The Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa
The 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is Tanzania's national stadium and the country's flagship AFCON venue, undergoing major renovation ahead of the tournament. Expect the biggest matches of Tanzania's group to land here.
Getting There
The stadium sits south of the city centre off Taifa Road. On match days use ride-hailing (Bolt/Uber), bajaji (tuk-tuk) for short hops, or the BRT rapid bus system — traffic will be heavy, leave early. Prefer your own vehicle? See our car hire guide for self-drive and driver options.
Match-Day Tips
Arrive 2–3 hours before kickoff for security checks. Carry a printed or digital ticket, ID/passport, and small cash. Stadium bag rules will follow CAF standards — travel light.
The Atmosphere
Dar is home to Simba SC and Young Africans — two of Africa's most passionate fanbases. Expect drums, colour and noise like nowhere else when the Taifa Stars play.
Where to Stay
Book early — Dar's best rooms will sell out well before kickoff once the fixture list drops.
| Area | Best For | To the Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre / Kisutu | Budget-to-mid hotels, close to everything | ~15–25 min |
| Kariakoo | Cheapest stays, most local energy, market district | ~10–20 min |
| Masaki / Oyster Bay | Upscale hotels, restaurants, nightlife, sea views | ~25–40 min |
| Coco Beach / Mikocheni | Mid-range, beach access, quieter | ~30–45 min |
Your Hotel Here
Premium placement seen by fans booking Dar es Salaam stays for AFCON 2027.
Your Restaurant Here
Where should 60,000 fans eat before the match? Tell them here.
Your Tour Here
Day trips, city tours, Zanzibar ferries — fans have free days between matches.
Eat, Drink & Celebrate
Seafood by the Ocean
Dar is famous for its seafood — grilled fish, octopus and prawns along the Msasani Peninsula and Slipway. Ocean-view dinner after a match is the move.
Street Food
Try mishkaki (beef skewers), chips mayai (chip omelette), urojo soup and fresh sugarcane juice. Kariakoo and city-centre street stalls are the real Dar.
Watch Parties
Sports bars and beach lounges across Masaki and Mikocheni will screen every match. Fan zones for AFCON will be announced closer to the tournament.
Beyond the Football
Zanzibar, 2 Hours Away
Ferries run daily from Dar to Stone Town (~2 hrs). With Zanzibar also hosting matches, an island trip is the perfect mid-tournament break. See the Zanzibar guide.
Beaches
Coco Beach is the city favourite; Mbudya and Bongoyo islands are a short boat ride away for white sand and grilled fish.
Markets & Culture
Kariakoo Market, the National Museum, Tingatinga art village and the fish market at Kivukoni for early risers.
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