The AFCON 2027 road trip will give football fans an opportunity to experience East Africa beyond the stadiums. With Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the Africa Cup of Nations from 19 June to 17 July 2027, visitors can combine football matches with safari, beaches, national parks, cultural experiences and self-drive adventures.
Instead of staying in one city throughout the tournament, travellers can build a road trip around their match schedule. Depending on the amount of time available, an itinerary could include Nairobi and the Maasai Mara, Kampala and Jinja, or Arusha, Serengeti and Dar es Salaam.
For travellers who enjoy independent travel, an AFCON 2027 self-drive road trip can be an exciting way to discover Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Why Plan an AFCON 2027 Road Trip?
AFCON 2027 is particularly interesting for road-trip travellers because the tournament is being hosted across three East African countries.
CAF has described PAMOJA 2027 as a historic three-country tournament, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda preparing stadiums, airports, hotels, transport networks and other infrastructure for the event.
This creates an opportunity to combine football with a wider holiday.
A traveller might spend several days in Nairobi, drive to the Maasai Mara, continue towards Tanzania and finish the trip in Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
Another visitor could arrive in Uganda, explore Kampala and Jinja, travel through western Uganda and then continue towards Tanzania.
The route you choose should depend on your match schedule, available time, border arrangements and preferred destinations.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip in Kenya
Kenya is an excellent starting point for a football and safari road trip.
Nairobi provides an international gateway and access to several major tourism destinations.
Nairobi to Maasai Mara
One of the most attractive AFCON road-trip extensions in Kenya is:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
The journey allows visitors to combine time in the capital with several days of wildlife viewing.
Travellers with more time can also consider:
Nairobi → Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara
or:
Nairobi → Amboseli → Nairobi
A 4×4 rental can be particularly useful if your itinerary includes national parks and safari areas.
Kenya to Tanzania Road Trip
Travellers with additional time can continue south towards Tanzania.
A possible route is:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro
This creates a combined Kenya Tanzania safari road trip around AFCON 2027.
However, international rental-car travel must be authorized by the rental company before departure.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip in Tanzania
Tanzania offers some of the most famous safari destinations in East Africa, making it an ideal country for extending an AFCON trip.
The best starting point depends on your travel plans.
Arusha Safari Road Trip
Arusha is a convenient base for exploring northern Tanzania.
A classic route is:
Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Arusha
This itinerary can be extended depending on the number of days available.
Travellers using a Tanzania 4×4 rental can also consider camping with a rooftop tent.
Dar es Salaam and Southern Tanzania
Travellers interested in the coast and southern safari circuit can consider:
Dar es Salaam → Mikumi → Nyerere → Dar es Salaam
With additional time, the route can be extended towards Ruaha.
A road trip can also finish with a beach holiday on the Tanzanian coast or an onward journey to Zanzibar.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip in Uganda
Uganda offers a combination of cities, lakes, forests, wildlife and adventure activities.
International visitors can begin their trip at Entebbe and continue to Kampala.
Entebbe to Jinja Road Trip
A shorter itinerary could be:
Entebbe → Kampala → Jinja → Entebbe
Jinja provides opportunities for visitors interested in the Nile, adventure activities and cultural experiences.
Uganda Wildlife Road Trip
Travellers with more time can continue west:
Kampala → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth National Park
The route can be extended towards Kibale or other destinations depending on the available time.
Kenya Tanzania Uganda Road Trip
For travellers staying in East Africa for several weeks, a three-country itinerary can create a much larger AFCON adventure.
One possible route is:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Serengeti → Kampala → Jinja
Another option is:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Dar es Salaam
A third route could focus on Uganda and Tanzania:
Entebbe → Kampala → Jinja → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth → Tanzania → Arusha
These are examples rather than fixed itineraries. Your final route should be designed around your match schedule, vehicle arrangements and border permissions.
Best 4×4 for an AFCON 2027 Road Trip
The right vehicle depends on the type of road trip you are planning.
SUV Rental
An SUV can be suitable for travellers focusing on cities, airports and major highways.
It provides additional luggage space and passenger comfort while remaining practical for everyday driving.
Toyota Prado 4×4
A Toyota Prado rental can be a useful choice for travellers combining urban travel with safari.
Its higher ground clearance and 4×4 capability can be useful when travelling on rougher roads.
Toyota Land Cruiser
A Land Cruiser rental can be suitable for longer safari journeys and travellers carrying additional luggage or camping equipment.
It is particularly useful when your AFCON trip includes several national parks.
Rooftop Tent 4×4
For adventurous travellers, a rooftop tent 4×4 rental can turn the tournament into a complete camping road trip.
Depending on the package, camping equipment can include:
- Rooftop tent
- Mattress
- Sleeping bags
- Refrigerator
- Cooking equipment
- Gas stove
- Table and chairs
- Camping utensils
- Recovery equipment
Always confirm the equipment included in your rental quotation.
AFCON 2027 Self-Drive Road Trip
A self-drive AFCON 2027 road trip provides flexibility for travellers who are comfortable driving in East Africa.
You can choose your departure times, stop at attractions along the way and create a holiday around your football matches.
However, self-drive requires realistic planning.
Long distances, border procedures, road conditions, wildlife areas and weather can affect journey times.
Do not plan your itinerary around the shortest possible driving time. Allow enough time for breaks, border formalities and unexpected delays.
Cross-Border AFCON Road Trips
A major attraction of the tournament is the possibility of visiting all three host countries.
However, crossing an international border in a rental vehicle requires permission from the rental company.
Before booking, tell the company whether you intend to travel:
Kenya → Tanzania
Tanzania → Uganda
Uganda → Kenya
or a combination of all three.
The rental company can then confirm whether the vehicle is authorized for your route.
Possible requirements can include insurance documents, vehicle registration, cross-border authorization, temporary import documentation and applicable border fees.
Do not assume that a vehicle rented in one country can automatically be driven across the region.
One-Way AFCON 2027 Road Trips
One-way rental can make a multi-country itinerary more convenient.
For example, you may want to collect your vehicle in Nairobi and return it in Arusha.
Another possible arrangement could be:
Arusha → Dar es Salaam
or:
Dar es Salaam → Arusha
International one-way rental depends on fleet availability and vehicle-return arrangements.
Ask for written confirmation of the complete route and all additional charges before booking.
AFCON Road Trip From Nairobi
Nairobi can be used as the starting point for several different itineraries.
Short trip
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Kenya safari trip
Nairobi → Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Kenya-Tanzania trip
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Ngorongoro
Extended East Africa trip
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Serengeti → Dar es Salaam
The best route depends on the number of matches you plan to attend and the amount of time between them.
AFCON Road Trip From Arusha
Arusha is particularly useful for travellers who want to combine football with Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
A classic itinerary is:
Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Arusha
For a longer road trip, you could continue towards:
Arusha → Serengeti → Mwanza
or travel south:
Arusha → Dodoma → Morogoro → Dar es Salaam
Travellers should select routes according to road conditions, available time and rental-company restrictions.
AFCON Road Trip From Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is a useful starting point for southern Tanzania.
A short wildlife extension can follow:
Dar es Salaam → Mikumi → Dar es Salaam
A longer itinerary could be:
Dar es Salaam → Mikumi → Nyerere → Ruaha
Travellers can also combine their road trip with coastal destinations.
AFCON Road Trip From Kampala
Kampala provides a starting point for exploring Uganda.
A short itinerary could include:
Kampala → Jinja → Kampala
For wildlife:
Kampala → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travellers with additional time can continue towards western Uganda and other national parks.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip and Safari
One of the biggest advantages of an East African AFCON road trip is the opportunity to combine football with wildlife.
Kenya
Explore:
Maasai Mara
Amboseli
Lake Nakuru
Tanzania
Explore:
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Tarangire
Mikumi
Nyerere
Ruaha
Uganda
Explore:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls
Kibale
Bwindi
A safari extension can be as short as a few days or form the main part of a longer East African road trip.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip and Camping
A rooftop-tent vehicle provides another way to experience the tournament.
Instead of moving between hotels every night, travellers can carry their accommodation with them and stay at suitable campsites along the route.
This can work particularly well for travellers who want to combine AFCON with a self-drive camping safari.
Camping availability and rules vary between destinations, so check where overnight camping is permitted before starting your route.
How Much Does an AFCON 2027 Road Trip Cost?
The total cost depends heavily on the length and style of the trip.
Your budget may include:
Vehicle rental
Fuel
Accommodation
National park fees
Camping fees
Insurance
Cross-border charges
Border-related costs
Food
Airport pickup
One-way rental charges
Additional equipment
A short city-based trip will have a very different cost from a three-country safari road trip.
When requesting a vehicle quotation, provide the complete itinerary so the rental company can calculate the relevant charges.
What to Pack for an AFCON Road Trip
Your packing list will depend on whether you are travelling between cities or going on safari.
For a longer road trip, consider comfortable clothing, travel documents, chargers, power banks, suitable footwear and basic travel supplies.
For camping trips, confirm whether your rental includes sleeping equipment, cooking equipment, refrigeration and other camping gear before purchasing or carrying additional equipment.
Keep passports, driving documents, rental agreements and border paperwork easily accessible.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip Planning Tips
Start by identifying the matches you want to attend.
Then determine how much time you have before and after each match.
Once your match schedule is clear, select the destinations you want to visit.
Avoid trying to cover too many countries in a short period.
For a one-week trip, focusing on one country may be more practical.
For two weeks, combining two countries can provide more flexibility.
For three weeks or longer, a multi-country East African road trip becomes easier to plan.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip for Families
Families travelling for AFCON can combine matches with wildlife and outdoor activities.
A larger SUV or 4×4 can provide additional space for luggage, children and travel equipment.
Families should also allow extra time for long journeys and avoid scheduling a match immediately after a major cross-country drive.
A relaxed itinerary can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip for Couples
Couples can create a flexible itinerary combining football with safari and beaches.
For example:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Serengeti
or:
Arusha → Serengeti → Zanzibar
A rooftop-tent vehicle can also provide an adventurous option for couples interested in camping.
AFCON 2027 Road Trip With Self Drive Tanzania
Self Drive Tanzania can assist travellers planning Tanzania self-drive adventures and selected East African road trips.
Depending on availability, travellers can enquire about Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser, safari 4×4 vehicles, SUVs, rooftop-tent vehicles and camping equipment.
Airport pickup, one-way rentals, safari extensions and selected cross-border arrangements can also be discussed.
When requesting an AFCON 2027 vehicle quotation, provide your:
Travel dates
Pickup location
Return location
Number of travellers
Preferred vehicle
Countries to be visited
Safari destinations
This information helps the rental team understand your road-trip requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is AFCON 2027?
AFCON 2027 is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Can I make an AFCON 2027 road trip between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda?
A multi-country road trip is possible in principle, but rental-vehicle cross-border permission must be confirmed with the rental company before booking.
What is the best vehicle for an AFCON road trip?
The choice depends on your itinerary. An SUV may suit city and highway travel, while a 4×4 can be more appropriate for safari and rougher routes.
Can I rent a rooftop-tent 4×4 for AFCON?
Selected rental companies offer rooftop-tent vehicles with camping equipment. Availability should be confirmed well in advance.
Can I drive from Nairobi to Arusha in a rental car?
Some rental companies allow this type of cross-border journey, subject to authorization and documentation.
Can I combine AFCON with a safari?
Yes. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda all offer safari destinations that can be added before or after your football itinerary.
Is self-drive suitable for AFCON?
Self-drive can suit experienced travellers who are comfortable with long-distance driving and local road conditions. Those who prefer not to drive can consider chauffeur-driven rental.
Should I book my AFCON road-trip vehicle early?
Travellers requiring a specific 4×4, Land Cruiser, Prado, automatic vehicle or rooftop-tent setup should make enquiries early because availability can vary during major events.
Start Planning Your AFCON 2027 Road Trip
AFCON 2027 will be more than a football tournament. For visitors to East Africa, it can become the starting point for a wider journey through Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
You can combine match days with safari in the Maasai Mara, Serengeti or Queen Elizabeth National Park, explore the cities of Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam, or create a longer self-drive camping adventure.
Whether you need a Kenya 4×4 rental, Tanzania car hire, Uganda self-drive vehicle, rooftop-tent car or cross-border rental, start by building your route around your match schedule.
Contact Self Drive Tanzania to plan your AFCON 2027 road trip, 4×4 rental, self-drive safari or Kenya–Tanzania–Uganda adventure.