The greatest wildlife experiences on Earth sit right next to AFCON's host cities. Here's what to add to your trip.
Maasai Mara
Africa's most famous game reserve. Lions, elephants, cheetah, leopard and the start of the Great Wildebeest Migration all happen in June–July — exactly when AFCON takes place.
5–6h drive / 45min flight from Nairobi from $400/person (2 nights) June–July is excellent — wildebeest migration building up
• Fly into the Mara for ease — Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips is 45 minutes
• 2 nights minimum to do it justice — 1 night is rushed
• Book camps early — AFCON plus safari season means very high demand
• Governors' Camp, Ashnil Mara and Sanctuary Olonana are reliable options
Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. One hour with a habituated gorilla family — widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. Permits are strictly limited.
7–8h drive / 1h flight from Kampala from Kampala $800 permit + lodge from ~$200/night Year-round — June/July is dry season, excellent visibility
• Book your permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority — permits sell out months ahead
• The trek is 2–8 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located — be reasonably fit
• Fly Kampala–Kihihi or Kampala–Kisoro for convenience; overland takes all day
• Combine with Bwindi Lodge or Mahogany Springs for a complete experience
Zanzibar
White sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean, UNESCO-listed Stone Town and some of the best seafood in Africa — 35 minutes from Dar es Salaam by fast ferry.
35min fast ferry / 20min flight from Dar es Salaam Ferry from $35 one way · stays from $80/night June–July is dry season — perfect beach weather
• Book ferries early during AFCON — Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferry fill fast
• Spend 2 nights minimum: 1 night Stone Town, 1 night at a beach resort
• Nungwi and Kendwa are the best beaches for swimming year-round
• Don't wear swimwear in Stone Town — it's a predominantly Muslim community
Serengeti
The world's greatest wildlife spectacle. 1.5 million wildebeest moving across vast plains, with all major predators in attendance.
1h flight to Seronera from Dar/Arusha from Dar es Salaam from $600/person (2 nights fly-in) June–July: Great Migration in the Western Corridor
• A 3-night fly-in safari is the minimum to do the Serengeti justice
• Central Serengeti (Seronera) is closest to the main airstrip — best all-round wildlife
• Western Corridor in June/July for river crossing spectacles
• Combine with a night at a luxury tented camp
Jinja & the Nile
White-water rafting and bungee jumping at the Source of the Nile — one of the best adrenaline day trips in Africa, just 2 hours from Kampala.
2h drive from Kampala Day trip from $40 / overnight from $120 Year-round — water levels are optimal June–August
• Nile River Explorers and Adrift are the main rafting operators
• Grade 5 rapids are intense but manageable — no experience required with a guide
• The bungee platform over the Nile is 44 metres
• Jinja is also a great base for a relaxed overnight
Nairobi National Park
The only national park in the world within a major capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo with the Nairobi skyline behind them.
15–20min from city centre from Nairobi $60 entry + game drive vehicle (~$50) Year-round — dry season (June–August) improves visibility
• Early morning (6–9am) gives the best wildlife sightings
• Rent a vehicle through the park or book a guided half-day tour
• Black rhino are regularly spotted here
• Combine with the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage next door
