AFCON 2027: Tanzania Plan Unique Experience with Training Camps Inside National Parks

Tanzania is set to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by establishing elite training facilities inside its world-famous national parks.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba announced the ambitious plan, which aims to deliver the most memorable tournament in the competition's history.

As part of its preparations for co-hosting the event, the Tanzanian government is developing a blueprint to merge professional football infrastructure with the nation's stunning natural landscapes.

This initiative is designed to provide visiting teams with an unparalleled training environment that will also serve as a major promotional tool for the tournament.

"The intention is for the players to train while enjoying the sight of wildlife," Dr Nchemba stated during a parliamentary session as quoted by Daily News. "It will be an experience they cannot get anywhere else in the world."

The Prime Minister was responding to a question from Amani MP Abdul Yussuf Maalim regarding government strategies to boost tourism and revenue during the continental showcase.

Dr Nchemba confirmed that the training grounds would be located in parks free of dangerous animals to guarantee the safety of all players and officials.

"All necessary safety measures will be observed," he assured, emphasising that the goal is to create secure, high-quality facilities without compromising conservation efforts.

This project is a key component of a wider strategy to leverage the tournament to showcase Tanzania's tourism assets.

An inter-ministerial committee is preparing an integrated tourism package that will enable AFCON visitors to easily combine watching matches with trips to major attractions.

The package, which will be promoted digitally and through Tanzanian embassies, will detail travel times and costs for tourists moving between AFCON venues and nearby destinations like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park, and the Serengeti.

"Someone attending a match in Arusha will be able to reach a national park within 20 to 30 minutes and Ngorongoro within 40 minutes to an hour," Dr Nchemba explained.

"Instead of visiting Ngorongoro on a separate trip, they will be able to enjoy both football and wildlife in one package."

He added that visitors could even travel from Arusha National Park to the Serengeti and conclude their day on the beaches of Zanzibar.

Other attractions, such as Mikumi National Park, now more accessible via the new SGR railway, will also be featured in the tourism packages.

A national committee of experts is also finalising a broader economic plan to ensure Tanzania maximises its gains from hosting AFCON.

The strategy includes creating opportunities for youth and small businesses through commercial booths, improved infrastructure, and secure 24-hour trading zones around stadiums and training sites.

"We are promoting local products, both traditional and modern, and ensuring they are accessible to visitors," the Prime Minister concluded. "At the same time, we are strengthening the promotion of our tourist attractions."