Our Exclusive AFCON 2027 Safari Combos
Kwezi Adventures is launching two exclusive Pre-AFCON 2027 safari packages designed for football fans who want to combine the excitement of Africa's biggest football tournament with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences. The 8-Day Safari & Gorilla Trek combines the Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Uganda. The 10-Day Safari, Culture & Gorilla Trek includes Lake Naivasha and encounters with the Batwa community. Both packages are designed to return you to Entebbe, relaxed and ready for AFCON 2027 action.
What Are the AFCON 2027 Safari Combos?
These are not generic safari itineraries. They are crafted for football fans attending AFCON 2027 in Uganda. You arrive before the tournament begins, spend 8 or 10 days exploring East Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations, and return to Kampala just in time for kick-off.
The tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will draw thousands of international visitors. Many of them are looking to extend their trip into an authentic African adventure. Our packages are designed precisely for that purpose.
Itinerary 1: 8-Day Pre-AFCON Safari & Gorilla Trek (Masai Mara + Uganda)
This itinerary combines the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya with the ultimate primate experience: gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Why this itinerary works: Perfect for fans with limited time who want the quintessential African experience: the world-famous Masai Mara and the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, bookending the tournament.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where you will be warmly met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Day 2: Scenic Flight to Masai Mara
Early breakfast- transfer to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to Mara. Lunch. Afternoon game drives.
Day 3: Masai Mara Full Day
Full-day game drive across the Masai Mara. Search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The Mara is one of the most predator-rich reserves in Africa. Return to your lodge for sunset.
Day 4: Nairobi to Entebbe
Flight back to Nairobi. Lunch in Nairobi. Transfer to JKIA for your flight to Entebbe. Arrival transfer to your hotel in Entebbe.
Day 5: Fly to Bwindi (Buhoma Sector)
Early morning breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
The pinnacle of the safari. You trek through the dense rainforest with expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Once you locate a habituated gorilla family, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Day 7: Relaxation and optional Community experience
On this day, you will have a slow relaxation day and have a spa day or an optional community and cultural experience.
Day 8: Return to Entebbe
Flight back to Entebbe. Transfer to your hotel to relax and refresh after your adventure. Settle in for an exciting AFCON match as you soak up the electric atmosphere of Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Kwezi's View: This itinerary works because the Masai Mara delivers the classic safari experience, while Bwindi offers an encounter that few travelers ever experience. The combination of savannah and rainforest, big game and primates, is the very best of East Africa.
Itinerary 2: 10-Day Pre-AFCON Safari, Culture & Gorilla Trek (Masai Mara + Uganda Immersion)
This itinerary adds a deeper immersion into Uganda's landscapes and communities.
Why this itinerary works: Ideal for travelers who want a deeper immersion, adding a relaxing boat safari on Lake Naivasha and a meaningful cultural encounter with the Batwa community before the adrenaline of the final matches.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where you will be warmly met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Day 2: Lake Naivasha
Early breakfast, depart to Lake Naivasha. Lunch. Boat ride and Crescent Island Tour.
Day 3: Transfer to Masai Mara
Early breakfast; depart to Mara. Lunch. Afternoon game drives.
Day 4: Masai Mara Full Day
Full-day game drive across the Masai Mara. Search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The Mara is one of the most predator-rich reserves in Africa. Return to your lodge for sunset.
Day 5: Masai Mara Full Day
Full-day game drive across the Masai Mara. Search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The Mara is one of the most predator-rich reserves in Africa. Return to your lodge for sunset.
Day 6: Nairobi to Entebbe
Flight back to Nairobi. Lunch in Nairobi. Transfer to JKIA for your flight to Entebbe. Arrival transfer to your hotel in Entebbe.
Day 7: Fly to Bwindi (Buhoma Sector)
Early morning breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Bwindi
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
The pinnacle of the safari. You trek through the dense rainforest with expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Once you locate a habituated gorilla family, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Day 9: Relaxation and optional Community experience
On this day, you will have a slow relaxation day and have a spa day or an optional community and cultural experience.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe
Flight back to Entebbe. Transfer to your hotel to relax and refresh after your adventure. Settle in for an exciting AFCON match as you soak up the electric atmosphere of Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Kwezi's View: The additional days on this itinerary allow for a richer experience. Lake Naivasha offers a different kind of wildlife encounter: peaceful, water-based, and intimate. The Batwa cultural experience adds a meaningful human connection before the tournament begins.
Why Book a Pre-AFCON Safari?
You Avoid the Crowds
During the tournament, many travelers will be heading straight to Kampala for matches. Your safari happens before kick-off. This arrangement means you experience gorilla trekking and game drives without the crowds that arrive during the tournament.
You Are Refreshed for the Football
The tournament atmosphere is electric. It is also demanding. Arriving after a relaxed safari allows you to experience the matches with energy and enthusiasm. You have already crossed the Big Five and gorilla trekking off your list. Now you can focus on the football.
You Get the Complete East African Experience
AFCON 2027 is about more than the matches. It is an opportunity to explore East Africa's extraordinary landscapes. These packages combine the tournament with the region's best wildlife experiences: gorilla trekking in Uganda, game drives in the Masai Mara, and boat safaris on Lake Naivasha.
You Support Conservation
The gorilla permit costs $800 per person. A significant portion of this fee goes directly to conservation efforts. Similarly, park fees in the Masai Mara support anti-poaching patrols and community projects. Your safari contributes directly to the protection of these incredible animals.
Practical Logistics
Visa and Travel Documents
Most nationalities require a single-entry visa for Uganda, costing approximately $50. You can apply online through the official e-visa portal. You will also need a visa for Kenya if your safari includes the Masai Mara.
Health Precautions
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all travellers. Consult your travel doctor before departure.
Packing
Pack for two very different environments. In the Masai Mara, you need light, neutral-colored clothing and sun protection. In Bwindi, you need sturdy waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, and long trousers for the forest. Please keep in mind a good camera, binoculars, and insect repellent.
Cost Considerations
| Package | Duration | Key Experiences | Approx. Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Day Safari & Gorilla Trek | 8 Days | Masai Mara game drives, gorilla trekking, and Lake Bunyonyi | Contact us for a quote |
| 10-Day Safari, Culture & Gorilla Trek | 10 Days | Lake Naivasha boat safari, Masai Mara, gorilla trekking, and Batwa experience | Contact us for a quote |
Prices include flights within East Africa, accommodation, meals, safari activities, and gorilla permits. International flights are not included.
People Also Ask About AFCON 2027 Safari Packages
Q: What is AFCON 2027?
A: The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 is the continent's premier football tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It will draw thousands of international visitors across East Africa.
Q: Can I combine an AFCON trip with a safari?
A: Yes. These packages are designed precisely for this purpose. You travel before the tournament begins and return to Kampala ready for the matches.
Q: Which is better: the 8-day or 10-day package?
A: The 8-day package is ideal for travellers with limited time. It focuses on the Masai Mara and gorilla trekking. The 10-day package adds Lake Naivasha and a Batwa cultural experience for deeper immersion.
Q: Is gorilla trekking included?
A: Yes. Both packages include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Permits are included in the package price.
Q: What is the best time of year for this safari?
A: The dry seasons from June to August and December to February offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking and game drives. These months align well with the tournament schedule.
Q: Do I need a visa for Uganda?
A: Most nationalities require a visa for Uganda. You can apply online before travel.
Q: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
A: Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Q: What is the physical difficulty of gorilla trekking?
A: Gorilla trekking requires moderate physical fitness. Treks can last from 1 to 8 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. The terrain is steep and muddy.
Q: Can I stay longer in East Africa after the safari?
A: Yes. Many travelers extend their stay with beach holidays in Zanzibar or additional safaris in Tanzania and Kenya. We can arrange extensions on request.
Related Questions
Q: What else can I do in Uganda during AFCON 2027?
A: Beyond our packages, Uganda offers white-water rafting in Jinja, trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and birdwatching in Mabamba Swamp.
Q: What is the Masai Mara known for?
A: The Masai Mara is one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves, famous for its lion populations, the Great Migration, and the Big Five. It is the most visited park in Kenya.
Q: Can I combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking?
A: Yes. Many travelers add chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest to their itinerary. Contact us for custom package options.
Q: Is Uganda safe for tourists?
A: Yes. Uganda is considered one of the safer destinations in East Africa for tourists. The country has well-established safari infrastructure and experienced guides.
Q: What should I pack for the safari?
A: Pack neutral-colored clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, a good camera, and binoculars. Rain gear is essential for the forest.
Kwezi's Service: Let Us Plan Your AFCON 2027 Safari
AFCON 2027 offers a unique opportunity to combine the excitement of Africa's biggest football tournament with the continent's most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Our exclusive Pre-AFCON safaris are designed specifically for football fans arriving early for the tournament.
We handle all logistics: flights within East Africa, accommodation, meals, gorilla permits, and expert guides. You focus on the experience: watching lions in the Masai Mara, tracking gorillas in Bwindi, and cheering your team in Kampala.
Ready to book your AFCON 2027 safari combo?
Contact Kwezi Adventures today. Tell us your travel dates and group size. We will secure your spot. Your AFCON adventure starts here.
