Combining AFCON 2027 with Gorilla Trekking in East Africa
The AFCON 2027 football tournament offers travellers an unusual opportunity to combine one of Africa’s biggest sporting events with one of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking.
AFCON 2027 will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027. It will be the first Africa Cup of Nations to be jointly hosted by three countries, bringing international football fans to East Africa.
For travellers who want more than football, Uganda is particularly interesting because it is both an AFCON host country and home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where mountain gorilla trekking takes place.
You can therefore build a holiday around your match schedule and add several days of gorilla trekking before or after the tournament.
A longer East African itinerary can even combine AFCON 2027, gorilla trekking, safari and self-drive travel across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Why Combine AFCON 2027 with Gorilla Trekking?
A football trip to East Africa does not have to end when the final whistle blows.
Instead, visitors can use the tournament as the starting point for a wider East African holiday.
Imagine attending a match in Uganda, travelling through the country’s scenic countryside and then heading towards the mountains of southwestern Uganda for a gorilla trek.
Alternatively, you could attend matches in Kenya or Tanzania before flying or driving towards Uganda or Rwanda for a primate experience.
This combination brings together two very different experiences: the atmosphere of African football and the quiet, immersive experience of walking through a mountain rainforest in search of wild gorillas.
Uganda: AFCON 2027 and Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is the most natural country for combining AFCON with gorilla trekking because it will host the tournament and is also home to two mountain gorilla trekking destinations.
Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda Wildlife Authority states that treks can take approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, with one hour of observation once the group is located.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s best-known gorilla trekking destination.
The forest is divided into several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
This means that your accommodation and driving itinerary should be planned around the specific sector where your gorilla permit is booked.
A typical AFCON and gorilla itinerary could look like:
Entebbe → Kampala → AFCON match → Bwindi → Gorilla trekking → Entebbe
Travellers with more time can add Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga provides another opportunity for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The park is located in the Virunga Mountains in southwestern Uganda and also offers opportunities to see golden monkeys.
It is smaller than Bwindi and has a high-altitude volcanic environment.
A possible route is:
Kampala → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth → Kisoro/Mgahinga → Gorilla trekking
This route can turn a football holiday into a broader wildlife and adventure journey.
Rwanda as an Alternative Gorilla Trekking Extension
Travellers attending AFCON in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania can also consider extending their holiday to Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s best-known mountain gorilla trekking destinations.
This can work particularly well for visitors who want to combine Uganda with Rwanda.
A possible itinerary is:
Kampala → southwestern Uganda → Rwanda → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali
Alternatively, visitors can fly into Kigali after attending AFCON matches elsewhere in East Africa and organize their gorilla trekking experience from Rwanda.
Rwanda currently lists its standard foreign gorilla trekking permit at US$1,500 per person per day, with a minimum tracking age of 15; special rates are available for some categories of residents and citizens.
Because permit prices and tourism regulations can change before 2027, travellers should confirm the current tariff when booking.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Information
Uganda Wildlife Authority’s published 2024–2027 tariff lists a foreign non-resident gorilla permit at US$800, while the published tariff also lists different rates for foreign residents and East African citizens.
UWA’s website currently also provides a separate link for its 2026–2027 tariff, so travellers planning an AFCON 2027 trip should confirm the applicable 2027 price before making their final budget.
Uganda’s gorilla permits include the guide fee, park entrance for the day and community development contribution under the published tariff.
How to Build an AFCON and Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
The most important thing is to build the itinerary around the football match dates first.
Once your matches are confirmed, you can place the gorilla trek before or after the football portion of the trip.
Avoid scheduling your gorilla trek immediately before a match if you need to make a long journey between the forest and the stadium.
Gorilla trekking can involve several hours of walking through mountainous forest, so allowing a buffer day can make the overall itinerary more comfortable.
Example 7-Day AFCON and Gorilla Trip
A short itinerary could focus entirely on Uganda.
Day 1 – Arrive in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2 – Kampala
Explore Kampala and prepare for your football match.
Day 3 – AFCON Match
Attend your scheduled AFCON 2027 match and enjoy the atmosphere around the tournament.
Day 4 – Kampala to Western Uganda
Begin the journey towards western Uganda.
Depending on the route and available time, you could stop around Fort Portal or continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5 – Continue to Bwindi
Travel towards your chosen Bwindi sector and spend the night near the trekking area.
Day 6 – Gorilla Trekking
Take part in your gorilla trekking experience.
After the trek, relax at your lodge and enjoy the forest environment.
Day 7 – Return Journey
Begin your return journey towards Entebbe or continue to another East African destination.
Example 10-Day AFCON, Gorilla and Safari Trip
Travellers with more time can combine football, gorillas and wildlife.
Day 1: Entebbe arrival
Day 2: Kampala
Day 3: AFCON match
Day 4: Kampala to Fort Portal
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
Day 7: Gorilla trekking
Day 8: Bwindi to Kigali or another overnight destination
Day 9: Kigali
Day 10: Departure
This itinerary can be adjusted depending on the actual match location and your preferred gorilla trekking destination.
AFCON, Gorilla Trekking and East African Safari
For travellers with two or three weeks, the experience can become much larger.
A possible itinerary could combine:
Kenya → Tanzania → Uganda → Rwanda
For example:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Arusha → Serengeti → Kampala → Bwindi → Rwanda
This would combine football, savannah wildlife, mountain gorillas and East African cities.
Because this is a long itinerary, it is important to allow sufficient time for travel rather than attempting to rush between destinations.
Kenya AFCON to Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Travellers attending AFCON in Kenya can combine their trip with Uganda.
A possible itinerary is:
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Entebbe → Kampala → Bwindi
The Kenya section can include safari before flying or travelling onward to Uganda.
For visitors with limited time, flying between countries can save substantial travel time compared with driving the entire distance.
Tanzania AFCON to Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Travellers attending matches in Tanzania can also add Uganda to their itinerary.
One possible combination is:
Arusha → Serengeti → Kampala → Bwindi
Another option is:
Dar es Salaam → Nyerere → Kampala → Bwindi
Because these are long distances, travellers should compare domestic and regional flights with self-drive options when building their itinerary.
AFCON 2027 and Gorilla Trekking by 4×4
A 4×4 rental can be useful for travellers who want to explore Uganda before or after their gorilla trek.
A suitable vehicle can be used for routes connecting Kampala, Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth National Park and southwestern Uganda.
For travellers interested in camping, a 4×4 with rooftop tent can provide another option for selected sections of an East African road trip.
However, gorilla trekking itself requires a permit and guided experience. A rental vehicle does not replace the official trekking arrangements.
Self-Drive to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking
Experienced travellers can consider a Uganda self-drive itinerary to Bwindi.
For example:
Entebbe → Kampala → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi
The exact route should depend on your gorilla trekking sector.
Bwindi is a large forest area with several trekking sectors, so accommodation and driving arrangements should be selected according to the location of your permit.
This is particularly important because arriving in the wrong part of the park can create unnecessary additional driving.
Gorilla Trekking and AFCON for Couples
Couples can create a balanced itinerary combining football, wildlife and relaxation.
For example:
Kampala → AFCON match → Bwindi → Gorilla trekking → Lake Bunyonyi → Kigali
Lake Bunyonyi can provide a relaxing stop after the trek before continuing towards Rwanda.
Couples can also choose a Rwanda-focused itinerary:
AFCON host country → Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Gorilla trekking → Kigali
Gorilla Trekking and AFCON for Families
Families planning this type of holiday need to consider the age requirements for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda currently lists 15 years as the minimum age for gorilla tracking.
Uganda’s trekking arrangements should also be confirmed for every traveller before booking.
Families should also consider the physical demands of trekking. UWA describes Uganda’s gorilla treks as requiring moderate fitness, with walks potentially lasting several hours.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
A football holiday requires very different equipment from a rainforest trek.
For gorilla trekking, travellers should prepare for wet and muddy conditions.
Recommended items include sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved clothing, waterproof clothing and gloves.
Rwanda’s tourism authority also recommends solid walking shoes, sturdy clothing, gloves and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
A small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks and personal items.
Gorilla Trekking and Conservation
Gorilla tourism is closely connected to conservation and local communities.
Uganda Wildlife Authority states that it shares a portion of park revenue with communities surrounding national parks. At Bwindi, UWA also reports a specific contribution from each gorilla permit towards community revenue sharing.
UWA reported a 2025 disbursement of more than UGX 2.19 billion to communities around the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area from park entry and gorilla-related revenue.
This makes responsible tourism an important part of planning a gorilla trekking holiday.
Best Time to Combine AFCON and Gorilla Trekking
AFCON 2027 will take place from 19 June to 17 July, so travellers planning this combination will be visiting East Africa during this period.
Gorilla trekking can take place throughout the year, but weather and forest conditions can affect the trekking experience.
Because AFCON creates an additional travel demand during this period, travellers should arrange gorilla permits, accommodation and transport well in advance.
Do not wait until you have already arrived for the football tournament before trying to secure a gorilla permit.
Booking Gorilla Trekking Around AFCON 2027
The most important booking order is:
1. Confirm your AFCON match schedule
2. Choose Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking
3. Secure your gorilla permit
4. Book accommodation near the trekking sector
5. Arrange flights or 4×4 transportation
6. Build your safari or road-trip extension
7. Leave buffer time between major journeys and matches
This approach reduces the risk of creating an itinerary that is too tight.
Combining AFCON 2027 With Gorilla Trekking and Zanzibar
Travellers who want a complete East African holiday can go beyond gorillas and football.
For example:
AFCON → Uganda → Gorilla trekking → Tanzania → Serengeti → Zanzibar
This creates a combination of:
Football + gorillas + safari + beach
A longer holiday could begin in Nairobi, continue through Uganda and Tanzania and finish on Zanzibar.
AFCON 2027 Gorilla Trekking Package
A customized package can combine several components into one itinerary.
Depending on your interests, the package could include:
- AFCON match-day transportation
- Airport pickup
- 4×4 vehicle rental
- Self-drive or chauffeur service
- Gorilla trekking permit arrangements
- Accommodation
- Safari
- Park entry arrangements
- Cross-border travel assistance
- Camping equipment
- Zanzibar extension
The exact package should be built around your confirmed match schedule and gorilla permit availability.
Self Drive Tanzania for AFCON and Gorilla Trekking
Self Drive Rwanda can assist travellers planning wider East African road trips around AFCON 2027.
For travellers combining football with Uganda or Rwanda, vehicle planning can be discussed according to the proposed route, including 4×4 rental, safari vehicles, camping vehicles and selected cross-border arrangements.
If you are planning:
AFCON + Gorilla Trekking + Safari
provide your travel dates, match locations, number of travellers and preferred countries.
This makes it easier to develop a practical route around your football and trekking plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine AFCON 2027 with gorilla trekking?
Yes. Uganda is particularly suitable because it will host AFCON 2027 and is home to Bwindi and Mgahinga, both gorilla trekking destinations.
Can I attend an AFCON match and trek gorillas in Uganda?
Yes. You can build a Uganda itinerary around your match schedule and add gorilla trekking before or after the football portion.
Can I combine AFCON with gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides another gorilla trekking option and can be added to an East African itinerary.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Uganda’s published 2024–2026 tariff lists the foreign non-resident gorilla permit at US$800. UWA has a separate 2026–2027 tariff link, so the applicable 2027 price should be confirmed before booking.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
Visit Rwanda currently lists the standard gorilla permit at US$1,500 per person per day, with special categories and rates for some residents and citizens.
How long does gorilla trekking take?
Uganda Wildlife Authority states that gorilla treks can take approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
What should I combine with gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be combined with AFCON, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, cultural experiences, Lake Kivu, Lake Bunyonyi or a wider East African road trip.
Can I drive a rental car to Bwindi?
Self-drive can be used for journeys towards Bwindi, subject to the rental company’s vehicle and route conditions. Your gorilla permit and accommodation should be arranged according to the correct trekking sector.
Should I book the gorilla permit before my AFCON trip?
It is advisable to secure the gorilla trekking arrangements before finalizing the rest of the itinerary because permits have limited availability and must fit around your match schedule.
Plan Your AFCON 2027 and Gorilla Trekking Adventure
AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking can create an extraordinary East African holiday that combines football with wildlife and adventure.
You can attend an AFCON match in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania and then continue to the forests of southwestern Uganda for a mountain gorilla trek.
For a longer adventure, add Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kigali or Zanzibar.
The key is to plan the football schedule, gorilla permit and transportation together rather than treating each part as a separate trip.
Contact Self Drive Rwanda to plan your AFCON 2027 road trip, 4×4 rental, Uganda gorilla trekking extension, Rwanda gorilla experience or wider East African safari adventure.