Quick answer: Kenya’s AFCON 2027 matches are expected in Nairobi, at venues including Kasarani (Moi International Sports Centre) and the new Talanta Stadium. The Masai Mara is about five to six hours by road from Nairobi or under an hour by light aircraft, so a 3 to 5 day safari fits around Nairobi matches. July is often when the Great Migration herds start arriving in the Mara, though timing varies each year.
- Kenya host city
- Nairobi
- Venues named
- Kasarani (Moi International Sports Centre), Talanta Stadium, with Nyayo National Stadium also listed
- Nairobi to Masai Mara
- About 5 to 6 hours by road, under 1 hour by flight
- Other easy parks
- Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- Gorillas from Nairobi
- Fly to Kigali or Entebbe
Nairobi is one of the best cities in Africa for combining a big event with a safari. You can see wild animals inside the city limits at Nairobi National Park, and some of the continent’s most famous reserves are a short flight away. If your team plays in Kenya during AFCON 2027, here is how to add a safari without missing a game.
Option 1: Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s best-known reserve, with lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and huge herds of plains game. From July, the Great Migration often starts moving into the Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti, although the exact timing depends on rainfall. Even before the herds arrive, game viewing in the Mara is excellent.
- By road: About 5 to 6 hours each way. Best for 3 days or more.
- By air: Light aircraft from Nairobi reach Mara airstrips in under an hour. Good for 2 to 3 days.
See our 7-Day Great Migration Safari in the Masai Mara or the shorter 5-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari.
Option 2: Nairobi National Park on a rest day
If you only have half a day, Nairobi National Park is the obvious choice. It sits on the edge of the city and is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffaloes, often with the city skyline behind them. An early-morning game drive can finish before lunch.
Option 3: Amboseli and Lake Nakuru
Amboseli, about four hours from Nairobi, is known for large elephant herds and views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. Lake Nakuru is closer and good for rhinos. Both work well on a 2 to 3 day trip. Our 7-Day Kenya Classic Safari combines Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.
Adding gorillas to a Kenya AFCON trip
There are no gorillas in Kenya, but Nairobi has direct flights to Kigali and Entebbe. A popular plan is to watch your matches in Nairobi, fly to Kigali for a 2-day Rwanda gorilla trek, then return or continue to Uganda for more AFCON matches. Read AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking for more ideas.
Sample 4-day plan around Nairobi matches
- Day 1: Match in Nairobi.
- Day 2: Morning flight to the Masai Mara, afternoon game drive.
- Day 3: Full day in the Mara.
- Day 4: Morning game drive, flight back to Nairobi for the next match.
Entry and visas
If you plan to watch matches in more than one host country, check entry rules for each one. Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, but Tanzania is not. See our East Africa Tourist Visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Great Migration be in the Masai Mara during AFCON 2027?
Possibly. The herds often begin arriving in July, but the timing changes with the rains. The Mara has excellent wildlife all year.
Can I do a Masai Mara day trip from Nairobi?
By air, yes, though it is a long day. Two or three days give a much better experience.
Is Kenya or Uganda better for AFCON plus a safari?
Kenya is best for big cats and plains game. Uganda is best for gorillas and primates. Many fans combine both. Read Uganda vs Kenya for AFCON 2027.
Watching matches in Nairobi? We can plan a Masai Mara or Amboseli safari around your fixtures.
