A local's guide to Nairobi for AFCON 2027: which neighbourhood to stay in, how to get to Talanta Stadium and Kasarani without losing hours in traffic, where to watch wildlife on a free afternoon, and what to eat.
We live in Nairobi, and we love it. It's loud, green, friendly and full of energy, and in June 2027 it will be one of the busiest football cities in Africa. This is the guide we'd give a friend flying in for the tournament.
Where are the AFCON 2027 stadiums in Nairobi?
Nairobi has two planned AFCON venues, on opposite sides of the city:
- Talanta Stadium: a new 60,000-seat stadium built on the Jamhuri grounds off Ngong Road, south-west of the city centre. As of late 2026 it was over 90% complete and was due to open before the tournament.
- Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani: Kenya's long-time national stadium, off the Thika Superhighway north-east of the centre, being upgraded for the tournament.
CAF had not confirmed which matches go to which stadium as of November 2026, so check official fixtures before you choose a hotel.
Where to stay in Nairobi for AFCON 2027
Nairobi's busiest hub for restaurants, rooftop bars and malls, with a big choice of hotels. Linked to the airport by the Nairobi Expressway. A lively base if you want the full tournament atmosphere.
Leafy residential areas with serviced apartments, cafés and easy access to Ngong Road, which makes them a handy base for Talanta Stadium.
Business hotels close to Ngong Road and Talanta. Practical on matchdays, quieter at night than Westlands.
Green, spacious and peaceful, next to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. Further from Kasarani, so plan matchday transfers carefully.
If your matches are at Kasarani, look at hotels along the Thika Road corridor or in Gigiri, home to the UN offices, which cut the cross-town drive. Wherever you stay, book early and pick a flexible cancellation policy until fixtures are confirmed.
Getting around, and getting to the match
Nairobi traffic is the single biggest thing to plan for. A drive that takes 20 minutes at 6am can take well over an hour at rush hour, and matchdays will add crowds and road closures.
- 1Use ride-hailing apps or a pre-arranged transfer
Uber and Bolt work well across Nairobi and are the easiest way for visitors to get around. For matchdays, a pre-arranged driver who knows the stadium drop-off points saves a lot of stress, especially for groups.
- 2Leave much earlier than you think
For an evening kick-off, aim to arrive at the stadium well before the gates open. Stadium security checks take time, and you'll enjoy the build-up.
- 3Agree your pick-up point before the final whistle
Phone networks get busy around big crowds. Agree a meeting point with your driver or group in advance.
From the airport, the Nairobi Expressway links Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Westlands in a fraction of the time the old road takes. It's a toll road, and transfers usually use it.
What to do in Nairobi between matches
Rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and lions, with skyscrapers on the horizon. Nowhere else in the world can you do this. Go early in the morning.
Feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform at eye level in Langata. It's joyful at any age.
Watch orphaned baby elephants at feeding time, and hear how they are raised and returned to the wild.
Kenya's history, culture and natural history in one place, with gardens and a snake park next door.
The farmhouse of the Out of Africa author, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
Kenya's beloved roast meat, best shared with friends, kachumbari salad, ugali and a cold drink after the match.
With two or more free days, go further: Lake Naivasha, Amboseli or the Maasai Mara. Our guide to combining AFCON 2027 with a Kenya safari shows what fits into each gap between matches. For a single afternoon, see our Nairobi layover safari guide: the same plan works perfectly between fixtures.
Weather, money and staying safe
- Weather: June and July are Nairobi's coolest months. Days are mild and often cloudy, and evenings can drop to around 10–12°C, so bring a jacket to the stadium.
- Money: Kenyan shillings. Cards are accepted in most hotels, malls and restaurants, and M-Pesa mobile money works everywhere with a local SIM.
- SIM cards: easy to buy at the airport or any mall with your passport.
- Safety: take normal big-city care. Keep phones out of sight in crowds, use ride-hailing or arranged transport at night, and don't walk around with valuables after dark. Read more in is Kenya safe for tourists?
Let us handle Nairobi for you
Our AFCON 2027 packages include your Nairobi hotel, airport transfers and ground transport between your hotel and your confirmed match venue, so all you need to think about is the football. Then we take you on safari.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Talanta Stadium in Nairobi?
Talanta Stadium is a new 60,000-seat stadium on the Jamhuri grounds off Ngong Road, south-west of Nairobi's city centre. It is one of Kenya's planned AFCON 2027 venues.
Where is Kasarani stadium?
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is off the Thika Superhighway, north-east of Nairobi's city centre.
What is the best area to stay in Nairobi for AFCON 2027?
Westlands and Kilimani suit fans who want restaurants and nightlife. Upper Hill and the city centre are convenient for Talanta Stadium, the Thika Road corridor and Gigiri for Kasarani, and Karen for a quiet base near Nairobi National Park.
How do I get around Nairobi during AFCON?
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are the easiest option for visitors. On matchdays, a pre-arranged transfer avoids the crowds at drop-off points. Always allow extra time for traffic.
What can I do in Nairobi on a free day between matches?
Take a game drive in Nairobi National Park, feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, or see the Nairobi National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum.
