Arusha is Tanzania’s northern host city for AFCON 2027 — home to the brand new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium and the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. No other AFCON 2027 host city offers what Arusha offers: world-class football in a 30,000-seat stadium built from scratch for this tournament, within reach of the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. This is the complete guide for fans attending matches in Arusha.
The Venue — Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium
Arusha’s AFCON 2027 venue is a brand new 30,000-seat stadium built specifically for the tournament at a cost of $112 million USD. Named after Tanzania’s President, designed with a V-shaped canopy roof inspired by Tanzanite gemstones found exclusively in the Arusha region, and targeting completion by July 2026. As of April 2026 the stadium was 70 to 90% complete with the main canopy roof finished.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30,000 (up to 32,000 on completion) |
| Location | Olomoti Ward, outskirts of Arusha |
| Cost | $112 million USD |
| Distance from city centre | ~8–12km — 15–25 min by Bolt |
| Distance from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) | ~50km — 45–60 min |
| AFCON 2027 role | Group stage matches |
See our complete stadium guide for the full construction story and design details.
Getting to Arusha
By Air — Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main international gateway for Arusha — one of East Africa’s best-connected airports for European and Middle Eastern routes. A dedicated road bypass linking Kilimanjaro International Airport directly to the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is under accelerated construction ahead of AFCON 2027.
| Route | Airlines | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Kenya Airways, Precision Air | Multiple daily |
| Dar es Salaam → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Air Tanzania, Precision Air | Multiple daily — ~1 hour |
| Addis Ababa → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Ethiopian Airlines | Daily |
| Amsterdam → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | KLM | Direct — ~9 hours |
| Doha → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Qatar Airways | Daily |
KLM’s direct Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro route makes Arusha particularly accessible for European fans — especially from the Netherlands, which is your second largest audience by impressions. Book early — flights to Kilimanjaro in June and July 2027 will fill up and prices will rise significantly as the tournament approaches.
From Dar es Salaam — Overland
Arusha is approximately 650km from Dar es Salaam by road — a 7 to 9 hour drive or bus journey through spectacular highland scenery via Chalinze and Morogoro. Several luxury coach operators run the route daily. If you are based in Dar es Salaam for most of the tournament and travelling to Arusha for a specific match, flying is strongly recommended over the overland route for a short trip.
From Nairobi — The Namanga Border
Arusha is approximately 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi by road via the Namanga border crossing — one of the most frequently used border posts between Kenya and Tanzania. Shuttle services run daily between Nairobi and Arusha. This is a realistic same-day journey for fans based in Nairobi attending an Arusha match and returning the same evening. See our Nairobi to Tanzania travel guide.
Where to Stay in Arusha
Arusha’s hotel district is centred on Haile Selassie Road and the surrounding area — the main tourist and business strip, well served by restaurants, safari offices and transport. This is where most AFCON 2027 fans will be based.
Hotel prices in Arusha peak in July, reaching approximately $260 per night on average. Book as early as possible — AFCON 2027 runs directly during Arusha’s peak season and rooms will be scarce.
Luxury — From $150 per night
Mount Meru Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — a five-star luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations, breathtaking views of Mount Meru, fine dining, an infinity pool and a wellness spa. The best address in Arusha for AFCON fans wanting premium accommodation. Nestled in the heart of the city.
Arusha Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — established in 1894, the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the oldest hotels in East Africa, combining traditional ambience with modern style and service. A historic Arusha landmark with international standards.
Ayasofia Wildlife Arusha — located between Arusha city and Mount Kilimanjaro, offering views of both Mount Meru and Africa’s highest peak. Specifically positioning for AFCON 2027 visitors combining football with wildlife.
Mid-Range — From $60 per night
Sanna Boutique Hotel — features a restaurant with great views of Arusha, clean spacious rooms and proximity to everything. Well-reviewed for service and location.
Kigongoni Lodge — set in a beautiful peaceful location within lovely gardens, spacious comfortable rooms with a nice bathroom complete with a stone bathtub overlooking the river. A tranquil mid-range option slightly outside the city centre.
Impala Hotel — consistently recommended for AFCON fans combining safari with matches, with good service and access to Arusha’s safari connection infrastructure.
Budget — From $16 per night
Bright Star Hotel and McElly’s Hotel are solid budget options in the city centre, well reviewed for clean rooms, friendly service and proximity to transport. For fans on tight budgets, Arusha has a good range of guesthouses from $16 to $40 per night within walking distance of the main tourist area.
Hotel Price Guide — Arusha
| Budget | Price/night (AFCON peak — July 2027) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | $16–50 USD (48,000–150,000 TZS) | Clean, central, basic |
| Mid-range hotel | $60–130 USD (180,000–390,000 TZS) | Pool, restaurant, comfortable |
| 4-star hotel | $130–200 USD (390,000–600,000 TZS) | Full facilities, international standards |
| 5-star / Mount Meru | $200–400 USD (600,000–1,200,000 TZS) | Luxury, spa, views of Kilimanjaro |
The AFCON 2027 Safari Combination — The World’s Best Match Day Itinerary
No previous AFCON has offered what Arusha offers. Attending a group stage match at the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium and combining it with a Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari is a realistic, achievable itinerary for any fan with 4 to 5 days in northern Tanzania.
AFCON 2027 runs 19 June to 17 July 2027. This window corresponds directly with the peak of the Great Migration in the Serengeti — one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. The wildebeest river crossing at the Mara River happens between July and October — tens of thousands of animals crossing simultaneously, predators waiting on the banks.
Sample 5-Day Arusha Itinerary
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport → transfer to Arusha → explore city, Maasai Market |
| Day 2 | Morning: depart for Ngorongoro Crater (2 hour drive) → full-day crater safari → return Arusha |
| Day 3 | Match day at Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium → post-match Arusha nightlife |
| Day 4 | Serengeti day trip or fly-in safari from Arusha Airport → Great Migration viewing |
| Day 5 | Morning Kilimanjaro views → depart Kilimanjaro Airport |
See our complete Serengeti and AFCON safari guide for the full safari options, costs and how to book.
What to Do in Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater — 2 Hours from Arusha
The world’s largest intact volcanic caldera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the highest density of wildlife in Africa. Lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, flamingos and wildebeest all visible in a single day. A full-day Ngorongoro trip from Arusha and back is the most realistic safari option for fans with limited time.
Serengeti National Park — 3–4 Hours from Arusha
Africa’s most famous national park — endless plains, the Big Five and the Great Migration. A Serengeti visit requires at least 2 days to do it justice. Fly-in safaris from Arusha Airport to Serengeti airstrips take 45 minutes and are available with several operators.
Mount Kilimanjaro — Visible from Arusha
Africa’s highest mountain is visible from Arusha on clear mornings — the snow-capped peak rising above the clouds to the east. Climbing Kilimanjaro requires 6 to 9 days and significant preparation — not compatible with a short AFCON trip, but the views from the city are extraordinary without climbing at all.
Arusha National Park — 30 Minutes from the City
Arusha’s closest wildlife area — giraffes, zebras, buffalo and flamingo-filled lakes within easy reach of the city. A half-day safari before your match is entirely realistic. The cheapest and most accessible wildlife experience near the city.
Maasai Market — City Centre
Arusha’s vibrant craft market for souvenirs, Maasai beadwork, fabrics and local artisan products. Haggling is expected and part of the experience. Best visited in the morning.
Cultural Heritage Centre
Tanzania’s largest art gallery and cultural centre — Makonde sculpture, Tingatinga paintings and traditional arts across multiple floors. Worth 2 hours on a non-match day.
Food and Nightlife in Arusha
Arusha’s dining scene is centred on Haile Selassie Road and the adjacent streets — a mix of Tanzanian, Indian, Ethiopian and international restaurants within walking distance of the main hotels.
- Nyama choma — grilled goat and beef at local joints throughout the city. Ask your hotel for the best local spot — quality varies enormously by vendor
- Kwa Morombo Market — the main street food hub for nyama choma, pilau and local dishes. Busy, affordable and authentic
- Ethiopian restaurants — Arusha has a strong Ethiopian community and several excellent injera restaurants. Worth seeking out
- Coffee — Arusha sits near Tanzania’s highland coffee-growing regions. The quality is exceptional and far better than anything you will find at chain cafes back home
Arusha’s nightlife is quieter than Dar es Salaam but lively on weekends. The Haile Selassie Road area has bars and restaurants that run late. Match day evenings will see special AFCON events at venues throughout the city — check with your hotel for the best fan viewing options.
Match Day Tips — Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium
- Use Bolt — download before arriving in Arusha. The stadium is 8 to 12km from the city centre — allow 20 to 30 minutes normally, 45 to 60 minutes on match days
- Book return transport before kick-off — not after the final whistle
- Arrive 2 hours early — gates open at least 2 hours before kick-off. Security queues for a 30,000 crowd can be significant
- Bring TZS cash — withdraw from city centre ATMs before heading to the stadium. ATMs near the Olomoti Ward area are limited
- Bring water and sunscreen — afternoon kick-offs at altitude in the Arusha sun are deceivingly hot despite cooler temperatures than Dar es Salaam
- Bring a layer for evening matches — Arusha at altitude is noticeably cooler than coastal Tanzania after sunset. A light jacket or layer is worth carrying
- Allow time for the new access roads — a 21.2km road network connecting the stadium to Arusha city is under construction. Allow extra travel time on early match days as the infrastructure settles in
Getting from Arusha to Other AFCON 2027 Cities
| Destination | Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Flight from JRO | ~1 hour | Fastest — multiple daily |
| Dar es Salaam | Bus / road | 7–9 hours | Budget option — not recommended for short trips |
| Zanzibar | Flight JRO → ZNZ | ~45 min direct | Precision Air — check schedules |
| Nairobi | Road via Namanga | 3–4 hours | Shuttle services daily |
| Nairobi | Flight JRO → NBO | ~1 hour | Kenya Airways, Precision Air |
Arusha is the ideal base for fans wanting to attend matches in multiple host cities — its central position between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam makes it the most connected AFCON 2027 hub in East Africa.
For the full Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium guide see our stadium article. For the complete AFCON 2027 fixtures see our fixtures guide. For Tanzania’s match schedule see our dates guide. For the Dar es Salaam fan guide see our DSM accommodation guide. For Zanzibar see our Zanzibar guide.
Hotel information sourced from Nyamera Treks & Safaris, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Trip.com and Travelocity, 2025–2026. AFCON 2027 accommodation prices will be significantly higher than standard rates — prices in July peak at approximately $260/night on average. Stadium construction data sourced from verified sources as of April 2026. Book accommodation as early as possible.