If you are planning to attend AFCON 2027 in Tanzania, choosing the right place to stay in Dar es Salaam deserves as much attention as booking your match tickets.
You might want a comfortable hotel close to restaurants and the waterfront. Perhaps you are travelling on a budget and would rather spend your money on match tickets, sightseeing, and local experiences. Or maybe your main priority is getting to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium without making a long journey across the city on matchday.
Whatever your travel style, Dar es Salaam has accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. The key is knowing which neighbourhood suits your plans and understanding how much time you may need to get around.
In this guide, we explore where to stay in Dar es Salaam during AFCON 2027, including areas to consider, hotel options, matchday transport tips, and practical advice for booking your accommodation.
AFCON 2027: What Travellers Should Know Before Booking
The Africa Cup of Nations, officially known as TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda are co-hosting the tournament, making it a major sporting milestone for East Africa.
Dar es Salaam is an essential arrival gateway. The city houses Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), extensive hotel capacity across price points, fine dining, cultural markets, and ferry terminals connecting to Zanzibar.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is a primary tournament venue. However, supporters should always check the confirmed fixture list and match locations once released by CAF before booking non-refundable hotels.
Which Area Is Best to Stay in Dar es Salaam During AFCON 2027?
No single neighbourhood fits every fan. Here is how Dar es Salaam's main districts compare:
| Area | Best For | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre / CBD | First-time visitors, short stays, and ferry access | Heavy urban traffic during peak work hours |
| Kivukoni | Waterfront luxury, harbour views & central access | Premium room rates and matchday transit planning |
| Temeke / Stadium Area | Direct walking or short ride to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium | Fewer high-end international restaurants nearby |
| Mikocheni | Residential calm, serviced apartments & mid-range stays | Vehicle transport required for stadium & nightlife |
| Msasani / Masaki | Vibrant nightlife, fine dining, cafés & coastal leisure | Longer commute across town to the stadium on matchdays |
| Oyster Bay | Upscale coastal hotels, embassies, couples & families | Higher accommodation costs and required transfer times |
1. City Centre: A Practical Base for First-Time Visitors
Dar es Salaam's Central Business District (CBD) is ideal if you want immediate access to commercial amenities, banks, historical architecture, and the Zanzibar ferry terminal.
It is especially practical for supporters with short 1- to 3-night stays who plan to catch a game and take the ferry to Zanzibar the following morning.
Established Hotels to Consider:- Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro: Iconic 5-star waterfront hotel with luxury harbour views, upscale dining, and pool facilities.
- Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel: Elegant tropical garden setting in the city centre with renowned hospitality and business amenities.
- Golden Tulip Dar City Center: Modern mid-scale hotel with panoramic rooftop city views.
2. Kivukoni: For Waterfront Views and Central Access
Bordering the harbour mouth, Kivukoni combines ocean breezes with immediate proximity to downtown Dar es Salaam, the State House grounds, and the bustling Kivukoni Fish Market.
It appeals to travellers seeking refined, secure waterfront surroundings while remaining central for exploring museums and botanical gardens between fixtures.
3. Temeke: Consider Staying Near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
If your entire trip revolves around attending consecutive matches and you want to bypass traffic completely, booking near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Temeke is worth evaluating.
The primary advantage is simple: you avoid lengthy cross-city commutes before and after matches.
4. Mikocheni: A Residential Option for Different Budgets
Located north of the city centre, Mikocheni is a leafy residential and commercial zone featuring comfortable mid-range boutique hotels, guesthouses, and furnished serviced apartments.
It is an outstanding choice for families, friend groups, or supporters staying for two weeks or more who want kitchen facilities, extra living space, and lower nightly rates than beachfront resorts.
5. Msasani and Masaki: For Restaurants, Cafés and Leisure
Situated on the northern tip of the Msasani Peninsula, Masaki is Dar es Salaam's premier lifestyle and leisure district. If your trip is as much about good food and coastal relaxation as it is about football, this is the area to choose.
The area is packed with international restaurants, craft coffee roasters, beach bars, supermarkets, and boutique shopping centres like The Slipway.
Hotels to Research:- Sea Cliff Hotel: Luxury cliff-top property with dramatic ocean views, private casino, and outdoor swimming pool.
- Hotel Slipway: Vibrant waterfront hub featuring waterfront dining, artisan craft shops, and boat charter docks.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam: Modern, well-equipped business hotel in the heart of the peninsula.
Matchday Travel Note: Masaki is located approximately 18–22 km from Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for matchday road transfers.
6. Oyster Bay: A Coastal Stay for Couples and Families
Bordering Coco Beach, Oyster Bay is home to foreign embassies, tree-lined avenues, and upscale residences. It is quieter than downtown and Masaki, making it ideal for couples and families desiring a tranquil environment.
Established hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Dar es Salaam – Oyster Bay and Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay, both offering excellent comfort and security.
Best Hotels in Dar es Salaam for AFCON 2027 by Budget
Budget Accommodation (US$30 – $80 / night)
Clean, straightforward guesthouses and city hotels such as Chelsea Hotel or Peacock Hotel. Ideal for fans spending all day at stadiums and city sights.
Mid-Range Hotels (US$90 – $180 / night)
Properties offering private en-suite rooms, buffet breakfasts, swimming pools, and dependable Wi-Fi, such as Hotel Slipway and Golden Tulip City Center.
Luxury & 5-Star (US$200 – $450+ / night)
Full-service properties with fine dining, concierge services, security, and harbour/ocean panoramas, including Hyatt Regency, Johari Rotana, Sea Cliff, and Serena Hotel.
Getting Around Dar es Salaam During AFCON 2027
Dar es Salaam traffic can be heavy, especially along major arteries connecting the north (Masaki/Oyster Bay) to the south (Temeke). For smooth matchdays, adopt these practices:
- Book a dedicated private driver: Arranging a dedicated vehicle and driver through your tour operator guarantees reliable return pickup, even when ride-hailing apps experience surge pricing or network congestion around stadium gates.
- Utilise the DART (Bus Rapid Transit): The Dar Rapid Transit system has dedicated lanes linking parts of the city centre to major transit hubs, bypassing rush-hour gridlock.
- Depart early: Plan to arrive at the stadium precinct at least 2.5 to 3 hours before kick-off to clear security cordons and locate your seat comfortably.
Things to Do in Dar es Salaam Between AFCON Matches
- Explore National History: Tour the National Museum and House of Culture to explore Tanzania's archaeological and independence history.
- Discover Makumbusho Village Museum: Walk among traditional tribal dwellings representing Tanzania's diverse ethnic groups.
- Take a Mikumi Safari: Book a 2-day / 1-night safari with Msonge Tours to see lions, giraffes, and elephants between matches.
- Island Hop to Mbudya or Bongoyo: Take a 15-minute boat from Slipway or Msasani to uninhabited marine reserve islands for swimming and grilled lobster.
Frequently Asked Questions
For nightlife, dining, and coastal leisure, Masaki and Oyster Bay are top choices. For central convenience and ferry access to Zanzibar, choose City Centre or Kivukoni. For direct stadium proximity, consider Temeke.
Staying in Temeke near the stadium is very practical for attending multiple games without traffic stress. However, if you want international restaurants and evening nightlife, staying in Masaki or City Centre with pre-arranged transfers is often more enjoyable.
Masaki is approximately 18 to 22 kilometres from the stadium. In normal traffic, it takes 35 to 50 minutes, but matchday traffic can extend the journey to 1.5 to 2 hours.
Book as soon as your match dates are clear. Demand for secure, high-quality hotels in Masaki, Oyster Bay, and the CBD will be high during the tournament.
Yes. Mikumi National Park (2 days) and Nyerere National Park (3 days) are easily reached from Dar es Salaam, making it seamless to fit a safari between tournament matches.
Plan Your Complete AFCON 2027 Trip With Msonge Tours & Safaris
Securing great accommodation is just the first step in creating a memorable AFCON journey. You can also explore Dar es Salaam's coastal heritage, organize private airport and stadium transfers, and experience wildlife safaris in Mikumi or Nyerere.
At Msonge Tours & Safaris, our local team coordinates every part of your journey, ensuring your stay in Tanzania is secure, comfortable, and tailored around your football schedule.
Need Seamless AFCON Travel Arrangements?
Contact our travel desk to book verified accommodations, private airport and matchday transfers, and tailored safari excursions.
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