Coming to Kenya for Harry Kane and Bayern Munich? Why Not Make It a Safari Holiday Too?
Coming to Kenya for Harry Kane and Bayern Munich? Why Not Make It a Safari Holiday Too?
From European football to African wildlife, tropical beaches and a Christmas in the sunshine – discover how to turn your January 2027 match trip into an unforgettable Kenyan holiday.
Imagine spending Christmas beside the Indian Ocean, watching elephants roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoying a few days on one of Kenya’s beautiful beaches and then heading to Nairobi to experience European football on African soil.
For football supporters in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, January 2027 presents a rather unusual opportunity to do just that.
On Tuesday, 5 January 2027, FC Bayern Munich will face AFC Ajax at the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi. The match will officially open Kenya’s new national stadium, bringing two of Europe’s most recognisable football clubs to East Africa.
For Bayern supporters, the possibility of seeing England captain Harry Kane in action will make the occasion even more exciting. Ajax fans, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to follow their club to a very different football destination.
But here is something worth considering: if you are travelling all the way to Kenya for the match, why not make the most of your journey?
Kenya is not simply a destination for football. It is home to some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife, beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, welcoming coastal communities and extraordinary landscapes.
At Kipruto Safaris, we believe this is an opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: European football and an African holiday.
Whether you are planning a short safari, a longer family holiday, a Christmas beach escape or a combination of all three, Kenya has plenty to offer.
1. Bayern Munich vs Ajax: A football occasion worth travelling for
The announcement of Bayern Munich’s visit to Nairobi has generated considerable excitement among football supporters.
The German champions will meet Dutch giants Ajax on 5 January 2027 in a special fixture marking the opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.
For Bayern Munich, it will be the club’s first visit to Kenya, while Ajax will use the occasion as part of its preparations for the second half of the European football season.
The match is also significant for Kenya, which will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | FC Bayern Munich vs AFC Ajax |
| Date | Tuesday, 5 January 2027 |
| Venue | Raila Odinga International Stadium |
| Location | Talanta Sports City, Nairobi |
| Stadium capacity | 60,000 |
| Ticket sales | From 5 November 2026 |
| Kick-off | Awaiting official confirmation |
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale through the official Talanta Sports City website.
For the latest announcements, visit:
If you are planning to travel from Europe, it is worth beginning your arrangements early, particularly if you want to combine the match with accommodation, a safari and a beach stay.
2. Why travel all the way to Kenya for just one football match?
For many supporters, travelling internationally to watch their favourite football club is already a memorable experience.
But Kenya offers an opportunity to turn that match into something considerably bigger.
Instead of flying into Nairobi, attending the game and returning home a few days later, consider adding a safari or a beach holiday to your plans.
You could spend your mornings watching wildlife in Amboseli, enjoy a few nights in a tented safari camp, explore the red-earth landscapes of Tsavo or spend Christmas and New Year relaxing beside the Indian Ocean.
And the best part? You do not need to be an experienced safari traveller or book an extravagant luxury holiday to enjoy Kenya.
There are comfortable mid-range lodges, attractive beach resorts, well-equipped tented camps and privately guided safari options to suit different budgets.
For couples, groups of friends, families and independent travellers, a little extra time in Kenya can make the journey from Europe considerably more rewarding.
3. A Christmas in Kenya: Trade the European winter for the Indian Ocean
For travellers from Britain, Germany and the Netherlands, December and January are traditionally associated with winter holidays, festive gatherings and the beginning of a new year.
But what if you spent Christmas somewhere warm, with sunshine, palm trees and the sound of the Indian Ocean?
Kenya’s coastline offers an appealing alternative to a traditional European winter break.
Destinations such as Diani Beach, Watamu and the Kenyan coast around Mombasa offer beautiful beaches, warm tropical surroundings and a variety of accommodation options.
Christmas and New Year in Diani Beach
Diani is one of Kenya’s best-known beach destinations, famous for its long stretch of white sand, turquoise waters and palm-lined coastline.
It is particularly attractive to couples and families looking for a relaxed beach holiday after a busy year.
You can spend your days:
- Relaxing on white sandy beaches.
- Enjoying swimming and selected water sports.
- Taking a traditional dhow excursion.
- Exploring local restaurants and coastal culture.
- Enjoying a quiet Christmas or New Year’s celebration by the ocean.
There are accommodation choices ranging from comfortable boutique hotels to beachfront resorts and more exclusive private villas.
For travellers who want a Christmas holiday with a difference, Diani offers a wonderful starting point.
Watamu and Mombasa: Other coastal options
Diani is not the only option.
Watamu offers beautiful beaches, marine experiences and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Mombasa, meanwhile, combines beach holidays with a rich Swahili heritage, historical sites, restaurants and access to several coastal resorts.
Your choice will depend on whether you prefer a quiet beach escape, a family-friendly resort or a holiday with more opportunities to explore.
Our suggestion: If you are travelling to Kenya for Christmas 2026 and planning to attend the Bayern Munich vs Ajax match on 5 January 2027, consider extending your holiday into the first week of January.
You could enjoy Christmas and New Year on the coast, experience a safari along the way and finish your holiday in Nairobi for the match.
4. Add a safari: Experience the Kenya beyond the beaches
One of the most rewarding ways to extend a beach holiday is to include a few days in the African wilderness.
Kenya’s national parks offer very different experiences, and you can combine several destinations depending on your available time.
Here are three safari experiences we particularly recommend for visitors travelling around the January football fixture.
Amboseli National Park: Elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most recognisable safari destinations.
Its open landscapes, wetlands and large elephant herds create some of the country’s most memorable wildlife-viewing opportunities.
The park is especially popular with photographers hoping to capture elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
For visitors with limited time, a three-day safari from Nairobi is an excellent introduction to Kenya’s wildlife.
You can enjoy guided game drives, comfortable accommodation and the opportunity to explore the park at your own pace with a private driver-guide.
Ideal for: First-time safari travellers, couples, families and wildlife photographers.
Tsavo National Parks: A different side of Kenya
Tsavo is one of Kenya’s largest protected wildlife regions and offers an entirely different safari atmosphere.
Its vast landscapes, distinctive red soil, baobab trees and diverse wildlife make it particularly appealing to visitors looking for a less urbanised wilderness experience.
Tsavo is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, each offering different scenery and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
The parks are also particularly convenient when planning a safari between Nairobi or Amboseli and the Kenyan coast.
For visitors travelling to Mombasa or Diani, Tsavo can provide a rewarding wildlife stop along the journey.
Ideal for: Couples, families, returning safari travellers and visitors combining wildlife with a coastal holiday.
Maasai Mara: An iconic African safari
For those with more time, the Maasai Mara is an unforgettable addition to a Kenyan holiday.
The reserve is famous for its expansive savannahs, lions, cheetahs, leopards and abundant wildlife.
Although the Great Migration’s famous river crossings are generally associated with the middle of the year, the Maasai Mara remains an attractive year-round wildlife destination.
January offers opportunities to explore the reserve’s resident wildlife, enjoy guided game drives and experience the atmosphere of a traditional African safari camp.
Ideal for: First-time visitors, couples, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers looking for a more extensive safari experience.
5. Three Kenya holiday ideas for football supporters
Not every visitor will have two weeks available, and not everyone wants the same type of holiday.
That is why we recommend designing the safari around your match date, travel schedule and budget.
Here are three suggested journeys that Kipruto Safaris can customise.
Holiday 1: The short safari escape
4–5 days | Nairobi and Amboseli
This is ideal for visitors who want to attend the football match and add a short but memorable safari.
Suggested experience:
- Arrive in Nairobi and settle into your hotel.
- Attend Bayern Munich vs Ajax on 5 January.
- Travel to Amboseli for a two-night safari.
- Enjoy guided game drives and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Return to Nairobi for your onward flight.
This option works particularly well for couples, friends and travellers with limited annual leave.
Holiday 2: The Kenya Safari and Beach Escape
7–9 days | Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo and Diani
This is the combination I would particularly recommend for travellers who want to experience both wildlife and the Indian Ocean.
Suggested experience:
- Arrive in Nairobi and attend the football match.
- Travel to Amboseli for two nights.
- Continue through the Tsavo region for a further safari experience.
- Proceed to Diani Beach.
- Spend three relaxing nights beside the Indian Ocean.
- Depart from Mombasa or connect through Nairobi, depending on your flights.
This itinerary combines wildlife, beautiful landscapes and a relaxing beach extension.
Holiday 3: Christmas, Safari and Football in Kenya
12–14 days | December 2026 – January 2027
Why not make the football match the final highlight of a longer Kenyan holiday?
This journey is particularly appealing to couples, families and friends who want to spend the festive season somewhere different.
Suggested experience:
| Period | Destination | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 23–26 December | Diani Beach | Christmas by the Indian Ocean |
| 27–28 December | Tsavo | Safari and wildlife viewing |
| 29–31 December | Amboseli | Elephants and Kilimanjaro |
| 1–4 January | Nairobi | Relaxation, sightseeing and match preparations |
| 5 January | Nairobi | Bayern Munich vs Ajax |
| 6 January | Departure | Onward international flight |
The dates can be adjusted to suit flight schedules and preferred accommodation.
You could also reverse the journey, attending the match first and enjoying your safari and beach holiday afterwards.
For families, this can be a particularly memorable way to spend the festive season together.
6. What kind of budget should you plan for?
One of the biggest misconceptions about an African safari is that it has to be an exceptionally expensive holiday.
While Kenya certainly offers exclusive luxury lodges and high-end safari experiences, there are also comfortable mid-range options that provide excellent wildlife experiences without requiring a luxury travel budget.
For visitors coming from Europe, the important thing is to plan the holiday around the overall travel budget rather than focus on accommodation alone.
Your total holiday cost will depend on:
- International flights.
- Match tickets.
- Number of nights in Kenya.
- Safari destinations and park fees.
- Accommodation category.
- Private or shared transport.
- Number of travellers.
- Beach resort and meal arrangements.
Choosing the right safari experience
| Travel style | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Comfortable budget | Value-focused camps and practical accommodation |
| Mid-range | Comfortable lodges, tented camps and private safari arrangements |
| Upper mid-range | Attractive properties, upgraded rooms and more exclusive experiences |
| Luxury | Premium safari camps, exceptional locations and personalised service |
At Kipruto Safaris, we can explore different combinations to suit your preferences.
For example, you might choose comfortable mid-range accommodation during your safari and spend a little more on a beachfront resort.
Alternatively, you could select a more exclusive safari camp while keeping your beach accommodation relatively simple.
The idea is to create a holiday that works for you, rather than force you into a package that does not match your expectations.
7. Travelling from the UK, Germany or the Netherlands
Kenya is an established long-haul holiday destination for European travellers.
According to Kenya’s Tourism Research Institute, the United Kingdom and Germany were among Kenya’s leading international source markets in 2024, while the Netherlands also featured among the country’s important European markets.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics subsequently reported approximately 2.55 million international arrivals in 2025, reflecting continued growth in the country’s tourism sector.
This existing connection with European travellers makes the football occasion an interesting opportunity to discover Kenya beyond the stadium.
Travelling from the United Kingdom
Travellers from London and other UK cities can explore flights to Nairobi through airlines operating direct and connecting services.
If you are planning a longer holiday, consider arriving a few days before the match or extending your stay afterwards.
For British visitors, Kenya offers a familiar English-speaking tourism environment, established safari infrastructure and a variety of accommodation choices.
Travelling from Germany
Germany is an important market for Kenyan tourism, and the Bayern Munich connection gives German football supporters another reason to consider visiting.
Travellers can explore flight options from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin and other German cities.
For German visitors who enjoy combining wildlife with beach holidays, a route covering Amboseli, Tsavo and Diani can be particularly attractive.
A combination of comfortable safari camps and a good-value coastal resort can also make the overall holiday more affordable.
Travelling from the Netherlands
Ajax supporters travelling from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities have an opportunity to combine the match with a Kenyan holiday.
The Netherlands has an established connection with Kenya as a tourism market, and visitors can choose from a variety of safari and coastal experiences.
For those travelling with friends or family, a private group safari can be an excellent way to share transport and accommodation costs.
Important: International flight schedules and fares change frequently. We recommend comparing flight options early and arranging your safari around confirmed arrival and departure dates.
8. Why book your safari with a locally based Kenyan company?
When travelling internationally, especially when combining a sporting event with a safari and beach holiday, having a reliable local travel partner can make a considerable difference.
At Kipruto Safaris, we are a privately owned Kenyan safari company specialising in personalised private safaris across Kenya and Tanzania.
Founded by Winston Kipruto, our company is built around local knowledge, personal service and the belief that visitors should experience Africa through the eyes of the people who know it best.
We understand that different travellers have different expectations.
Some want a comfortable family safari. Others prefer an intimate tented camp, a photography-focused experience or a few days relaxing on the coast.
We arrange:
- Private Kenya and Tanzania safaris.
- Mid-range and luxury safari packages.
- Private 4×4 Jeep Land Cruiser transport.
- Experienced local driver-guides.
- Family and small-group safaris.
- Christmas and New Year holiday arrangements.
- Safari and beach combinations.
- Airport transfers and private ground transport.
We can also customise your itinerary to accommodate your football plans, arrival arrangements and onward international flights.
Our aim is to make your Kenyan holiday enjoyable, well organised and memorable.
9. Frequently asked questions
When is Bayern Munich playing Ajax in Kenya?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 5 January 2027, at Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi.
Will Harry Kane be playing in Kenya?
Harry Kane is a Bayern Munich player and one of the major attractions for supporters. However, the final travelling squad and his participation in the match remain subject to official confirmation.
Can I book a safari after the Bayern Munich match?
Yes. You can attend the match in Nairobi and continue to destinations such as Amboseli, Tsavo or the Maasai Mara afterwards.
Can I spend Christmas and New Year in Kenya before attending the match?
Absolutely. You can spend Christmas on the Kenyan coast, enjoy a safari through Tsavo and Amboseli, and travel to Nairobi ahead of the 5 January match.
Is Kenya suitable for a family holiday?
Yes. Kenya has a variety of family-friendly safari lodges, beach resorts and private safari experiences. The best itinerary depends on the children’s ages, travel dates and preferred activities.
Is a Kenya safari expensive?
Safari costs vary depending on accommodation, destinations, transport and group size. There are comfortable budget-conscious and mid-range options alongside luxury experiences.
Can we combine a safari with Diani Beach?
Yes. A safari through Amboseli and Tsavo can be combined with a beach stay in Diani or Mombasa. The itinerary can be arranged according to your available time and flights.
How do I book a Kenya safari with Kipruto Safaris?
Simply share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, approximate budget and the experiences you would like to include. We will prepare a personalised proposal.
10. Make your football trip a Kenyan holiday to remember
Bayern Munich vs Ajax will bring a special football atmosphere to Nairobi on 5 January 2027.
But for visitors travelling from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, the match could be the beginning of a much bigger adventure.
Imagine spending Christmas on a tropical beach, enjoying a safari among Kenya’s elephants and big cats, and finishing your holiday watching two major European clubs play in Nairobi.
It is a combination of experiences that would be difficult to recreate anywhere else.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends, with your family or independently, Kipruto Safaris would be delighted to help you plan your journey.
Coming to Kenya for Bayern Munich vs Ajax? Let’s make it more than a football trip.
Tell us when you plan to arrive, how many people are travelling and whether you would prefer a safari, a beach holiday or a combination of both.
We will help you design a personalised Kenyan experience around the match.
Plan your Kenya holiday with Kipruto Safaris.
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About Kipruto Safaris
Kipruto Safaris is a privately owned Kenyan safari company specialising in personalised private safaris across Kenya and Tanzania. Founded by Winston Kipruto, the company creates memorable wildlife, cultural and beach experiences for international travellers.
Website: https://kiprutosafaris.com/
