Location: Lilongwe
Top Things to do in Lilongwe
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8 Things to Do in Lilongwe That You Shouldn't Miss
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
Overall Ratings
4 based on 77 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 34 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 53 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
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.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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.
