Lilongwe
Located in the heart of Malawi and home to Kamuzu International Airport, a common point of entry into the country. Lilongwe has a historical background that dates back to its establishment before it was declared as a capital city in 1975.
Named after the river where a small fishing village was located that then become the seat of the British colonial administration due to its proximity. Over the years, Lilongwe has transformed into a vibrant and lively city, attracting both local and international tourists.
Lilongwe is a lively city and males a good place first or last night in Malawi. The city is divided into New and Old city. The modern shops, hotels, business offices and international embassies mark the new city, where as the old city is characterized by small cafes, restaurants and a variety of local markets. A favorite for many in the Lilongwe Craft Market where you can buy local art, hand-woven items, clothes in colourful African prints and jewelry. A visit to the old city gives a sense of what might have looked years ago.
Whether it's exploring the bustling markets, enjoying the stunning natural beauty of nearby wildlife reserves, or engaging in the local culture, Lilongwe promises a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.
Accommodation
Lilongwe offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, catering to the needs and preferences of all types of travelers.
Kumbali Country Lodge
Kumbali is a premium brand that represents luxury and in the heart of Malawi. Kumbali Country Lodge is a beautiful accommodation located on a 700-hectare farm in Lilongwe, offering a serene environment with lush greenery, fresh air and picturesque views. The Lodge features tastefully decorated rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and offering a comfortable and peaceful retreat for guests.
Kumbali Country Lodge offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation in a serene environment that is perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Green Elephant
Green Elephant in Lilongwe offers spacious, recently renovated rooms with garden or pool views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Guests enjoy exceptional facilities including an infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden.
Burley House
The Burley House is a boutique hotel in a residential area of Lilongwe, well situated, well managed and charming.
Recently refurbished and offering all the services expected from a small hotel, business and leisure travellers alike can enjoy the comforts of a larger hotel coupled with the personalized hospitality, security and service unique to an exclusive 9 bed roomed property in the heart of the city’s established suburbs, a mere 30 minutes’ drive from the Kamuzu International Airport.
Latitude 13
Nestled in a leafy lane on the northern edge of Malawi’s Capital City, Lilongwe. Latitude 13° Hotel is 10 minutes’ drive from downtown and 30 minutes from the Kamuzu International Airport.
Latitude 13° offers a restaurant and a bar with food and drink from all corners of the world. The hotel is a fitness hub with a gym and an 18-metre pool, as well as a spa for relaxation. It is centre for music, art, fashion and party happenings.
Sunbird Capital
Nestled in the capital and conveniently located close to government headquarters, most diplomatic missions and corporate headquarters, Sunbird Capital is an elegant 4-star hotel that balances executive facilities with a friendly atmosphere and magnificent service.
The magnificent Sunbird Capital makes the perfect base for the business traveler, offering conferencing facilities with a total capacity of up to 400 people, a business center, executive check-in and proximity to the capital’s city center.
Activities and Experiences
Lilongwe is often seen as a pit stop rather than a destination, but is has its charm if you are willing to explore. The city has a laid-back vibe-making it a great place to recharge before heading to more touristy spots in Malawi. We aim to provide you with the best of Lilongwe, complete with a professional local tour guide, ensuring your visit to Malawi is truly incredible.
Lilongwe City Tour
The Lilongwe City Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Malawian culture, history, and notable landmarks. Visitors can explore the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Parliament Building, and Kamuzu Banda Mausoleum.
With our knowledgeable guides leading the way, you have the opportunity to learn about customs, traditions, and captivating stories. Local markets offer traditional Malawian cuisine, unique souvenirs, and interactions with the locals.
Engaging with the community and participating in authentic cultural activities enhances the experience and creates a lasting impression.
Visit Chingalire Village
Chingalire is a thriving village working on the cultural, social and economic transformation of Malawi’s rural life.
Chingalire village offers a wide range of activities which includes excursions in the village and surroundings, basic Chichewa lessons, traditional cooking lessons, tree planting exercise and leave a life behind, learning traditional games and the stories behind each game, enjoy live acoustic entertainment by the Chief and the local musicians, dance with the Chingalire Cultural Dance Troupe performances – dances and songs from the all regions of Malawi.
Visit Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
Just 60km South East of the Capital City, Lilongwe – Dzalanyama Forest covers an impressive 989.35sq km of mountain range between the border of Malawi and Mozambique and reaches altitudes between 1100m to 1650m.
This secretive and expansive forest reserve is one of Malawi's premier Miombo birding localities, an ornithologists delight with species such as the Olive-headed Weaver, Miombo Pied Barbet, Boulder Chat, White-tailed Flycatcher, Black-eared Seedeater and Stierlings Woodpecker.
Visit Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best visited with a drop in at Dedza Pottery (another excellent place to visit for wonderful pottery work, perfect souvenirs). Situated within a cluster of forested granite hills and covering an area of 126.4 km2, high up the plateau of central Malawi, the 127 sites of this area feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa.
They reflect the comparatively scarce tradition of farmer rock art, as well as paintings by BaTwa hunter-gatherers who inhabited the area from the late Stone Age. Covering the traditions of the Chewa and their cultural history and still have strong cultural relevance to the Chewa people.
Visit Salima & the Lake Malawi
Located in central Malawi, about 110 km from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, Salima is a vibrant and culturally rich district.
The district is well known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife in Kuti Wildlife Reserve and Thuma Forest Reserve, a gem yet to be discovered by tourists, the beautiful beaches on the shores of Lake Malawi, and the beautiful islands of Nankoma and Marelli that cater for different types of tourists visiting the district.
Best Time to Visit
Lilongwe is all-year-round destination. July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays.