The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda serving as co-hosts. Arusha is among the locations being prepared for the tournament in Tanzania, making it a premier destination for football supporters planning their visit.
But your trip does not have to be all about football. Arusha is also the undisputed safari capital of East Africa, acting as the primary gateway to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. With thoughtful planning, you can easily combine tournament matchdays with world-class wildlife and cultural experiences.
In this guide, we look at accommodation options in Arusha, what to consider when choosing a hotel, and how to plan a comfortable stay during AFCON 2027.
Why Stay in Arusha During AFCON 2027?
Arusha has long been an important centre for international tourism and diplomatic conferences in northern Tanzania. It offers a lively blend of city life, local Maasai craft markets, top-tier international restaurants, and instant access to the northern safari circuit.
For football supporters, the city serves as a strategic base. However, before booking non-refundable stays, confirm the official fixture list and stadium details published by CAF. Do not assume that a particular match will take place in Arusha until the venue has been officially locked in.
Key Reasons to Base in Arusha:- Diverse Accommodation Choices: Options range from historic colonial-style city hotels and international business chains to quiet suburban coffee lodge retreats.
- Direct Safari Access: You can embark on full-day game drives to Arusha National Park or Tarangire and return to your hotel room the same evening.
- Vibrant Local Culture: Explore bustling markets, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, and enjoy authentic Tanzanian roasted nyama choma.
- Flexible Tour Add-ons: Add multi-day safari extensions to the Serengeti or Mount Kilimanjaro day hikes before or after your match dates.
Best Places to Stay in Arusha During AFCON 2027
Availability, room rates, and services will shift rapidly during peak tournament dates. Here are established properties to research when planning your stay:
1. Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel
City Centre / LuxuryIf you prefer an established hotel in the heart of the city, Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (historically known as The Arusha Hotel, founded in 1894) is an exceptional choice. Set beside the famous Clock Tower, it offers lush private gardens, an outdoor pool, modern fitness facilities, and secure parking.
Its central location makes walking to nearby banks, cafes, and safari offices effortless, while serving as a secure hub for matchday transfers.
Visit Official Marriott Website →2. Gran Meliá Arusha
5-Star Luxury RetreatTravellers seeking an upscale, resort-style stay should consider Gran Meliá Arusha. Nestled among 18 acres of landscaped coffee and tea plantations, the hotel offers spectacular views of Mount Meru, a heated rooftop infinity pool, luxurious spa services, and multiple international fine-dining restaurants.
It is ideal for couples, VIP travellers, and supporters who want maximum comfort and relaxation between high-energy matches.
Visit Official Meliá Website →3. Kibo Palace Hotel
Mid-Range to UpscaleLocated a 15-minute walk from the central business district, Kibo Palace Hotel provides a relaxed, full-service environment. It features spacious en-suite rooms, a large landscaped outdoor pool, manicured lawns, a fitness centre, and attentive guest concierge services.
It is a reliable base for coordinating group departures to stadium venues or meeting local guides for day excursions.
Visit Official Kibo Palace Website →4. Mount Meru Hotel
Full-Service Conference HotelMount Meru Hotel is set against the backdrop of Mount Meru and the tranquil golf club grounds. With extensive conference halls, multiple bars, international buffet restaurants, and large executive suites, it easily accommodates tour groups, media crews, and supporters' clubs.
If you plan on departing early for morning safaris to Tarangire or Ngorongoro, the hotel can arrange breakfast boxes and early-morning transfers.
Visit Official Mount Meru Hotel Website →5. New Safari Hotel
Heritage / Budget-FriendlyFor travellers who prioritize central convenience on a moderate budget, New Safari Hotel offers historic charm right on Boma Road. It puts you steps away from local markets, public transport links, and commercial restaurants.
Confirm room types and matchday transport arrangements directly with the property before booking.
Visit Official New Safari Hotel Website →Budget Accommodation in Arusha for AFCON 2027
Not every football supporter wants to spend a large portion of their travel funds on accommodation. Saving on your room frees up budget for official match tickets, dining, local excursions, or an unforgettable safari.
When selecting affordable guesthouses, look beyond the nightly rate alone—a cheaper property located far out on unpaved roads can quickly cost more in daily taxi fares.
Checklist Before Booking Budget Lodging:- Private vs. Shared Facilities: Confirm whether the room has a private en-suite bathroom or shared corridor facilities.
- Breakfast Inclusions: Check if hot breakfast is included or available for an extra charge.
- Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Verify if reliable internet access extends to individual rooms or only communal lounge areas.
- 24-Hour Reception & Security: Ensure staff are on site for late-night arrivals following evening matches.
- Cancellation Flexibility: Verify whether dates can be adjusted if tournament match schedules shift.
Where Should You Stay in Arusha for Easy Access to the Stadium?
Once official fixtures and stadium arrangements are confirmed, plan your lodging based on daily transport arteries:
City-Centre Hotels (Clock Tower / Boma Road)
Best for travellers who want walkable access to local restaurants, sports lounges, ATMs, and tour offices. Matchday transit can be easily hailed via licensed taxis or private shuttles.
Suburban & Outlying Lodges (Usa River / Njiro / Sakina)
Ideal for supporters seeking peaceful surroundings, swimming pools, and scenic garden landscapes. Ensure your tour operator or hotel arranges dedicated matchday transport to avoid surge rates or post-match vehicle shortages.
How Early Should You Book a Hotel in Arusha for AFCON 2027?
Major sports tournaments trigger substantial regional demand. While you shouldn't rush into non-refundable commitments before match locations are finalized, shortlisting hotels and booking with flexible cancellation terms is smart practice.
- Monitor official CAF announcements for finalized match fixtures and host stadium allocations.
- Shortlist 2 or 3 verified hotels that match your group size and budget.
- Compare total charges inclusive of government VAT and local tourism bed levies.
- Secure refundable booking rates where possible to protect against unforeseen schedule shifts.
- Coordinate your airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in advance.
What Is the Cost of Accommodation in Arusha During AFCON 2027?
Rather than relying on unverified estimates, consider three broad accommodation categories:
| Tier | Expected Facilities | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouses | Clean private rooms, en-suite bathroom, practical amenities | US$25 – $60 / night |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Full-service restaurants, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, air conditioning | US$80 – $160 / night |
| Luxury Properties | Spacious suites, spa facilities, fine dining, landscaped gardens | US$200 – $450+ / night |
Always request an itemized quotation for your exact travel dates. Keep your safari budget separate from city hotel expenses for clear accounting.
Things to Do in Arusha Between AFCON Matches
If your tournament schedule gives you free days between games, northern Tanzania offers abundant activities:
- Guided Arusha City Tour: Visit the National Natural History Museum (Old Boma), explore the Maasai Curio Market, and taste local street delicacies.
- Arusha National Park Day Safari: Just 45 minutes from town, explore Mount Meru foothills, walk among giraffes with an armed ranger, and canoe on Momella Lakes.
- Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour: Journey towards Moshi to hike to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro waterfalls and roast organic Arabica coffee with the Chagga community.
- Chemilka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs: Swim in crystal-clear, geothermal warm waters surrounded by giant fig trees.
Can You Combine an Arusha Hotel Stay with a Tanzania Safari?
Yes. Arusha is the starting hub for all Northern Circuit wildlife safaris. Many fans choose to spend matchdays in the city and then depart on a 3- to 5-day safari into Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.
Msonge Tours & Safaris organizes custom departures directly from your Arusha hotel lobby, ensuring your game-drive itinerary fits seamlessly around your confirmed football schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
For central access to restaurants, banks, and transport hubs, staying around the Clock Tower or Boma Road is ideal. For luxury and scenic mountain views, consider properties like Gran Meliá or Mount Meru Hotel.
Top recommended properties include Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (The Arusha Hotel), Gran Meliá Arusha, Kibo Palace Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, and New Safari Hotel.
Yes. Arusha has numerous budget-friendly guesthouses and boutique bed-and-breakfasts. Ensure you verify whether private bathrooms, breakfast, and reliable Wi-Fi are included.
Yes. You can take day trips to Arusha National Park or Tarangire National Park, or embark on a multi-day safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater between matches.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 50 kilometres (a 1-hour drive) east of Arusha city centre along a paved highway. Pre-arranging a private transfer through Msonge Tours ensures a seamless arrival.
Plan Your Arusha Stay & Northern Safari with Msonge Tours & Safaris
AFCON 2027 is an extraordinary opportunity to witness world-class African football while exploring northern Tanzania's legendary wildlife landscapes. With the right accommodation in Arusha, your tournament experience will be seamless, exciting, and comfortable.
At Msonge Tours & Safaris, our head office is located in Arusha. We assist travelling supporters with verified hotel bookings, private matchday shuttles, airport transfers, and customized safaris across the Northern Circuit.
Ready to Plan Your AFCON Stay in Arusha?
Contact our team in Arusha today to book accommodation, arrange airport pickups, or plan a safari between your tournament fixtures.
Inquire About Arusha Bookings →"Come for the football. Discover Arusha. Experience Tanzania.
Msonge Tours & Safaris — Journeys beyond adventure."