Quick answer: A three-country AFCON 2027 trip works best with Uganda as the base for gorillas, Kenya for the Masai Mara and Tanzania for the Serengeti, linked by short flights between Entebbe, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro or Arusha, and Kigali. Allow at least 14 days to watch several matches and add a gorilla trek and one savannah safari without rushing.
- Tournament
- 19 June to 17 July 2027
- Co-hosts
- Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
- Main airports
- Entebbe, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, plus Kigali for Rwanda
- Gorillas
- Uganda (Bwindi, Mgahinga) or Rwanda (Volcanoes)
- Suggested length
- 14 days or more
AFCON 2027 is the first tournament shared by three countries, and many fans will follow their team across borders. That makes it an unusual chance to see East Africa’s highlights in a single trip: mountain gorillas, the big cats of the Mara and the plains of the Serengeti. This guide shows how to structure a multi-country route that keeps your matches at the centre.
How to structure the route
Start with your fixtures. Mark each match city and date, then fill the gaps with the closest wildlife experience. Flights between Entebbe, Nairobi and Kilimanjaro are short, so moving between countries is not difficult, but each border crossing takes time and paperwork.
Sample 14-day itinerary
| Days | Where | What |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Kampala | Arrive, match at Mandela National Stadium |
| 3 to 5 | Bwindi | Gorilla trek, return to Kampala |
| 6 | Kampala | Second match |
| 7 to 8 | Nairobi | Fly to Nairobi, match |
| 9 to 11 | Masai Mara | Fly-in or road safari |
| 12 to 14 | Arusha | Match and Ngorongoro Crater, fly home |
This plan is an example. Your fixtures will decide the order.
Where gorillas fit best
Gorillas work best early in the trip, while you have the most energy and before your team’s knockout fixtures are known. If your first match is in Kampala, a 3-day Bwindi trip is easy. If you start in Nairobi, fly to Kigali for a 3-day Rwanda gorilla safari instead. For longer primate trips, see our 10-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari.
Visas and border rules
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda on one multiple-entry visa, as long as you enter through the country that issued it. Tanzania is not part of this visa and needs a separate one. Read our East Africa Tourist Visa guide before booking flights.
Practical tips for a multi-country AFCON trip
- Book permits first: Gorilla permits are the hardest piece to secure in June and July.
- Leave buffer days: Knockout fixtures may change your plans, so avoid back-to-back flights and safaris.
- Carry US dollars: Newer, clean and undamaged notes are widely preferred. See our guide on how much cash to bring to Uganda per day.
- Use one operator: A single local team can coordinate drivers, lodges and permits across countries.
What if your team reaches the knockouts?
Build the trip so the safari days come before the knockout rounds or after your team is out. That way, a deep tournament run does not force you to cancel a permit. Read AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking for timing strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch matches in all three host countries?
Yes, with flights between them. Plan carefully around visas, especially for Tanzania.
How many days do I need for AFCON plus gorillas and a safari?
At least 14 days if you want several matches, one gorilla trek and one savannah safari.
Which country should I start in?
Start where your first match is. If you have a choice, starting in Uganda makes the gorilla trek easier to fit.
Following your team across East Africa? Send us your fixtures and we will design a route with gorillas and a safari.
