We spent two nights in what was, for us, the least interesting town in Malawi – Lilongwe. Situated on the fertile Central Region Plateau, Lilongwe lies at an elevation of about 1,050 metres above sea level. Nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, it is often referred to as Malawi’s “Green Capital.” The city is filled with trees, including beautiful jacarandas, and its extensive landscaping gives it a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Lilongwe is divided into two distinct areas: the bustling, commerce-driven Old Town and the leafy New City, home to government buildings, embassies, and wide, tree-lined avenues.
Lilongwe began as a small fishing village on the banks of the Lilongwe River in the 19th century. Its name is said to mean “the place of cool waters.” In 1904, it became a British colonial administrative centre, and its development accelerated during the 1920s as the region’s tobacco industry grew. In 1965, Malawi’s first president, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, selected Lilongwe as the country’s new capital because of its central location. It officially replaced Zomba as Malawi’s capital in 1975.
We hired a local taxi (50,000 MKW) to do some shopping and to explore the city. We spent some time wandering through the Old Town, where we captured a few photos. Then we visited the bronze statue of Malawi’s first president, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, located near the National War Memorial Tower, a striking 45-metre monument dedicated to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in global military conflicts. Afterwards, we visited the memorial and tomb of Dr Banda, situated beside the Parliament Building on Presidential Way.
Lilongwe also offers a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, with several venues catering to different tastes and atmospheres. Nexxus Bar & Grill (beer 4,500 MWK), located in the City Centre, is particularly popular with young professionals and is a great place to unwind after work or enjoy a relaxed afternoon over a few drinks. Visions (beer 6,400 MWK) is an upscale, safe, and welcoming venue frequented by both locals and expatriates. It features two indoor bars, outdoor seating areas, and a dedicated sports section where visitors can watch live matches in a lively setting. For those looking for a more energetic experience, Illusionz (🎟️6,000 MWK, beer 5,000 MWK) is a trendy, modern nightclub known for its high-energy atmosphere and large-scale events. The club regularly hosts live DJ sets, performances by international artists, themed parties, and even daytime brunches and buffet events, making it one of Lilongwe’s most popular entertainment spots.
Parking location – Lilongwe: 13.9699789S 33.7853143E (🚻,🚿,🏊,💦,🅿️ 17,510 MWK/pax)