Quick answer: Tanzania’s AFCON 2027 venues include Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a stadium in Arusha and Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Arusha is the gateway to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, so an Arusha match pairs naturally with a northern circuit safari. Zanzibar matches pair with beach time or a short fly-in safari.
- Tanzania venues named
- Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar es Salaam), Arusha stadium, Amaan Stadium (Zanzibar)
- Safari gateway
- Arusha
- Northern circuit parks
- Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
- Serengeti in June and July
- Migration herds are often in the western and central Serengeti
- Visa note
- Tanzania is not covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa
Tanzania is expected to host more AFCON 2027 matches than any other co-host, across Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar. Each city offers a different kind of side trip. This guide shows which safari fits which host city, and how to plan it around your fixtures.
Arusha matches: the northern safari circuit
Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru and is the starting point for most safaris in northern Tanzania. From here you can reach:
- Tarangire: large elephant herds and baobab trees, about two to three hours away
- Lake Manyara: a compact park on the way to Ngorongoro
- Ngorongoro Crater: a huge volcanic caldera with dense wildlife on the crater floor
- Serengeti: best on a longer trip or with a flight
Our 5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari fits well after an Arusha match.
The Great Migration in June and July
During the AFCON period, the migration herds are often in the western and central Serengeti, and river crossings at the Grumeti can happen around June. Later in July, many herds move north toward Kenya’s Masai Mara. Timing changes every year with the rains, so a good guide will follow current reports rather than a fixed calendar.
Dar es Salaam matches
Dar es Salaam is further from the northern parks, so most fans fly to Arusha or to a Serengeti airstrip for a safari. Southern Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park is also reachable by short flight. See our 3-Day Serengeti Fly-in Safari for a quick option.
Zanzibar matches
If your team plays in Zanzibar, you are already in one of East Africa’s best beach destinations. Many fans relax on the island after the match, then fly to the mainland for a short safari.
Adding gorillas to a Tanzania AFCON trip
Tanzania has no mountain gorillas, but you can fly to Kigali or Entebbe. A popular route is Tanzania matches and safari first, then a gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda before flying home. Read AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking to plan it.
Visa reminder
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only. If you travel to Tanzania, you need a separate Tanzanian visa. Our East Africa visa guide explains the rules.
Sample 4-day plan after an Arusha match
- Day 1: Match in Arusha.
- Day 2: Drive to Tarangire for a full game drive.
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
- Day 4: Lake Manyara or return to Arusha.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the Serengeti in one day from Arusha?
Not by road. A fly-in trip of two or three days is the minimum for a good Serengeti visit.
Is Ngorongoro possible as a day trip?
Yes, from Arusha or nearby towns, though it is a long day. Two days is more comfortable.
Which is better during AFCON: Tanzania or Uganda?
Tanzania is best for open savannah and the migration. Uganda is best for gorillas and chimpanzees. Many fans combine both.
Following your team to Tanzania? We can plan a northern circuit safari or a gorilla extension around your matches.
