Lilongwe Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Lilongwe

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Beauty Blender Homes - The Mustard House

Presidential Way | Lilongwe, MW

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Palms & Pebbles Home

Sekwe Road Kawale. Plot No 7/69 | Lilongwe, MW

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Giant apartments

Area 3selous Road 3/429lilongwe | Lilongwe, 207213, MW

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47 The Heights Area 47 Sector 1 Lilongwe

47 The Heights Area 47 Sector 1 | Lilongwe, 3, MW

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Green Elephant

171 Kaduya Road | Lilongwe, LLW3, MW

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The Cottage

New Gulliver 49/1/1302 | Lilongwe, MW

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Chichewa and English

Local currency

MWK (MWK)

Local time

22:49 (GMT+2)

Ideal trip length

3–5 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Area 3

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Appreciated for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 50 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Nsima Chambo Kachumbari Mbatata

When to visit Lilongwe

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July Busiest: May-Oct

Jan

40

Hot, humid, heavy rains
Feb

40

Hot, humid, heavy rains
Mar

50

Warm, humid, rains lessen
Apr

60

Warm, less rain
May

75

Mild, dry, pleasant
Jun

80

Cool, dry, clear
Jul

85

Coolest, very dry
Aug

80

Mild, dry, warming
Sept

75

Warm, dry, sunny
Oct

70

Hot, dry, pre-rains
Nov

50

Hot, humid, early rains
Dec

45

Hot, humid, heavy rains

40

Jan Hot, humid, heavy rains

40

Feb Hot, humid, heavy rains

50

Mar Warm, humid, rains lessen

60

Apr Warm, less rain

75

May Mild, dry, pleasant

80

Jun Cool, dry, clear

85

Jul Coolest, very dry

80

Aug Mild, dry, warming

75

Sept Warm, dry, sunny

70

Oct Hot, dry, pre-rains

50

Nov Hot, humid, early rains

45

Dec Hot, humid, heavy rains

Things to do in Lilongwe

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Parliament Building

Capital Hill 1.5 hrs

Admire the modern architecture of Malawi's legislative seat.

Indoors

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Area 44 2.5 hrs

Visit rescued animals and learn about conservation efforts.

Outdoors Good for children

Old Town Market

Old Town 2 hrs

Experience the vibrant local life and find unique crafts and produce.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Kumbali Cultural Village

Outside City 3 hrs

Immerse yourself in Malawian traditions, music, and dance.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Maula Cathedral

Maula 1 hr

Explore the impressive Catholic cathedral, a significant religious site.

Indoors

World War I Memorial

City Centre 0.5 hrs

Pay respects at this monument commemorating fallen soldiers.

Outdoors

Lilongwe itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Lilongwe — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the vibrant heart of Malawi, from bustling markets to serene wildlife sanctuaries.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights and sounds of Lilongwe. It balances cultural immersion, historical exploration, and wildlife encounters, offering a comprehensive introduction to Malawi's captivating capital.

3 Days 12 Stops

See the full plan