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Blantyre

Located in the southern region of Malawi, Blantyre is the second largest city and serves as a commercial capital of Malawi. Named after the birthplace of Dr David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer and missionary who played a significant role in the exploration of Africa. Over the years, Blantyre has grown into a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage that reflects the influence of various ethnic groups, including the Chewa, Yao and Ngoni. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty and diversity. From its colonial architecture and bustling markets to stunning landscapes and friendly locals, Blantyre is a destination that will captivate and inspire travellers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

Where To Stay in Blantyre

Blantyre offers a wide range of accommodation options to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers. From Luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, there is something to suit every budget and preference in this vibrant city. With warm and world-class amenities, it is no wonder that Blantyre is top choice for travellers looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation. Some of the accommodations Malawi on Wheels recommends includes:

The Leslie Executive Hotel

The Leslie is set on 1.3 acres of land, with rolling green lawns, aged old trees and beautiful architectural structures. Although, the true beauty of The Leslie lies within its gardens. Guests must constantly remind themselves that they are in the centre of a city as Daisy and Rose, two amiable “Suni” Bucks (Neotragus Moschatus) walk through the gardens feeding and enjoying their home away from home.

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Mijn Kitchen Bed and Breakfast

Located centrally in the business district of Blantyre. Mijn Kitchen Bed and Breakfast is a charming establishment nestled in the heart of Blantyre. This small family-owned business boasts a cosy coffee shop, unique in its range of artisanal foods and freshly brewed coffee, as well as fully furnished bed and breakfast.

Mijn Kitchen Bed and Breakfast has five fully furnished en-suite bedrooms that provide a mix of luxury and comfort, allowing guests to feel right at home during your stay in Blantyre. Four of these rooms are fitted with double beds and one has a duo of single beds.

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Game Haven Lodge

Established in 2006, Game Haven Lodge is found within the beautiful 500 Acre Private Chimwenya Game Park, part of the Shire Highlands and one of Malawi’s last remaining indigenous forests. Located just 25 Kilometers from Blantyre, The Private Park is a perfect getaway to spend time with friends or family with something for everyone.

The Lodge has a variety of rooms tailored to your needs, whether it is a family room, self-catering or the spacious and luxurious cottages you are looking for, they have all type for you.

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Things To Do While in Blantyre

Blantyre is in close proximity to a few really good destinations you would not even need to stay overnight. You can make day trips from the commercial city. Here are a few recommendations of trips you can make while doing other things in Blantyre.

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Visit Majete Wildlife Reserve

Majete is Malawi’s premier wildlife destination. Experience the full wonder of Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve, restored to diverse abundance with thriving animal populations and plentiful birdlife.

Majete lies just 71 km, an hour and half drive from Blantyre. The drive follows the escarpment road down to the lower shire valley. It offers a spectacular view of the mighty Shire River and the elephant marsh. Majete is the perfect reserve for day visitors.

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Visit the Zomba Plateau

Zomba City (Malawi’s old Capital) is only 70 km from Blantyre. Zomba offers a number of activities including hiking on the Zomba Plateau. Enjoy spectacular views from the Queens View on the eastern side of the plateau.

The Emperor Haile Salassie view, from the view you can gaze down on Zomba town and out towards Mulanje. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Mulanje is visible. Enjoy the beautiful Williams Falls as you walk back to the hotel through the Mulunguzi Dam.

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Satemwa Tea Tasting Tour

Located just 40km outside Blantyre, in Thyolo District, Satemwa Tea Estate is Malawi’s first fair-trade estate. Founded in 1923 by the Maclean Kay, a Scottish immigrant and former rubber planter, and has since been passed down from generation to the current 3rd generation of the family.

For a typical day trip to Satemwa Tea Estate, you would visit the factory for the famous tea tasting experience. This is a definite for tea enthusiasts and simple occasional tea drinkers. After tea tasting, you can treat yourself to some high tea or lunch at the Huntingdon House before returning to Blantyre in the afternoon.

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Mount Mulanje Day Trip

Mount Mulanje is locally known as ‘Island in the Sky’. It lies 80 km east of Blantyre and offers a range of hiking possibilities. One of the popular places on the must and a must-visit is the Dziwe La Nkhalamba (Old man’s pool) a pool formed on the Likhubula river on the west side of the mountain.

A typical day trip would include arrival in Mulanje at 10:00am and proceeding to the waterfalls, arriving just before 11:00am. Spend a few hours and trek back at 15:00hours latest, for arrival back in Blantyre late afternoon.

Blantyre City Tour.

Blantyre city tour include the visit to the following places:

St. Michaels and All Angels Church

St Michaels and Angels Church is another iconic site that showcases stunning Gothic Architecture. This is one of the oldest churches in Malawi, built in 1891 by men who had no training in architecture, construction or brick making. 89 different types of bricks were used to build the church.

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Mandala House

built in 1882. The building belonged to Mandala Company which was founded in 1878, following the settling of missionaries in Blantyre two years earlier, by the African Lakes Corporation (ALC).

Today, Mandala House is home to a unique collection of Fine Art and other materials like hand painted materials, wooden and soap stone sculptures, prints and handmade paper products made by Malawian artists called La Caverna and La galleria. The second floor of the Mandala house is the Historical Library and Archie of the Society of Malawi which was established in 1946 to promote interest in historic, literary and scientific matters in discovering and recording information about Malawi. It has a collection of books, journals and documents that date back from the 1800s.

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Visit the Markets

Explore the vibrant markets – Visit the bustling and colourful markets of Blantyre and Limbe selling everything from fruit and vegetables to arts and crafts, meat and traditional attires. Walk around the markets and experience daily life and shopping Africa-style. Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions by mixing the friendly locals.

Other Places To Visit

  • Museums of Malawi for cultural understanding
  • Old BOMA building in Blantyre, through the department of museums and monuments
  • Bangwe Weaving factory run by Malawi council for the handicapped (MACOHA)
  • Chichiri - Independence Arch

Best Time To Visit Blantyre

The best time to visit Blantyre is during the Dry Season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm with little to no rainfall. The main attractions in Blantyre, such as Chileka Forest Reserves, and the Mandala House, can be enjoyed without any weather-related disruptions. Additionally, wildlife viewing in the nearby Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve is more visible in the dry season. This is also perfect time to visit the tea regions and hike the Mount Mulanje making it a great time for adventure holidays.