Quick Answer
CHAN 2024 runs from August 2-30, 2025 across five stadiums in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar. The tournament opens at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000 capacity) and concludes with the final at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi (48,000 capacity) on August 30. Other venues include Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi (18,000), Mandela Stadium in Kampala (38,000), and the unique Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar (15,000). All venues require digital tickets plus photo ID, with arrival 2-3 hours before major matches recommended. Prohibited items include umbrellas, outside food and drinks, and political materials. Key transport includes Route 49 matatu to Kasarani and ferry or flight connections to reach Zanzibar.
Key Takeaways for Smart Packing
- CHAN 2024 runs August 2-30, 2025 across five stadiums in four cities
- Kasarani (Nairobi) hosts the final on August 30,
- Benjamin Mkapa (Dar) hosts the opening match August 2 Stadium capacities have been reduced post renovation: Kasarani now 48,000, Mandela Stadium now 38,000
- Digital tickets plus official ID required. Arrive 2-3 hours early for major matches
- Prohibited items include umbrellas, outside food/drinks, political signs, and professional cameras
Where Africa Comes Alive Through Football
CHAN 2024 is a regional celebration of culture, competition, and crowd energy. Whether you’re catching the opener in Dar es Salaam or the final in Nairobi, knowing how to navigate venues, understand security protocols, and tap into local rhythms can transform your tournament experience. Here’s your verified, locally informed guide to every stadium.
For comprehensive planning including accommodation, visa requirements, and cultural tips, see our complete CHAN 2024 Travel Guide.
Kenya: Nairobi’s Football Powerhouses
Most travelers find Nairobi offers the tournament’s most accessible stadium experiences, though each venue presents distinct logistics challenges.
Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani
Current Capacity: 48,000 (reduced from 60,000 after 2024 renovations)
Hosts: Group A matches, Semifinals, Final (August 30)
Recent Upgrades: 3,000 Lux LED floodlighting, VAR camera systems, enhanced drainage, 100+ CCTV cameras
Getting There:
- Distance: 20km northeast of Nairobi CBD via Thika Highway
- By car: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions
- Matatu: Route 49 (not Route 46) – “Town to Thika Road to Kasarani”
- Ride-hailing: KSh 800-1,200 from CBD, with surge pricing during matches
- Parking: Stadium lots fill 3 or more hours early. Kasarani Shopping Centre offers alternative parking with 10 minute walk
For detailed transport routes between all CHAN cities, see our Complete CHAN 2024 Transport Guide.
Local Reality: Traffic on Thika Highway becomes heavy 4-5 hours before major matches. Many locals recommend leaving central Nairobi by 2 PM for evening kickoffs.
Nyayo National Stadium
Capacity: 18,000 (though some recent CAF documents indicate up to 22,000)
Hosts: Group A fixtures
Character: Intimate setting with excellent sightlines, recently upgraded artificial turf
Getting There:
- Location: Lang’ata Road, 8km from CBD
- Matatu: Routes 24, 126, or 111 from city center
- Ride-hailing: KSh 500-800 from downtown
- Walking: 15 minute walk from Hurlingham area hotels
Advantage: Much easier access than Kasarani, with several nearby accommodation options within walking distance.
Tanzania: Coastal Football Culture
Tanzania’s venues showcase the country’s enthusiasm for continental competition, with passionate local support creating electric atmospheres.
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Capacity: 60,000
Hosts: Tournament opener (Tanzania vs Burkina Faso, August 2), Group B matches
2024 Upgrades: Complete seat replacement, VAR installation, LED lighting system, modernized facilities
Transport Options:
- Location: Miburani, 12km from city center via Nelson Mandela Road
- Dalla dalla: Public transport from Posta and Kariakoo areas
- Taxi: Fixed rates TZS 25,000-35,000 from downtown
- Hotel shuttles: Most major hotels organizing match day transport
Coastal Advantage: Sea breezes provide natural cooling during evening matches, creating more comfortable conditions than inland venues.
Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar
Capacity: 15,000
Hosts: Group D matches (Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria)
Unique Setting: Historic Stone Town location, walking distance from spice markets and cultural sites
Island Logistics:
- Mainland access: 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam or 2-hour ferry
- Local transport: Walking, taxis, or rental scooters within Stone Town
- Accommodation challenge: Limited hotel inventory, book well in advance
- Cultural considerations: More conservative dress codes expected in historic areas
For complete inter-city travel options including flights and ferry schedules, check our CHAN 2024 Transport Guide.
Tournament First: This marks Zanzibar’s debut hosting major continental competition matches.
Uganda: Kampala’s Renovated Stadium
Mandela National Stadium (Namboole)
Current Capacity: 38,000 (reduced from 45,202 after 2024 renovation with permanent seating)
Hosts: Group C matches, Third-place playoff
Major Upgrades: Complete 2019-2024 renovation including new permanent seats, dressing rooms, scoreboard, floodlights, and pitch renovation
Access Routes:
- Location: Namboole Hill, 11km east of Kampala via Jinja Road
- Drive time: 45-60 minutes from city center
- Government transport: Special fan buses organized from downtown
- Hotel shuttles: Major hotels coordinating group transport
- Boda bodas: Available but not recommended for international visitors unfamiliar with local traffic
Local Experience: Expect traditional Ugandan drumming, energetic crowd participation, and street food vendors offering local specialties like “rolex” (chapati with eggs).
Universal Security & Entry Procedures
All CHAN 2024 venues implement identical CAF security standards, though local interpretation varies by country.
Entry Requirements
- Digital tickets only: Keep phones charged and downloaded tickets ready
- Photo identification: Passport or national ID required at all venues
- Security screening: Airport-style metal detectors and bag inspections
- Early arrival essential: 90 minutes for regular matches, 2-3 hours for semifinals/final
Prohibited Items (Strictly Enforced)
- Sharp objects (including nail files and small tools)
- Professional camera equipment and recording devices
- Outside food, beverages, or sealed water bottles
- Large flags, banners, or political messaging
- Umbrellas (bring compact rain ponchos instead)
- Musical instruments including vuvuzelas and drums
Access Gates & Checkpoints
Most venues feature multiple verification points before reaching stadium entrances. Plan for potential queuing time during popular matches.
Fan Zones & Cultural Experiences
Official fan zone details remain under development, but based on previous tournaments and local patterns:
Expected Locations
- Nairobi: Uhuru Park and Jeevanjee Gardens (4 hours before matches)
- Dar es Salaam: Coco Beach area with sunset viewing for evening matches
- Kampala: Kololo Independence Grounds featuring traditional dance and music
- Zanzibar: Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town with cultural displays
Typical Activities
Local music performances, cultural dance demonstrations, regional food vendors, interactive football activities, and big-screen viewing areas for non-match days.
Stadium Amenities & Practical Information
Food & Beverage Pricing (Estimated)
- Water: $1-2 USD equivalent
- Local meals: $3-8 USD equivalent
- Alcoholic beverages: $2-4 USD equivalent (where permitted)
Technology & Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Available in common areas but expect slow speeds during peak times
- Mobile coverage: Excellent at all venues
- Charging stations: Limited availability bring portable power banks
- Payment: Local currency preferred, major credit cards accepted at larger venues
Weather Considerations
- Nairobi: Cool evenings (15-20°C), possible light rain. Bring layers
- Dar es Salaam: Warm and humid (25-30°C) with helpful sea breezes
- Kampala: Mild temperatures (20-25°C), occasional afternoon showers
- Zanzibar: Pleasant and breezy (24-28°C), ideal football weather
Each venue reflects its city’s distinct character and football culture. Kasarani provides that grand tournament atmosphere, Nyayo offers classic intimacy, Benjamin Mkapa showcases modern African stadium design, Mandela Stadium represents successful renovation, and Amaan Stadium delivers a completely unique island football experience.
Understanding these differences helps you choose which matches to prioritize and how to prepare for each venue’s specific logistics, cultural expectations, and crowd dynamics.
The key to enjoying CHAN 2024 lies in embracing both the football and the broader cultural celebration surrounding Africa’s premier domestic player tournament.
Ready to plan your complete CHAN 2024 adventure? Start with our comprehensive CHAN Football Travel Guide covering visas, accommodation, cultural etiquette, and insider tips for all three host countries
