Lilongwe the Capital

Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is also the largest city in the country. This vibrant city can be accessed by road, rail and air. Its located in central Malawi, with quick access to Mozambique and Zambia. Historically Lilongwe was a small fishing village untill in the late 60’s when the government decided to build a new capital city to replace the then capital city Zomba. Lilongwe officially became the capital city of Malawi in 1975 and experienced a construction boom from new houses, government complex, hotels, industries, etc including an international airport. Lilongwe, which derives its name from the river that dissects the city from west to east

Welcome to Lilongwe

Lilongwe city council is the governing authority of the district. Its located at the civic centre right the heart of the Lilongwe city centre. Its headed by a mayor elected by councillors.

Lilongwe civic centre

Now the city is split between old town and the new city centre which is home to government ministries, embassies, Parliament building, Malawi square and other office complex.

• 

  City centre

• 

  Old town

Lilongwe is the seat of the Malawi government and Lilongwe is sometimes referred to as the green city because of its well tendered gardens and abundant trees, exotic and indigenous.

Parliament building entrance

For transport the main bus station is Lilongwe depot you can get buses to all parts of Malawi. For flying there is Kamuzu International Airport for both domestic and international flights. Its Malawi’s main aviation hub. Taxis/cabs are available across old town and city centre. For international coaches to Zambia and Tanzania use Devil Street bus terminal and for South African buses boarding is at total opposite sunbird Lilongwe. Locally within the suburban they are small minibuses which carry between 12 to 15 passengers depending on the size.

• 

  Kamuzu International Airport

• 

  AXA special coach

South african buses in Lilongwe

On Accommodation they are numerous hotels, guest houses, backpackers available in Lilongwe. Lodging should never be a worry its readily available for every budget from the upmarket five star hotels to the budget backpackers. At almost at every corner you see a either a hotel, lodge, guest house or backpacker.

• 

• 

Healthcare facilities Lilongwe has numerous options both public and private clinics. They are satellite clinics all over but in the event of a serious illness kamuzu central hospital is the largest referral hospital in the city. Currently those planning to travel out of Malawi Covid-19 pcr tests can be done at kamuzu central hospital.

Kamuzu central hospital entrance.

Foodies Lilongwe is the city to be and due to its diversity in culture the choices are plentiful. From local dishes to western and Asian cuisines. For a group launch or date I would recommend the restaurant at Lilongwe wildlife centre. Fish is a staple diet across Lilongwe just like all over Malawi.

• 

• 

Attractions i don’t even know where to start. Lilongwe has countless attractions which can take you months to finish. Some of the attractions are Malawi square, memorial area, Lilongwe wildlife centre, Nkhoma mountains, kumbali cultural Village, nature sanctuary, kamuzu’s mausoleum, Parliament building, funcity amusement park, craft market, etc. For things to do in

Lilongwe wildlife centre

Lilongwe has two sisters cities which are Taipei, Taiwan and Lusaka, Zambia

• 

  Taipei, Taiwan

• 

  Lusaka, Zambia

Lilongwe is definitely a pride of Malawi and of Africa as well. Below are some random photos of Lilongwe

Out and about Lilongwe

Golden peacock hotel Lilongwe

Reserve Bank of Malawi headquarters

Kang’ombe building

The Gateway mall

Nico centre and Lilongwe city mall

Lilongwe water board headoffice

Parliament building

Gemni house

Bingu national stadium

Capital hill

Kamuzu International Airport