Your complete guide to Nairobi for AFCON 2027 — where to stay, eat, get around, and what to do beyond the football.
The best neighbourhoods for AFCON visitors. Both are central, safe, and walkable with restaurants, bars and shopping within easy reach. Most hotels here put you 25–35 minutes from the stadium. Westlands has the liveliest nightlife. Kilimani is slightly quieter with more residential character.
Good-value mid-range options in leafy residential streets. Safe neighbourhoods popular with expats. 30–40 minutes from the stadium depending on traffic. Better value than Westlands for the same quality.
Business hotels and budget options. Convenient for the airport shuttle and city transport hubs. Less neighbourhood character than Westlands but cheaper. Fine for short stays.
Upscale area close to Nairobi National Park. Beautiful properties and a quieter atmosphere — good if you're adding a safari. Not ideal as a match-day base due to distance (45–60 min to stadium in AFCON traffic).
Roasted meat — the quintessential Kenyan social meal. Order by the kilo at spots like Carnivore Restaurant (iconic, all-you-can-eat) or any local joint in Westlands. Normally goat or beef, served with ugali and kachumbari salad.
Kenya's staple — maize porridge served with sautéed greens and either beef stew, tilapia or nyama. Filling, cheap and delicious. Any local eatery for under 300 KES (~$2).
Mutura is a Kenyan sausage grilled on street corners especially at night. Samosas, mandazi (doughnuts) and roasted maize are everywhere around markets and outside stadiums.
Nairobi has a genuinely excellent restaurant scene. For upscale: Talisman (Karen), Lord Erroll (Runda), Artcaffe (multiple branches). For Indian food: the cluster around Westlands is outstanding. Ethiopian restaurants in Ngara are also worth seeking out.
The easiest option for tourists. Both work well in Nairobi and prices are reasonable. Expect surge pricing on match days — book 30–45 minutes early or walk to a quieter side street for a faster pickup. Always confirm your driver's name and plate before getting in.
Nairobi's shared minibus system — very cheap (30–80 KES per trip) but can be chaotic for first-timers. On match days, special matatus run stadium routes. Once you understand the system it's actually efficient and the most local experience you can have.
JKIA is ~16km from Westlands. Bolt or Uber costs around 800–1,500 KES. The Nairobi Expressway reduces travel time significantly — worth paying the toll. Avoid random taxi touts at arrivals — walk to the official rank or use your app.
Build in 2–3x normal journey time to the stadium on match days. Cantravu packages include stadium transfers so you don't need to plan this yourself.
Nairobi is a large African city with normal urban safety considerations. The tourist and residential areas (Westlands, Kilimani, Karen) are generally very safe. The CBD requires more awareness, especially at night.
Keep phones in your pocket in crowded markets and on matatus. Don't walk while looking at your phone in unfamiliar areas. Use a money belt for your passport and extra cash. Hotel safes are your friend.
Malaria is present — take prophylaxis (consult your doctor 6–8 weeks before travel), use DEET repellent and sleep under a net where provided. Drink bottled water only. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
Kenya Police: 999 or 112. Nairobi Hospital: +254 20 284 5000. Aga Khan Hospital: +254 20 366 2000. Keep your travel insurance emergency number saved.
One of the world's greatest wildlife experiences. June–July (AFCON season) is excellent timing — the wildebeest migration is building up. A 2-night stay is the minimum. Cantravu can arrange this as part of your trip.
The only national park in the world inside a capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and zebras with the Nairobi skyline behind them. Worth a 3–4 hour morning trip on a non-match day.
Scenic Rift Valley lake with hippos, a flamingo colony and the stunning Hell's Gate gorge where you can walk or cycle among geysers and wildlife. A great day trip.
Elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro — one of Kenya's most photographed scenes. Best visited over a night if you can manage it.
Leave your accommodation at least 2.5 hours before kick-off. Our packages include pre-arranged stadium transfers so you won't need to figure this out on the day.
Your ticket (digital or physical), a valid ID or passport, cash for food and merch inside the stadium. Avoid large bags — security checks are thorough and bag sizes may be restricted.
Food vendors operate inside and outside all AFCON stadiums. Kenyan stadium snacks include roasted maize, mandazi and drinks.
Westlands bars and restaurants will be buzzing after evening matches. Sankara, Alchemist and Havana are among the popular spots. Expect late nights and high energy — AFCON nights in Nairobi are something special.
Our AFCON 2027 packages include flights, accommodation, match tickets and transfers — all from one place.