8 Things to Do in Lilongwe That You Shouldn't Miss

October 10, 2017 Weston Hennigan

The quiet capital of Malawi, Lilongwe is divided into New and Old Towns. The Old Town is where to go for bustling stores, markets, cafes, hotels, and restaurants. The New Town houses embassies, international aid organizations, and corporate headquarters. A large expat population has made Lilongwe a very Western city, and a perfect stopping point for tired travelers to relax and pick up some essentials for their trip to the country’s wildlife reserves or to the beaches of Lake Malawi.
Restaurants in Lilongwe

1. Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe, Malawi +265 884 48 89 99
Excellent
24%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 77 reviews

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is an award winning sanctuary with lions, monkeys, antelope and more. Set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We are open 365 days a year from 8am to 5pm and we would appreciate your visit - every kwacha of your entry fee goes towards supporting our project.

Reviewed By simplyme4 - Fleet, United Kingdom

This is a funny old place. A few sad looking animals and a lot of Vervet monkeys who have broken into the joint.
Staff are kind and well meaning. Animals a victim of the sanctuaries success as there aren't many.
If you are in Lilongwe and at a loss then go here but don't break your neck to get there.

2. Kumbali Cultural Village

44 Capital Hill Dairy Farm, Plot 9 & 11, Area, Lilongwe 30420, Malawi +265 999 96 34 02
Excellent
36%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 33 reviews

Kumbali Cultural Village

Reviewed By MalawiMixer - Lilongwe

Lovely food in a great big Wilderness area. It's perfect for going with the family for Sunday morning brunch. Bike trails and walking trails a plenty. The food is great and varied and despite some old problems is now always prompt and delicious.

3. Parliament Building

Presidential Way, Lilongwe, Malawi
Excellent
17%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
5%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 34 reviews

Parliament Building

Reviewed By The_Oj1 - Nairobi, Kenya

I love monumental buildings, and parliaments are usually among my top visited monumental buildings everywhere I go! The Malawian parliamnet building and/ or entrance is well-done with friendly security guards who allow visitors to take pictures on request. Pass by the Parliament buildings and take a picture!

4. Nature Sanctuary

Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe, Malawi
Excellent
26%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 53 reviews

Nature Sanctuary

Reviewed By Laurel C - Calgary, Canada

There were not alot of animals to see because they release many back into the wild when they have been rehabilitated. It was good to leaencourage that there is a place where the animal welfare is priority over making them a zoo spectacle. The sanctuary is a lovely quiet retreat amongst the bustling city. Lots of monkeys have free reign along the pathway by the creek. Good for photos. We are happy that we took the time to go! There is a restaurant on site but we ran out of time.

5. Nkhoma Mountain

Lilongwe, Malawi
Excellent
42%
Good
58%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Nkhoma Mountain

Reviewed By WP664 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

Nkhoma Mountain is about an hour's drive from Lilongwe. We parked near the hospital entrance. The first part of the hike definitely needs guidance as there are no signs or other clues. We walked out the rear of the hospital, up the tar road for about 100m, and then took the dirt road to the right. Bearing left up through the houses connects to a rocky track and once over the ridge and in sight of the mountain there is a concrete marker and a path up to the right. The first section is moderately steep and then becomes steeper until reaching the cottage near the base of the mountain. A steep trail leads up the narrow gully between the two rounded peaks. This is steep and scrambling is necessary. The peak and beacon are on the right, and views are spectacular. Lilongwe can easily be seen, among distant all round views. I takes at least two hours to get to the summit, and plenty of water is needed. I saw a solitary baboon on the way down, and there were plenty of brightly coloured flowers along the route.

6. World War I Memorial

New Town of Lilongwe, Lilongwe, Malawi
Excellent
17%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
55%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 17 reviews

World War I Memorial

Reviewed By UkTravellerdotcom - UK

This was on the TripAdvisor Top 10 in Lilongwe so had to go take a look... interesting to learn that the Kings African Rifles fought in WW1 but not sure it's a top 10 destination :)

7. Lizulu Market

Corner Sharrar Road and Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe, Malawi
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Lizulu Market

Reviewed By Yellowtopcab - Lilongwe, Malawi

Lizulu market is perhaps the busiest roadside market in Malawi for farm produce targeting motorists and bus passengers. So it has that hustle and bustle which is quite fascinating. Very good to buy fresh and cheap vegetables. Need to be alert to avoid being overcharged if they notice you are unfamiliar with the market. It is also a place where cars are at the slowest speed in the country on this major road given the proximity of sellers and goods to the market.
Also a place on own for trash spread all over. Stop by for experience and that unique photo opportunity.

8. National Herbarium And Botanic Gardens Of Malawi

Parliament Drive, Lilongwe, Malawi 77 5143
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

National Herbarium And Botanic Gardens Of Malawi

Reviewed By Laura D - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom

The Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. You could take a picnic, read, spend some time with your friends or partner, go for a walk, and some people use the Gardens to pray or meditate. There is plenty of space and it wasn't busy. I went in May - therefore not all of the plants were planted out, but it was great to see some huge cacti, ferns and many I could not name! Entrance is just 50KW. There's no cafe anywhere nearby, so take your own food and drink! The War Memorial is nearby, so you could call by that too.

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