Tuesday, May 5, 2026
When Tanzania co‑hosts the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) with Kenya and Uganda, the travel experience is being reshaped not just around stadiums but deep into the heart of nature. New investments in eco‑tourism infrastructure within forest reserves like Lake Duluti in the Arusha Region are creating fresh opportunities for travellers to combine football with safari and outdoor activities during their visit. These projects are part of a nationwide push to equip Tanzania’s natural assets for the expected influx of international tourists, teams and officials.
Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), in partnership with public and private stakeholders, has accelerated the development of visitor facilities in key forest reserves to meet expected demand around AFCON 2027. At Lake Duluti Forest Reserve alone, at least 30 new accommodation units have been built, capable of hosting up to 60 visitors per day, offering a calm and scenic stay amid nature for tourists seeking outdoor experiences beyond football matches. These lodges are designed to support activities such as canoeing on the lake, fishing and guided nature walks that appeal to both adventure travellers and leisure tourists.
The eco‑tourism push is closely tied to AFCON 2027 event planning. Visitors attending matches in Arusha or Dar es Salaam can now look forward to tailored travel packages that integrate wildlife visits and forest excursions with sporting itineraries. This means that fans arriving for a game could explore Lake Duluti or nearby national parks in short, accessible day trips. Itineraries being developed around the tournament focus on minimising transfer times while maximising exposure to Tanzania’s ecological diversity.
Private investors are expanding their offerings alongside government‑led infrastructure. At Meru Eco Camp near Arusha, for instance, eco‑friendly lodges and enhanced camping services have been introduced to increase guest capacity while adhering to conservation best practices. These facilities aim to deliver a blend of comfort and sustainability by aligning with local ecosystem protection and by engaging community‑based activities such as food vending, boat rides and transport services that enhance visitor involvement with the local environment.
Beyond forest reserves, Tanzania’s broader tourism landscape is gearing up to receive visitors for both sport and safari. Cities such as Dar es Salaam and Dodoma will host major event venues, while natural attractions within a short travel radius — including Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park and Serengeti National Park — are expected to feature in visitor travel plans. Integrated tourism packages under preparation will provide match‑goers with feasible travel routes to these iconic wildlife destinations, linking cultural experiences, safari adventures and competition excitement.
To ensure Tanzania’s travel industry is ready, national efforts are underway to prepare tour guides and hospitality professionals for an increase in international arrivals. Over 230 tour guides are being trained to serve as local ambassadors and to help tailor rich, informed narratives for travellers exploring forest reserves and parks outside match schedules. This upskilling is expected to reinforce Tanzania’s tourism brand while ensuring visitors enjoy knowledgeable and safe experiences across sites.
For international audiences planning to attend AFCON 2027, Tanzania’s eco‑tourism upgrades offer more than just transit to sports venues. They open pathways for immersive nature experiences that reflect the country’s biodiversity and cultural richness. Tourists can leverage upgraded accommodation and nature‑linked activities as part of their travel agenda, turning a football trip into a multi‑faceted exploration of one of Africa’s most iconic travel destinations.
Tanzania’s strategic tourism enhancements ahead of AFCON 2027 signal a deliberate move to elevate the country’s appeal beyond stadiums, positioning it as a destination where travel meets sport, nature and adventure in ways that are engaging, accessible and memorable.
Tags: AFCON 2027 travel infrastructure, arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam to Arusha travel, Lake Duluti, Lake Duluti forest reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, safari experiences AFCON, serengeti national park, Tanzania, Tanzania eco‑tourism 2027, Tanzania tourism upgrades
