Quick answer: AFCON 2027 runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027 across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. That window falls in Uganda’s long dry season, which is one of the best times to trek mountain gorillas. Most visitors fit a 3 to 5 day gorilla trip between group matches in Kampala, or add it after the group stage. Book your gorilla permit as early as possible, because June and July are already peak months.
- Tournament dates
- 19 June to 17 July 2027
- Co-hosts
- Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
- Uganda venues named
- Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala and Hoima City Stadium, with Akii Bua Stadium in Lira also named in venue plans
- Where to see gorillas
- Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- Uganda permit (2027)
- US$800 per foreign non-resident
- Rwanda permit
- US$1,500 per person
AFCON 2027 is the first Africa Cup of Nations shared by three countries, and East Africa has never hosted the tournament before. For football fans, that creates a rare chance: you can watch your team in Kampala and, a few days later, sit an hour away from a family of mountain gorillas in the forests of southwestern Uganda. This guide explains how to plan that combination without missing a match.
Why AFCON 2027 is a good time for gorilla trekking
June and July sit in Uganda’s long dry season. Forest trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga are still steep and muddy in places, but they are usually drier than in the rainy months, and treks are easier to schedule. The trade-off is demand. These are already popular months for gorilla trekking, and AFCON will bring thousands of extra visitors into the region. Permits are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family per day, so they cannot be “added” when demand rises.
How many days do you need?
A gorilla trek itself takes one day. The time goes into travel. From Kampala, most sectors of Bwindi are a long day’s drive away, so plan at least three days by road, or two days if you fly to an airstrip near the park.
| Trip length | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Fly to Kigali or to an airstrip near Bwindi, trek, return | Fans with a short gap between matches |
| 3 days | Drive Kampala to Bwindi, trek, drive back | The most common choice between group games |
| 4 to 5 days | Add chimpanzees, Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park | Fans with a free week after the group stage |
| 7 days and more | Full primate and wildlife circuit | Visitors arriving early or staying after the final |
Uganda or Rwanda for your gorilla trek?
If your matches are in Kampala, Uganda is the natural choice. Bwindi has the largest number of habituated gorilla families, and the 2027 permit fee is about half of Rwanda’s. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a strong option if you want a shorter trip: Kigali is about an hour’s flight from Entebbe, and the park is roughly two to two and a half hours’ drive from Kigali. Our 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Express from Kigali was designed for travellers with a tight schedule.
Three ways to fit gorillas around your matches
1. Between two group matches in Kampala
If your team has four or five days between games, a 3-day Bwindi trip fits well. Leave Kampala early on day one, trek on day two, and return on day three. If the gap is shorter, choose a flying option.
2. Before the tournament starts
Arriving a week early lets you trek without watching the calendar. You recover from the hike before the opening matches, and you avoid the busiest travel days around kick-off.
3. After your team’s last match
Many fans plan their safari for the end of the trip. This is the most relaxed option, and it is a good way to combine gorillas with a wildlife safari in a 7-day Uganda primates safari.
Booking your gorilla permit
Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and foreign visitors book them through a licensed Ugandan tour operator. Each permit is for a specific date and sector, so your match schedule should be clear before you book. Because the official fixture list may only be confirmed later, many travellers reserve a permit for the most likely free days and plan their match tickets around it. Read our AFCON 2027 calendar and host city guide for the latest dates and venues.
Recommended trips for AFCON visitors
- 4-Day Luxury Gorilla and Chimps Safari: gorillas and chimpanzees in one short trip
- 5-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari: trek in both countries
- 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali: an easy add-on if you fly via Kigali
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch AFCON matches and go gorilla trekking on the same trip?
Yes. With three to five free days you can trek in Bwindi and return to Kampala. Shorter gaps work best with a flight to Kigali or to an airstrip near the park.
How much is a gorilla permit during AFCON 2027?
In Uganda, a standard gorilla trekking permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents in 2027. In Rwanda, it costs US$1,500. Always confirm the current fee when you book.
When should I book?
As early as possible. June and July are peak trekking months even without a major tournament, and permits are limited each day.
Planning AFCON 2027 with a gorilla trek? Send us your match dates and we will build a trip around them, including permits, transport and lodges.
