By Naru Zanzibar
Last updated: 21 September 2026
AFCON 2027 will take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For travellers considering Tanzania, the tournament creates an opportunity to combine football with a private safari, a Zanzibar beach holiday and time exploring the country beyond the stadium. CAF confirms the tournament dates and host countries in its official guide.
The important question is how to bring those experiences together.
Your team’s match location, the hotel you choose and the time spent moving between destinations will shape the trip as much as the experiences themselves.
At Naru Zanzibar, we approach the journey around those details: where you need to be, how you want to spend your days and what will make the holiday feel personal. That might mean a well-located city hotel for the football, a few nights in a safari lodge and a quieter stretch beside the Indian Ocean.
This guide explains what is confirmed, what still needs checking and how to plan an AFCON 2027 Tanzania and Zanzibar trip at a comfortable pace.
AFCON 2027: The Essential Details
Opening match: 19 June 2027
Final: 17 July 2027
Host countries: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda
Tournament name: Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON or CAN
Joint-hosting name: PAMOJA 2027
Expected number of teams: 24
The host countries and tournament dates are confirmed. Final venue selections, individual match locations and ticketing announcements should be checked separately through CAF.
An important distinction: AFCON qualifying fixtures are not the schedule for the finals in June and July 2027. Before booking travel around a match, make sure you are looking at the correct stage of the competition.
Where Will AFCON 2027 Matches Be Played in Tanzania?
Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar feature in Tanzania’s preparations. However, a stadium being prepared for the tournament does not confirm which teams will play there.
As of this article’s update, the final venue list and complete match allocations were still awaiting publication. The latest venue overview distinguishes the stadiums under preparation from the final CAF selections.
For travellers, the practical implications are significant:
Dar es Salaam is a mainland coastal city. A stay here can be combined with a separate Zanzibar extension.
Arusha is in northern Tanzania. It is a different travel base, particularly relevant when considering a northern safari itinerary.
Zanzibar requires its own island travel arrangements. A beachfront resort should not automatically be treated as convenient accommodation for a mainland match.
If you are following one national team, wait for its confirmed fixtures before committing to every hotel night.
Will Zanzibar Host AFCON 2027 Matches?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania’s preparations, including the Fumba stadium project. Specific matches should only be treated as confirmed once they appear in CAF’s official tournament schedule. Read the reporting on Zanzibar’s preparations.
You can still plan a Zanzibar holiday around the tournament, whether your football takes place on the island or elsewhere in East Africa.
How Should You Start Planning an AFCON 2027 Trip?
Start with the football commitments, then build the holiday around them.
1. Decide what you want to attend
Are you travelling for one match, following your team through the group stage or hoping to stay for the knockout rounds?
Those are different itineraries. Following a team further into the tournament requires more flexibility because its progress and subsequent travel needs cannot be guaranteed.
2. Choose your overall travel window
Allow time for international arrival, domestic connections and recovery after travel. Our recommendation is to arrive in the match city at least the day before an important game, with a larger buffer where the route needs it.
3. Add your safari or Zanzibar stay
For a shorter holiday, choose football and Zanzibar. With more time, add a safari that fits the route.
4. Check the terms before paying
Find out what happens if your match plans change. Ask about cancellation deadlines, amendment charges and whether a deposit is refundable. A flexible itinerary on paper does not necessarily mean flexible supplier terms.
How Do You Buy AFCON 2027 Tickets?
Follow CAF’s official announcements and use the ticketing channels CAF identifies as authorised.
Before paying for a ticket or hospitality offer, check the match, seating category, seller’s authorisation and delivery arrangements. A hotel reservation or travel-package invoice does not establish that match tickets have been secured.
Be particularly clear about the distinction between luxury travel and official stadium hospitality. A private transfer and a five-star hotel do not include lounge access, premium seating or stadium privileges unless those services are explicitly confirmed.
Naru Zanzibar plans the travel around the football. We do not sell or guarantee official AFCON match tickets and are not an official CAF hospitality provider.
Where Should You Stay During AFCON 2027?
Choose your match-city accommodation for the journey you will actually make.
The most useful questions are not limited to star rating:
How practical is the route to the confirmed stadium?
Where can your driver legally drop you off and collect you?
Will dinner be available after a late return?
Does the room arrangement suit your group?
Can you change the booking if your plans change?
A hotel that looks close on a map may still involve a complicated journey. Match-day access arrangements and traffic should be checked nearer the event.
For a luxury trip, a comfortable room matters. So does returning to it without an unnecessarily difficult transfer.
Where Should You Stay in Zanzibar Before or After AFCON?
For the island portion of your trip, choose the coast according to the holiday you want.
Stone Town suits travellers interested in architecture, food and culture. It can work well for a short stay before moving to the beach.
Kendwa and parts of Nungwi are worth considering when sea swimming and sunsets are priorities. Nungwi can offer a more active atmosphere, although the exact hotel location matters.
Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani and Pongwe offer different options for a resort-focused stay on the northeast and east coast.
Paje, Jambiani and Dongwe suit different versions of an east- or southeast-coast holiday, from cafés and watersports to quieter resort time. Compare them in our guide to where to stay in Zanzibar.
Luxury Zanzibar Hotels to Consider
These properties illustrate three different styles of stay; they are not a list of confirmed AFCON availability.
HotelLocationWhy consider it?Park Hyatt ZanzibarStone TownA waterfront hotel for combining comfort with exploring the historic town.Zuri ZanzibarKendwaBungalows, suites and villas in tropical gardens beside the northwestern coast.Baraza Resort & SpaSoutheast coastAn all-inclusive, villa-based resort for a stay centred on privacy and hotel time.
The best choice depends on your dates, room requirements, preferred atmosphere and excursions—not simply which hotel is most recognisable.
Check the Beach, Not Just the Room
On much of Zanzibar’s east coast, low tide changes access to sea swimming. Kendwa and parts of Nungwi generally offer more consistent access across the tidal cycle, although conditions always depend on the exact beach and sea state.
If swimming directly from the beach matters to you, read our Zanzibar tides guide before choosing your hotel.
How Do You Travel Between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
The main options from Dar es Salaam are a domestic flight or a passenger ferry. Zanzibar also has air connections with destinations such as Arusha and safari airstrips. Check the operating schedule for your actual travel dates through the airline or ferry operator.
Compare the full journey, not just the flight or crossing time.
That includes hotel pickup, check-in, baggage collection and the transfer to your next hotel. A short flight can still occupy a substantial part of the day.
For a safari connection, confirm the exact airports and airstrips, luggage allowance and whether the flight includes intermediate stops. Do not assume an international baggage allowance applies to a smaller safari aircraft.
Can You Stay in Zanzibar and Travel to Mainland Matches?
We recommend staying on the mainland for your mainland match nights.
A same-day return depends on transport schedules, the final whistle, stadium exit time and onward connections. It leaves little room for disruption.
For a comfortable trip, treat Zanzibar as a separate stay before, after or between suitable blocks of matches.
Which Tanzania Safari Works Best Around AFCON?
The right safari starts with your route and the nights available.
A Northern Tanzania Safari
If your itinerary brings you through Arusha, consider a northern safari incorporating selected destinations such as Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti.
Choose the parks carefully rather than assuming every itinerary should include all three. Arusha is a gateway to northern safari travel, with onward air connections including the Serengeti. Check the available routes when planning.
For a luxury experience, consider how much time the itinerary gives you in the wildlife areas, the location of the lodge and whether game drives are private or shared.
A Safari Connecting With Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
A fly-in safari in the Nyerere area can be worth comparing with a northern route if your trip is centred on the coast. Airlines may still list relevant services under “Selous”; confirm the precise airstrip and its connection to your lodge. Coastal lists services connecting this area with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Our recommendation for a short safari is to give one area enough time. Two nights in one lodge can offer a more comfortable experience than changing camps repeatedly.
Wildlife sightings and migration events cannot be guaranteed. Choose the safari for the overall experience, not a promise of seeing a particular animal or river crossing.
Explore Naru Bush & Beach for safari-and-island inspiration. Any AFCON itinerary should be adapted to your confirmed football plans.
What Should You Do in Zanzibar Between or After Matches?
For a short Zanzibar extension, we suggest one ocean experience, one cultural outing and enough unplanned time to enjoy your hotel.
Spend Time on a Traditional Dhow
A dhow sail gives the trip a different pace: time on the water, coastal views and a shared experience with the people you travelled with.
Choose a daytime or sunset experience according to your interests, departure location and the available itinerary.
Explore the Waters Around Mnemba
Mnemba-area snorkelling can be a highlight of an island stay. Confirm the boat type, departure point and road transfer from your hotel.
An excursion to the surrounding waters should not be confused with access to the private island itself. Marine conditions and wildlife sightings vary.
Discover Stone Town
Make time for Stone Town’s streets, markets, architecture and Swahili heritage. A guided visit helps connect what you see with the history and everyday life of the town.
Explore the available options through Naru’s Zanzibar tours.
Leave a Day Without an Excursion
A late breakfast, a swim, a spa treatment or an afternoon reading can be exactly what the trip needs after busy football days.
For Naru, luxury includes having time to enjoy where you are staying.
How Many Days Do You Need for Football, Safari and Zanzibar?
For planning purposes, we suggest around a week for a focused football-and-beach trip and 10–14 days when adding a safari.
These are starting points, not official match schedules.
Trip lengthSuggested allocationBest suited to7 days / 6 nights2 match-city nights and 4 Zanzibar nightsA focused one-match trip with an island extension10 days / 9 nights3 match-city nights, 2 safari nights and 4 Zanzibar nightsFootball, a short safari and beach time14 days / 13 nights4 match-city nights, 4 safari nights and 5 Zanzibar nightsA longer safari and a more relaxed island stay
The allocation must change if your fixtures, arrival times or connections require it. Attending several matches may need substantially more time.
A Sample 10-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Itinerary
Days 1–3: Arrival and football
Settle into your match-city hotel, attend your confirmed game and leave room for local exploration and recovery.
Days 4–5: Safari
Travel to the selected safari area and spend two nights at one lodge. The first day’s activities depend on your arrival time.
Day 6: Travel to Zanzibar
Continue to the island and settle into your hotel.
Day 7: Beach and hotel time
Keep the day open after the safari and travel.
Day 8: Ocean experience
Choose a dhow sail or snorkelling excursion, subject to suitable conditions.
Day 9: Culture or another slow day
Explore Stone Town if it fits your hotel location and route, or enjoy another day at the beach.
Day 10: Departure
Arrange your transfer around the confirmed flight time, including an appropriate connection buffer where necessary.
What Is Zanzibar Like in June and July?
June and July generally fall within Zanzibar’s drier part of the year, making them attractive months for combining beach time with the tournament. Seasonal patterns are useful for planning but do not predict the weather on individual dates. Our Zanzibar travel guide explains the broader seasons.
Drier weather does not mean the sea will always be calm. Wind, tides and sea conditions can affect snorkelling, sailing and sandbank visits.
Where possible, keep some flexibility around your ocean day rather than leaving it until the final hours of the holiday.
How Much Does a Luxury AFCON 2027 Trip Cost?
There is no single reliable price for a luxury AFCON trip without knowing the route, dates, room arrangements and inclusions.
The main cost drivers are:
The number of nights and destinations
Hotel and room category
Single occupancy, shared rooms or private villas
Safari lodge, park fees and game-drive arrangements
Domestic flights and baggage requirements
Private transfers and vehicle requirements
Private versus shared experiences
Meals, drinks, taxes and planning services included
When comparing quotations, look beyond the headline price.
Ask whether transfers cover both directions, whether safari fees are included and whether everyone in the group is paying for the same activities. Check what “all-inclusive” means at the specific hotel.
Naru prepares quotations around the requested journey and confirmed availability. Official match tickets are separate.
Planning for Couples, Families and Supporters’ Groups
Not everyone in your group needs the same itinerary.
Some guests may want every match. Others may be more interested in the safari, restaurants or beach. Establish who is joining each activity before confirming the booking.
For families, consider room layout, children’s ages, journey lengths and downtime. For groups of friends, discuss room sharing, privacy and budget expectations early.
Vehicle arrangements should account for passengers and luggage. Boat bookings also need to match the vessel’s capacity and the type of experience requested.
A carefully planned group holiday can bring everyone together for the important moments while leaving space for different interests.
Do You Need a Visa or Zanzibar Travel Insurance?
Visa requirements depend on your passport nationality and itinerary. Tanzania’s official visa system covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar; check your eligibility through Tanzania Immigration.
Zanzibar also has a separate mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement. Check its current application rules, eligibility and coverage through the official Zanzibar insurance portal. Do not assume an existing travel policy automatically replaces it.
If you are also visiting Kenya or Uganda, check each country’s entry requirements and your eligibility to re-enter Tanzania where relevant. Jointly hosting AFCON does not automatically create one shared entry permission.
Recheck requirements before departure, as this guide is being published ahead of the tournament.
More AFCON 2027 Travel Questions
Can I Add Zanzibar After Watching Matches in Kenya or Uganda?
Yes, Zanzibar can form a separate Tanzania extension. Plan the international connection, entry requirements and onward travel before confirming your hotel. Do not assume that every route will have a convenient nonstop service on your preferred dates.
Should I Visit Zanzibar Before or After the Football?
Our preference for a relaxation-focused trip is often Zanzibar after your final planned match. It gives the journey a slower finish. Zanzibar first can also work, provided you leave a comfortable buffer before travelling to the match city.
Where Can I Watch AFCON Matches in Zanzibar Without Going to a Stadium?
Check directly with your hotel or a local venue about the specific match. Ask whether it will be screened live, whether sound will be on and whether reservations are required. Do not assume that every resort bar will show every game.
What Should I Arrange Before Leaving for the Stadium?
Confirm your tickets, entry instructions, permitted items, pickup point and return meeting point. Keep your driver’s contact details and booking information accessible. Allow for a longer return if the match includes extra time or penalties.
Can I Book a Last-Minute Zanzibar Extension?
Possibly, subject to accommodation, transport and experience availability. A shorter stay in one area may be easier to arrange than a multi-hotel itinerary. Ask what is available for your actual dates before committing to the onward journey.
Plan Your AFCON 2027 Tanzania and Zanzibar Journey With Naru
The football gives your trip its fixed moments. The rest should reflect how you want to travel.
Naru Zanzibar can help bring together your Zanzibar accommodation, private transfers, island experiences and safari extension as part of a considered itinerary.
We start with your dates, match plans, group and priorities. From there, we look at the route, the hotels, the travel days and the experiences that fit.
When you contact us, share:
Your intended arrival and departure dates
The team or confirmed matches you plan to follow
Your match cities, if known
The number of adults and children travelling
Whether you want to include a safari
Your preferred hotel style and room arrangements
Your approximate budget and whether it includes international flights
You do not need every detail confirmed to begin the conversation. Tell us what is fixed and what is still flexible.
Explore our Zanzibar travel packages, or request a personalised Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary.
Email: hello@naruzanzibar.com
Experience Zanzibar, the Naru way.
Naru Zanzibar is an independent travel company and is not affiliated with CAF. Official match tickets and stadium hospitality are not included in Naru arrangements. Tournament information and travel requirements remain subject to official updates.
