Make Lilongwe a central pivot of your holiday in Malawi, finding yourself some funky, traditional accommodation in a modern hotel in this bustling capital city. Named after the river on which it has been created, Lilongwe is near the borders of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, the gateway to incredible destinations on multi-country tours and safaris. Explore Malawi’s largest metropolis and mingle with some 1 200 000 people living there.
Visit New Town first, to the north. But only if you like ministries, embassies, smart hotels, airline offices and travel agents. Get things done in Malawian time. Then you enter a more vibrant section of town, the old town of Lilongwe and it’s time to explore the main market, banks, guesthouses, backpacker hostels and campsites, as well as tour companies and malls. A must-see is the lively central market on Malangalanga Road. Catch a bus from the bus station nearby or discover Devil Street, a narrow road lined with bars and cheap hotels. The modern shops of the city are contrasted by the street and walled markets of Old Town.
If you love traditional music, then you are in the right place as Lilongwe has a growing music scene and is the best place in the country to taste Malawi’s nightlife.
In 2018, the population of Lilongwe was nearly one million which is about the same number of people in Birmingham, England – but Lilongwe is two times as big as Birmingham in area, 456 square km!
Plan a Malawi tour and safari with Voyage2Africa, the African travel experts, and enjoy signature experiences to premier wildlife destinations south of the equator and interesting towns too, the highlight being Lilongwe. Choose a modern hotel with luxury facilities and get ready to explore more of Malawi soon. We offer you some of the best accommodation and special packages to expand your holiday in true African style.
This natural green lung in the capital city is found between the Old and New towns, and it also harbours the wildlife sanctuary for Malawi’s rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals. Visit this wonderful concept that aims to boost and promote nature conservation in an ecotourism model that will benefit both people and wildlife. The Lilongwe Wildlife Sanctuary is famous as the world’s first accredited “People & Wildlife” (PAW) centre!
Find the sanctuary nestling in a forest reserve and observe more than 200 animals that were rescued mostly from the illegal pet and bushmeat trades. Walk the 4 km of nature trails winding along the river and spot some shy antelopes, crocodiles and over 150 species of birds. Pop into the bar and restaurant and if you are part of a large group, pre-book a conservation session with the education team.
Select one of Lilongwe’s luxury hotels and lodges for a night or two. Or maybe you will sleep over in the city’s first boutique hotel, Latitude 13? This has definitely put Lilongwe on the map as far as some of the finest accommodation in the world goes.
Lilongwe is the perfect springboard from which to start your Malawi safari itinerary. The city is centrally situated for travel north and south. Most visitors fly into the main airport, the oldest airport in Malawi, known as Kamuzu or Lilongwe International Airport. A huge plus is that this capital is situated less than 300 km from Lake Malawi, the world’s first freshwater nature reserve and home to more than 1000 colourful fish species.
Take your family on a fascinating holiday to the largest city in Malawi with plenty to do while you rest between tours and safaris. It oozes history, good beer, excellent cosmopolitan foods and incredible neogothic architecture. A few days in Lilongwe are well-spent, educational and active too – quite a thrill for families and friends who want to head north to the Malawian interior!
Choose modern city hotels or cosy guest houses with large gardens. Kids will feel in awe of this urban environment and want to run free in some of the beautiful parks and public spaces so take them on all the offered outings.
Book tours to well-known landmarks and outdoor activities outside of Lilongwe or take a drive on your own and simply picnic somewhere beautiful. Lilongwe is the gateway to unforgettable safaris in Mozambique and Zambia and Voyage2Africa organises multi-destination tours just for you. Most Lilongwe hotels, lodges and villas feature awesome facilities such as swimming pools so treat your family to this life-changing stop-over retreat before you head off again on safari to see more of dramatic Malawi.
