Host nation · Tanzania

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, and the island beyond it.

Tanzania has bid to host the opening match, its venues were reported in September as the furthest along of the three hosts, and Zanzibar sits a fast-ferry ride off the coast.

Dar es Salaam, and the opening and final question

The opening match is on Saturday 19 June 2027 and the final on Saturday 17 July 2027. CAF has not yet said where either is played. In September 2026 CAF's president said all three hosts had bid for the opener.

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, capacity around 60,000, was reported about 95 per cent renovated in September 2026. Arusha and Zanzibar are also reported host cities. As with every venue, final allocation rests with CAF.

If CAF confirms Dar for either end of the tournament, it becomes the one city worth being in twice, at the start and at the end, rather than passing through once.

Zanzibar, a fast-ferry ride away

Zanzibar is under two hours from Dar es Salaam by fast ferry. Stone Town's spice-route lanes and carved doors are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the sandbanks are a short boat ride beyond them.

Opening week is when this works best, before the tournament tightens and while the schedule is still forgiving.

From 29 May 2027 British Airways plans to fly Gatwick to Zanzibar via Kilimanjaro three times a week, which makes the island a possible arrival point in its own right.

Where we stand, honestly

When trips open, we will introduce you to licensed Tanzanian operators and to hotels in Dar and on the island, and you book and pay them directly.

We cannot take your money, sell you a package, or promise you a ticket. That is not modesty: selling a package without the correct insolvency protection is a criminal offence under UK law, carrying an unlimited fine and personal director liability.

The waitlist is how you hear first when there is something real, and legal, to book.

Common questions

Where is the AFCON 2027 final?

On Saturday 17 July 2027. CAF has not yet said where the final, or the opening match on 19 June 2027, will be played. In September 2026 CAF's president said all three hosts had bid for the opener.

Which stadium hosts AFCON 2027 in Tanzania?

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, capacity around 60,000, with Arusha and Zanzibar also reported as host cities. Final venue allocation rests with CAF.

How far is Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam?

Under two hours by fast ferry. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the east-coast sandbanks are a short ride beyond it, which makes it a realistic addition to a matchday trip rather than a separate holiday.

Nothing is on sale yet.

Twende 27 is a waitlist. No payment is taken and no place is held. Twende 27 never takes payment: when trips open, you book and pay licensed operators directly. Waitlist members hear first and set the itinerary.

Join the waitlist