Kenya 2027: The Ultimate Travel Guide to AFCON, Bayern Munich vs Ajax, Safari Rally and Beyond

Kenya 2027 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for international sport, tourism and travel. From Bayern Munich and Ajax opening Nairobi’s new national stadium to the legendary Safari Rally and the historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, East Africa is preparing to welcome the world.

For international visitors, these events offer more than an opportunity to watch world-class sport. They present a chance to experience Kenya’s wildlife, hospitality, culture, landscapes and vibrant cities.

Whether you are travelling for football, motorsport, business, corporate hospitality or a holiday, this guide covers the important dates, destinations, travel arrangements and experiences to consider when planning a trip to Kenya in 2027.

Why is Kenya attracting international attention in 2027?

Kenya is preparing for a major year on the international sporting calendar.

Three events stand out:

• Bayern Munich vs Ajax: 5 January 2027, Nairobi.
• Safari Rally Kenya: 18–21 March 2027, Kenya.
• AFCON PAMOJA 2027: 19 June–17 July 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

These events attract different audiences, including international sports fans, corporate sponsors, media professionals, business delegations, athletes and leisure travellers.

Their combined significance extends beyond stadiums and sporting venues. They create opportunities for aviation, accommodation, transportation, hospitality, destination management and tourism businesses.

1. Bayern Munich vs Ajax in Nairobi: What international visitors need to know

On 5 January 2027, European football giants FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax will meet in Nairobi for a special friendly match marking the opening of Kenya’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

The 60,000-capacity stadium represents an important addition to Kenya’s sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.

For Bayern Munich, the Nairobi visit will also mark the club’s first visit to Kenya.

Event details

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale through the official Talanta Sports City website. Visitors should check the official platform for ticket categories, prices, availability and matchday information.

Where should football fans stay in Nairobi?

International visitors should consider accommodation based on their proximity to the stadium, airport access, transport arrangements and preferred experience.

Popular accommodation areas include:

• Westlands: Hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
• Upper Hill: Business hotels and corporate accommodation.
• Kilimani: Apartments, boutique hotels and restaurants.
• Karen: Luxury accommodation and a quieter environment.
• Nairobi CBD: Central access to parts of the city and transport connections.

The right accommodation depends on the traveller’s budget, itinerary and transport requirements.

Can you combine the Bayern vs Ajax match with a Kenyan safari?

Absolutely. Visitors can plan an extended journey that combines the football experience with Kenya’s wildlife destinations.

For example:

• Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi and check into your hotel.
• Day 2: Explore Nairobi and attend the football match.
• Day 3: Travel to Amboseli National Park.
• Day 4: Enjoy a safari experience and return to Nairobi or continue your journey.

This is an illustrative itinerary, subject to match timing, accommodation availability and transport arrangements.

2. Safari Rally Kenya 2027: Experience the legendary African rally

The Safari Rally is one of the most recognisable names in international motorsport.

Kenya’s iconic rally returned to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2021 after a 19-year absence, restoring one of motorsport’s historic challenges to the global calendar.

The 2027 edition is scheduled for 18–21 March 2027, making it the third round of the World Rally Championship.

Unlike conventional circuit racing, the Safari Rally is associated with demanding gravel roads, dust, changing terrain and the distinctive landscapes of Kenya.

Safari Rally Kenya 2027 details

What can international visitors expect?

The Safari Rally attracts motorsport enthusiasts, international media, manufacturers, sponsors, rally teams and adventure travellers.

Beyond watching the competition, visitors can explore the wider Naivasha region, enjoy lakeside accommodation and experience Kenya’s natural environment.

Where should you stay for Safari Rally Kenya?

Naivasha is a practical base to investigate when planning a Safari Rally visit.

Accommodation options in and around the region include:

• Hotels and resorts.
• Lakeside lodges.
• Luxury safari camps.
• Private villas.
• Group accommodation.

Accommodation should be selected according to the eventual rally itinerary, spectator access, transport arrangements and availability.

Can you combine Safari Rally with a Maasai Mara safari?

Yes. A longer holiday can combine the motorsport experience around Naivasha with a wildlife safari in the Maasai Mara.

A possible seven-day journey could include:

• Days 1–2: Nairobi arrival and city experience.
• Days 3–5: Naivasha and Safari Rally activities.
• Days 6–7: Maasai Mara wildlife experience.

The final routing will depend on rally schedules, road conditions, flight connections and available accommodation.

3. AFCON PAMOJA 2027: Three countries, one African football experience

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 will be a historic tournament for East Africa.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host the 24-team competition, making it the first AFCON to be organised across three countries.

The tournament will run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, returning the competition to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.

The word PAMOJA means together in Swahili, reflecting the spirit of regional cooperation behind the tournament.

AFCON 2027 key information

Why is AFCON 2027 important for Kenya?

The tournament presents an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s sporting infrastructure, tourism attractions, hospitality sector and international connectivity.

It will also create demand for accommodation, domestic and regional flights, airport transfers, restaurants, group transportation and destination experiences.

For international visitors, the tournament offers an opportunity to explore more than one East African destination during a single trip.

Which stadiums will host AFCON 2027 in Kenya?

Kenya has been developing its football infrastructure ahead of the competition, including the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

The 60,000-capacity stadium was inspected by CAF as part of its September 2026 assessment of facilities across the three host countries.

Final match allocations, host-city arrangements and the complete tournament fixture schedule should be checked against official CAF announcements.

Can you travel between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania during AFCON?

Yes. Travellers can plan regional itineraries involving the three host countries, subject to the relevant immigration, transport and entry requirements.

Depending on the final fixture schedule, visitors could combine matches in different cities with experiences such as:

• Nairobi’s restaurants, culture and city experiences.
• Uganda’s wildlife and cultural attractions.
• Tanzania’s Serengeti, Zanzibar and other destinations.

For multi-country journeys, travellers should consider flight connections, border procedures, accommodation availability and travel time before confirming their itineraries.

4. Beyond the stadium: What else can you experience in Kenya?

One of the biggest reasons to extend a sporting trip is Kenya’s diversity of experiences.

A visitor can attend an international football match, experience a world-class rally and still enjoy a wildlife safari or coastal holiday.

Maasai Mara: A classic African safari

The Maasai Mara is internationally recognised for its wildlife, expansive savannah and exceptional safari experiences.

Visitors can enjoy game drives, luxury tented camps, guided nature experiences and opportunities to explore the wider Mara ecosystem.

For international visitors seeking a premium safari extension, the destination offers a distinctive contrast to the energy of major sporting events.

Amboseli: Wildlife beneath Mount Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephant populations and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is an attractive option for travellers combining Nairobi-based sporting events with a shorter wildlife experience.

Naivasha: Nature and adventure

Lake Naivasha and its surrounding attractions offer a different side of Kenya.

Visitors can explore lakeside accommodation, nature experiences and nearby attractions while attending the Safari Rally.

Nairobi: Business, culture and lifestyle

Nairobi is more than an arrival point.

The city offers international hotels, restaurants, shopping, business facilities, cultural attractions and access to nearby wildlife experiences.

It can also serve as a base for corporate meetings, executive travel and extended stays.

The Kenyan Coast: Extend the journey

For travellers who want to finish their sporting holiday by the ocean, destinations such as Diani, Watamu and Malindi offer beach experiences, coastal culture and resort accommodation.

An extended coastal stay can turn a sporting trip into a more complete African holiday.

5. How to plan your trip to Kenya in 2027

International visitors should plan their travel around the event calendar, accommodation availability and personal travel requirements.

Here are some important considerations.

Flights to Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is the country’s principal international gateway.

Travellers should compare flight routes, connections, baggage allowances and fare conditions before booking.

For visitors attending several events, flexible travel arrangements may be worth considering.

Hotels and accommodation

Accommodation demand can increase around major sporting events.

Consider your preferred location, distance to event venues, transport arrangements, cancellation policies and length of stay before confirming a reservation.

For groups and corporate visitors, early accommodation coordination can help simplify logistics.

Kenya entry requirements

International visitors should check the current Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements through the official Kenyan immigration platform before travelling.

Entry requirements may depend on nationality, travel purpose and applicable exemptions.

Official information: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/

Getting around Kenya

Visitors can use domestic flights, private transfers, car hire and other ground transportation options depending on their itinerary.

For event travel, it is important to plan transportation around venue access, event schedules and road conditions.

Travel insurance

International visitors should consider appropriate travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and other relevant travel risks.

6. Why combine sport, business and leisure in Kenya?

Major sporting events bring together more than spectators.

They attract business executives, sponsors, international brands, media organisations, hospitality professionals and corporate delegations.

This creates opportunities for business travel and bleisure, where visitors combine professional commitments with leisure experiences.

For example, a corporate delegation attending AFCON could arrange meetings in Nairobi, attend selected matches and extend its stay with a safari or coastal experience.

Similarly, an automotive sponsor visiting for Safari Rally Kenya could combine corporate hospitality, networking and destination experiences.

The value of the trip does not have to end when the sporting event concludes.

7. How LeviaMICE supports international travel to Kenya in 2027

At LeviaMICE, we believe that international travel should be about more than reaching a destination.

Our approach connects travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation and curated experiences to create a more complete journey.

For visitors attending Kenya’s major sporting events in 2027, LeviaMICE provides travel facilitation and coordination services that can include:

• International flight arrangements.
• Hotel and accommodation coordination.
• Airport transfers and private transportation.
• Visa and entry documentation guidance.
• Travel insurance assistance.
• Individual and group travel arrangements.
• Corporate and executive travel support.
• Safari and leisure extensions.
• Concierge and extended-stay arrangements.

Whether you are travelling independently, with family, as part of a fan group or on behalf of a corporate organisation, arrangements can be tailored to your itinerary and requirements.

Our vision is to connect international events with the wider African experience.

8. Start planning your Kenya 2027 experience

Three major sporting events offer three different ways to discover Kenya and East Africa.

January: Experience Bayern Munich vs Ajax in Nairobi.

March: Discover the legendary Safari Rally Kenya.

June–July: Be part of the historic AFCON PAMOJA 2027 across East Africa.

But why stop at the event?

Discover the wildlife, culture, hospitality and destinations that make Kenya an extraordinary place to visit.

Whether you are travelling for football, motorsport, corporate engagements or leisure, let the journey become part of the experience.

Plan your 2027 travel experience with LeviaMICE.