Lilongwe

Introduction

You will find Lilongwe situated in the central region of Malawi, serving as a vital economic and transportation hub for the surrounding area. Named after the Lilongwe River, this capital city sits near the borders of Mozambique and Zambia.

Before you go

Prepare for a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with the rainy season occurring from December through March. Because the city is situated at a high altitude, you will find temperatures slightly lower than typical tropical expectations.

Navigate the city by understanding its distinct layout: the Old Town sits to the south, while the New Town lies to the north, separated by the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary. When using a taxi or asking for directions, specify the exact area number of your destination. While roads are in excellent condition and traffic is generally manageable, you should arrange reliable transportation for late-night travel and avoid walking alone after dark.

Getting there

You can arrive in Lilongwe by plane at Kamuzu International Airport. Regular flights connect the city to regional hubs such as Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lusaka, Dar es Salaam, and Harare, with domestic services available to Blantyre. Because there are no direct flights to destinations outside of Africa, you will need to transit through one of these neighboring locations if traveling from further afield. Once you land, the airport is located a short drive north of the city center.

Alternatively, you can reach the city by bus via regular services from Johannesburg, Harare, and Lusaka. For those traveling by car, Lilongwe is accessible from Mchinji on the Zambian border. You may choose to travel by taxi or utilize a minibus or open back truck for your journey.

Getting around

Navigating this spread-out town can be a chore, but you have several options for reaching your destination. You can find taxis at the Lilongwe Hotel in the Old Town or at the Capital Hotel in the Capital City. For a more adventurous experience, you can hop on a minibus to travel along various routes, including one that connects the large blue bank in the new town to the heart of the old town near the Shoprite supermarket.

Moto-taxis are also ubiquitous throughout the area if you prefer a quicker way to get around. You should be prepared to bargain for your ride on these motorcycles.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you can choose from various accommodations across different areas of the city. For those seeking budget-friendly options, lodges near the bus station provide basic rooms, while St Peters Guesthouse offers a garden setting with both single rooms and dormitories. If you prefer a more relaxed environment, Korea Garden Lodge provides a comfortable setting in a quiet residential area close to downtown, featuring a swimming pool and various room styles. For those seeking a social atmosphere, Mufasa Lodge and camping site features an open gate policy and an outdoor bar, while the nearby Lilongwe Golf club offers a less busy campsite.

For a more central experience, you can stay in the Old Town area. The Imperial Town Hotel is situated next to the post office and features its own cafe and restaurant. Alternatively, you might choose a modern hotel with extensive facilities like a pool, jacuzzi, and gym located near the Mchinji Roundabout or on Chilembwe Road. If you prefer a cozy atmosphere with wooden furnishings and a garden, options are available in the Mzimba area.

Food & drink

Explore a wide range of dining options across different neighborhoods. In Area 2, local cafes serve affordable meals such as rice, chicken, nsmia, and beef, while nearby deli counters offer hot food, sandwiches, and baked goods. For those seeking specific cuisines, you can find quality curry, pizza, and burgers at Sana, or enjoy a variety of dishes at Chicken Inn. If you prefer international flavors, Noble China in the Old Town features a rotating table for sharing Chinese dishes, while Country Lodge offers Indian and Chinese cuisine. In the Government District, the Four Seasons complex features beautifully kept gardens housing an Indian restaurant and another spot serving pasta, salads, and steaks. For a more upscale experience, Mamma Mia in the Old Town Mall serves Italian favorites, while Blue Ginger in Area 10 is highly regarded for its Indian dishes.

For casual bites and snacks, visit the Game complex to find a daytime cafe serving milkshakes, smoothies, and wraps, or head to the Crossroads complex for breakfast and various coffee options. If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere with live music and a bar, Imperial Town Restaurant provides a space to interact with other guests. For your evening drinks, several venues offer distinct atmospheres: Diplomats Pub in the Old Town features a braai on weekends, while Chameleon Bar at Four Seasons hosts live Jazz Jam sessions on Sunday afternoons. If you are looking for a lively nightlife scene, Chez Ntemba in Area 47 and Zanzibar Nightclub are popular local spots, while The Shack is a social hub on Wednesday nights where you can watch volleyball matches.

What to see and do

Explore the local culture and history by visiting the Kumbali Cultural Centre, where you can experience traditional Malawian dancing, drumming, and live acoustic music accompanied by a traditional dinner. You can also visit the Kamuzu Mausoleum to see the final resting place of Malawi's first president, or view the World War I Memorial tower and statue of Hastings Kamuzu Banda. While you cannot enter the grounds, you can view the Parliament buildings from the entrance gate.

For those seeking nature and activity, you can visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre to explore its wilderness zone or walk along three different trails by the river to spot birds, crocs, duikers, and vervet monkeys. If you prefer a sporting challenge, you can take golf lessons on an eighteen-hole course at the Lilongwe Golf Club.

When to go

You can experience Lilongwe's warm summers during the rainy season from December to March. During these months, you should prepare for heavy rainfall and wet conditions that may cause travel disruptions.

Alternatively, you can visit during the dry season from April through November to enjoy consistent warm weather. Due to the city's elevated altitude, you will experience mild temperatures during the winter months of June through August.

Three days in Lilongwe

Day one, you can begin your journey in the New Town area to experience the local atmosphere. You might take some time to navigate the surroundings and get your bearings within the city.

Day two, you can head toward the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary to enjoy the outdoors. Alternatively, you can explore different parts of the capital to see more of the landscape.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring the Old Town area or visiting nearby spots like Mchinji before preparing for your departure from Kamuzu International Airport.