AFCON 2027 makes history in Zanzibar. For the first time ever, Africa Cup of Nations matches will be played on an island — and not just any island. Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage archipelago of white sand beaches, ancient Stone Town, Indian Ocean spice routes and one of the most culturally rich destinations in Africa. For fans who attend AFCON 2027 matches here, the experience will be unlike anything in the history of the tournament. This is your complete guide to AFCON 2027 in Zanzibar.
Is Zanzibar Confirmed as an AFCON 2027 Host?
Yes — confirmed. Tanzania has presented the Fumba Stadium (36,500) and Amaan Stadium (15,000) in Zanzibar as two of its four AFCON 2027 match venues. CAF inspectors have already visited and audited both the Amaan and Fumba stadiums in Zanzibar, assessing them for the 2027 tournament. Zanzibar is fully confirmed as an AFCON 2027 host destination.
AFCON 2027 Stadiums in Zanzibar
Fumba City Stadium — 36,500 capacity
The Fumba City Stadium is the largest and most significant AFCON 2027 infrastructure project on Zanzibar Island — a brand new arena being built from scratch specifically for the tournament. It is the first major sports facility ever constructed on Zanzibar and represents a transformational legacy project for the archipelago.
Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has issued a directive to contractors and state officials to fast-track the Fumba City stadium project. The stadium forms part of a wider urban development plan for Fumba which will include roads, a hospital, restaurants, shopping centres and other public facilities aimed at transforming the area into a modern urban hub.
The Fumba Stadium was designed by AFL Architects and construction works are being carried out by Turkish contractor ORKUN Group.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fumba, Urban West Region, Zanzibar |
| Capacity | 36,500 |
| Architect | AFL Architects |
| Contractor | ORKUN Group (Turkey) |
| Total project budget | TZS 388.8 billion (~$147 million USD) |
| Foundation stone | September 2024 — laid by President Mwinyi |
| AFCON 2027 role | Group stage matches |
| Legacy | First major sports facility ever built on Zanzibar Island |
The facility will have modern training pitches and world-class accommodation facilities for teams, officials and fans. “The completion level reflects how seriously the government is preparing to welcome visitors during AFCON 2027,” said Riziki Pembe Juma, Zanzibar’s Minister for Information.
New Amaan Sports Complex — 15,000 capacity
Amaan Stadium is one of the most historically significant football venues in Africa. Built with Chinese government aid and opened in 1970, Amaan Stadium was China’s first stadium project in Africa — marking the beginning of its stadium diplomacy across the continent. Over 50 years later it has been renovated and expanded into the New Amaan Sports Complex for AFCON 2027.
The renovation completed in December 2023 transformed the old stadium — new stands, new seats, new floodlights, new roof, new athletics track and two auxiliary football pitches. In Zanzibar, matches will take place at the New Amaan Sports Complex. Zanzibar’s training grounds include the New Amaan Sports Complex, Suluhu Sports Academy and Mao Tse Tung which will host two training fields.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Zanzibar City (Stone Town area) |
| Capacity | 15,000 |
| Built | 1970 — China’s first stadium project in Africa |
| Renovation completed | December 2023 |
| Surface | GrassMaster |
| AFCON 2027 role | Group stage matches + training venue |
The AFCON City — Zanzibar’s Vision
Tanzania will build a new AFCON City in Zanzibar at the cost of TZS 388.8 billion. The facility will be built in Fumba, Ugunja island, 40 kilometres from the Tanzanian mainland. The initiative is set to ensure that the island maximises on the tourists coming for the games.
Tourism boost: Thousands of football fans are expected to visit Zanzibar, combining world-class football with beaches and cultural heritage. Infrastructure legacy: The renovated Amaan Stadium and the new Fumba Stadium will remain long after the tournament, strengthening local sports.
Why AFCON 2027 in Zanzibar is Unmissable
There has never been an AFCON venue quite like Zanzibar. Every other tournament in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations has been played in continental mainland cities. Zanzibar changes that entirely. Here is what makes attending matches here different from anywhere else in the tournament:
UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town — the ancient heart of Zanzibar City. Narrow winding alleys, 400-year-old Omani mansions, intricately carved wooden doors and the famous Forodhani Night Market right on the waterfront. Walking through Stone Town on match day — in kit, surrounded by fans from across Africa — is genuinely once-in-a-lifetime.
Indian Ocean beaches — Zanzibar has some of the finest beaches in the world. Nungwi on the north coast, Kendwa just south of it, and the wild east coast at Paje and Jambiani. Attending an AFCON 2027 match in the afternoon and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean in the evening is not something any previous AFCON has offered fans.
Spice Island history — Zanzibar was the spice capital of the world for centuries. Cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla — all grew here and changed global cuisine. The spice farm tours, the old slave trade sites, the House of Wonders — Zanzibar has more history per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Africa.
Forodhani Night Market — the ancient Stone Town waterfront food market. Grilled octopus, Zanzibar pizza, fresh sugarcane juice, coconut water, mishkaki skewers — all for a few thousand shillings each. The best street food experience in the tournament.
Getting to Zanzibar for AFCON 2027
By Ferry from Dar es Salaam
The most popular way to reach Zanzibar. Kilimanjaro Fast ferries operated by Azam Marine and Zan Fast Ferries depart multiple times daily from the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Cost (return) | $35–50 USD (93,000–132,500 TZS / 4,500–6,500 KES) |
| Departure point | Dar es Salaam ferry terminal, city centre |
| Arrival point | Zanzibar ferry terminal, Stone Town |
| Booking | Book in advance during AFCON period — crossings sell out |
Important: Ferry crossings during AFCON 2027 match weeks in Zanzibar will sell out. Book your return crossing at the same time as your outbound journey. Do not leave this until the last minute.
By Air from Dar es Salaam
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 25 minutes |
| Cost (return) | $80–150 USD (212,000–397,500 TZS) |
| Airlines | Precision Air, Air Tanzania, Auric Air |
| Airport | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) |
| Best for | Fans short on time or prone to seasickness |
International Flights Direct to Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s airport (ZNZ) receives direct international flights from several African cities and Middle Eastern hubs. Check current routes from your origin — flying direct to Zanzibar and starting your AFCON experience on the island is a fantastic option if your routing allows it.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar for AFCON 2027
Stone Town — For Culture and Atmosphere
Stone Town guesthouses and boutique hotels are the best base for fans attending matches at the New Amaan Sports Complex — the stadium is walking distance from the old town. The atmosphere of Stone Town on match days will be extraordinary — narrow alleys, rooftop bars, the waterfront all alive with AFCON 2027 fans from across Africa.
| Type | Cost per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | $20–40 USD | Many excellent options in Stone Town |
| Boutique hotel | $60–120 USD | Historic buildings, rooftop terraces |
| Heritage hotel | $150–300 USD | Former mansions converted to hotels |
Nungwi — For Beach and Nightlife
The north coast village of Nungwi is Zanzibar’s most popular tourist destination — long white beach, warm calm water, lively beach bars and the iconic Rock Bar. Further from the stadiums but ideal for fans combining AFCON with a beach holiday.
| Type | Cost per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | $25–45 USD | Village guesthouses, basic but clean |
| Mid-range hotel | $60–120 USD | Pool, restaurant, beach access |
| Beach resort | $120–300 USD | Full service, beachfront |
Kendwa — For Calm and Sunsets
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is calmer and more relaxed. Famous for its full moon parties and some of the best sunsets on the island. If your AFCON 2027 schedule aligns with a full moon — Kendwa is unmissable.
East Coast — Paje and Jambiani
The wild east coast is Zanzibar’s best-kept secret — long remote beaches, East African village life, world-class kitesurfing. Further from the match venues but perfect for fans who want to escape the tournament crowds between games.
Match Day Guide — Getting to the Stadiums
New Amaan Sports Complex (Stone Town)
If staying in Stone Town — walk. The stadium is within the old town area. Allow 15 to 20 minutes on foot through the alleys. This is one of the great match day walks in world football — through 400-year-old streets, past carved wooden doors and spice markets, to an AFCON 2027 group stage match.
If staying in Nungwi or north coast — take a dala-dala (local minibus) or shared taxi to Stone Town. Journey takes 45 to 60 minutes. Bolt is increasingly available on Zanzibar for app-based rides.
Fumba City Stadium
Fumba is approximately 25km southwest of Stone Town. It is not walkable from anywhere on the island. Take a Bolt, private taxi or official shuttle. Journey from Stone Town takes 30 to 45 minutes. Book transport in advance for match days — do not rely on finding a taxi outside the stadium after the match.
Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Football
Forodhani Night Market — every evening at sunset, the Stone Town waterfront comes alive. Grilled octopus, Zanzibar pizza, fresh juice for a few thousand shillings each. Non-negotiable.
Spice Farm Tour — half-day tour of working spice farms. See how cloves, cardamom and vanilla grow. One of the best half-days available in East Africa. $15 to $25 USD including transport.
Prison Island (Changuu Island) — a short boat ride from Stone Town. Giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. Snorkelling in the surrounding coral reef. $20 to $30 USD for the boat trip.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll — the best snorkelling in Tanzania and among the finest in the Indian Ocean. Dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish and seasonal whale sharks. $40 to $60 USD for a half-day trip from Nungwi or Matemwe.
Stone Town walking tour — the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the slave trade memorial, the Freddie Mercury Museum (the Queen frontman was born in Stone Town). Budget a full day. $15 to $30 USD for a guided tour.
Sunset dhow cruise — traditional wooden sailing vessel, Indian Ocean, cold Kilimanjaro beer, the Stone Town skyline turning golden. $25 to $40 USD. The most Zanzibar experience possible.
Practical Tips for Zanzibar
Dress code in Stone Town — Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town and the old town areas. Swimwear is fine on the beach. Respectful dress is appreciated.
Water — never drink tap water on Zanzibar. Drink sealed bottled water only. ATMs in Stone Town can run out during peak periods — withdraw cash in Dar es Salaam before crossing if possible.
Connectivity — good 4G in Stone Town and Nungwi. East coast coverage can be patchy. Download offline maps before heading to remote beaches. Yas , Vodacom and Airtel perform best on the island.
Best time to cross — if attending an evening match, take the morning ferry from DSM. Give yourself a full day on the island before the match. Do not take the last ferry of the day on match day — it will be overcrowded with departing fans.
Yellow fever — if your original entry into Tanzania was from a yellow fever endemic country (Nigeria, Ghana, DRC etc), carry your yellow fever certificate when travelling to Zanzibar. Authorities sometimes check it at the island port. See our health guide for full details.
Why Zanzibar Changes AFCON 2027
Every AFCON has great football. Only AFCON 2027 has Zanzibar. The Stone Town alleyways, the Forodhani waterfront, the Indian Ocean backdrop, the spice markets, the beaches — these are things no previous Africa Cup of Nations has offered fans. Attending a group stage match on Zanzibar and combining it with even two days on the island is one of the great football travel experiences available anywhere in the world right now.
For tickets to Zanzibar matches visit our complete ticket guide. For flights to Tanzania visit our flights guide. For the full AFCON 2027 fixture list visit our fixtures page. For everything about all three host cities visit our complete Tanzania city guides.
Stadium information sourced from Daily News Tanzania, The Citizen Tanzania, StadiumDB, CAF Online and Tuko.co.ke. Construction status as of June 2026. This page will be updated as further information is confirmed.