale National Park: This destination is internationally recognised for chimpanzee tracking and its rich tropical forest biodiversity.
Lake Bunyonyi: Surrounded by beautiful green hills and islands, Lake Bunyonyi is an excellent destination for relaxation, canoeing and scenic experiences.
For football fans, Uganda offers the opportunity to combine AFCON match experiences with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris and cultural tours.
Kenya – Home of the Harambee Stars
Kenya is internationally recognised for its wildlife safaris, beautiful landscapes, beaches and rich sporting culture.
Its capital, Nairobi, is expected to be one of the major centres of AFCON 2027 activities. The country has a strong football following, with supporters looking forward to cheering the Harambee Stars.
Kenya also offers exceptional attractions for visitors who want to explore beyond football.
Popular destinations include:
Maasai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the Great Migration, lions, elephants and other wildlife, the Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most recognised safari destinations.
Amboseli National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and wildlife viewing.
Nairobi National Park: An unusual wildlife destination located close to a major capital city, offering visitors an opportunity to see wildlife against an urban backdrop.
Diani Beach: A popular coastal destination known for white sandy beaches, clear waters and water activities.
Kenya’s combination of football, wildlife and coastal tourism makes it an attractive destination for international AFCON visitors.
Tanzania – Home of the Taifa Stars
Tanzania completes the historic three-country hosting arrangement. Its national team, the Taifa Stars, will have the opportunity to compete in front of home supporters.
Dar es Salaam is an important commercial and transport centre, while other parts of Tanzania offer outstanding wildlife and beach experiences.
Some of the country’s leading attractions include:
Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration and large populations of African wildlife.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Home to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and diverse wildlife.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest mountain and a major attraction for adventure travellers.
Zanzibar: Famous for white-sand beaches, historic Stone Town and Indian Ocean experiences.
Tarangire National Park: Known for elephants, baobab trees and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tanzania offers visitors an opportunity to experience world-class wildlife destinations and tropical beaches alongside the excitement of AFCON.
Which Stadiums Will Host AFCON 2027?
Stadium infrastructure is one of the most important aspects of preparing for a major international football competition.
The three host countries are working to provide suitable football stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transport systems and other supporting infrastructure.
Some of the major facilities involved in the host countries’ preparations include:
Country | Stadium | Location |
|---|---|---|
Kenya | Talanta Stadium | Nairobi |
Kenya | Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani | Nairobi |
Uganda | Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) | Kampala |
Tanzania | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium | Dar es Salaam |
These are important facilities in the host countries’ preparations. However, the final list of approved match venues, match allocations and the stadium hosting the opening match and final should be checked against official CAF announcements.
Stadium inspections and preparations also involve assessing training grounds, hotels, airports, media facilities and other supporting infrastructure.
AFCON 2027 Qualification: Which Teams Are Competing?
The road to AFCON 2027 is an important part of the tournament’s excitement. National teams across Africa are competing for the opportunity to participate in the finals in East Africa.
CAF conducted the qualification draw in May 2026, placing 48 national teams into 12 groups.
Some interesting qualification matchups include:
Group | Selected teams |
|---|---|
Group A | Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho |
Group C | Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia |
Group D | South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea |
Group H | Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana |
Group K | Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia |
Group L | Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau |
The host nations are already guaranteed places in the final tournament, but they are also participating in the qualification campaign.
The final qualification results will determine the remaining teams joining the three hosts in the 2027 finals
Best Safari Experiences to Combine with AFCON 2027
One of the biggest advantages of visiting East Africa during AFCON 2027 is the opportunity to combine football with unforgettable safari experiences.
Instead of travelling only for the matches, international visitors can extend their holidays and explore some of Africa’s most remarkable destinations.
For travellers interested in Uganda and Rwanda, Tukumbe Tours and Travel can help arrange safari experiences before or after the football tournament.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Africa.
Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is internationally recognised for its endangered mountain gorillas.
Visitors can hike through the forest with experienced guides and park rangers to locate a habituated gorilla family.
A gorilla trekking experience offers visitors the opportunity to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat while learning about conservation and the importance of protecting endangered wildlife.
AFCON visitors can consider adding a gorilla trekking safari to their Uganda itinerary, allowing them to experience something beyond the football matches.
Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations.
The park offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and several bird species.
Visitors can enjoy:
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel.
Tree-climbing lion viewing in the Ishasha sector.
Birdwatching and nature experiences.
Scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an excellent addition for travellers who want to experience Uganda’s wildlife after attending AFCON matches.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
For visitors interested in primates, Kibale National Park offers one of the region’s best chimpanzee tracking experiences.
The forest is famous for its chimpanzee population and rich biodiversity.
Visitors can explore the forest with trained guides, observe chimpanzees in their natural environment and learn about their feeding habits, communication and social behaviour.
Chimpanzee tracking can be combined with a wider Uganda safari that includes Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi.
Travel Tips for Visitors Planning to Attend AFCON 2027
Planning early will be important for visitors travelling to Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania during the tournament.
With international football supporters expected to travel across the region, preparation can help make the journey more comfortable.
Book Accommodation Early
Visitors should consider booking hotels and accommodation well in advance, particularly in cities hosting important matches.
Plan International Flights
Travellers should compare flight options into Entebbe, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, depending on their preferred destination and match schedule.
Check Entry Requirements
Before travelling, confirm the latest visa and immigration requirements for each country you intend to visit. Do not assume that permission to enter one host country automatically allows entry into the other two.
Follow Official Match Schedules
CAF will provide official information about fixtures, stadium allocations, ticketing and kick-off times. Visitors should use authorised ticketing channels and avoid unofficial ticket sellers.
Arrange Reliable Ground Transportation
Travelling between cities and countries requires proper planning. Visitors should consider professional transport providers, licensed tour operators and reliable airport transfers.
Allow Enough Time for Cross-Border Travel
Although Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are neighbouring countries, road journeys can take considerable time. Border formalities, traffic and distances should be considered when arranging match attendance and safari activities.
Plan a Safari Extension
Travellers interested in wildlife experiences should consider booking gorilla trekking permits and other activities in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.
Travel Responsibly
Visitors should respect local cultures, wildlife conservation rules and national park regulations. Responsible tourism helps ensure that local communities and natural environments benefit from international visitors.
How Tukumbe Tours and Travel Can Help You Explore East Africa During AFCON 2027
At Tukumbe Tours and Travel, we believe that visiting East Africa should be more than attending an event. It should be an opportunity to discover the region’s wildlife, cultures, beautiful landscapes and welcoming communities.
As visitors prepare for AFCON 2027, we see an opportunity to help international travellers combine their football experiences with memorable Uganda and Rwanda safari holidays.
We can help travellers plan experiences such as:
Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park.
Cultural tours and scenic excursions.
Private safari packages and multi-destination holidays.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, group of friends or solo visitor, a well-planned itinerary can help you experience the best of East Africa.
Make AFCON 2027 the beginning of your East African adventure with Tukumbe Tours and Travel.
Explore our Uganda safaris and Rwanda safari experiences and start planning your journey.
Conclusion: AFCON 2027 Will Put East Africa on the Global Stage
AFCON 2027 in East Africa promises to be a historic celebration of African football, regional cooperation and tourism. With Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania jointly hosting the competition, the region has an extraordinary opportunity to welcome international visitors and showcase its sporting, cultural and natural attractions.
From the passionate football supporters cheering the Uganda Cranes, Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars to international fans travelling to watch their favourite African teams, the tournament is expected to create an exciting atmosphere across the region.
Beyond football, visitors will have the opportunity to discover Uganda’s mountain gorillas, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Rwanda’s remarkable primate destinations.
For Tukumbe Tours and Travel, this is an opportunity to introduce more international travellers to the beauty of East Africa through memorable safari experiences and responsible tourism.
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