Lilongwe

Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi and the largest. Under British rule at the beginning of the 20th century, Lilongwe was chosen as the colonial administrative centre due to its easily navigable route to Lake Malawi. Lilongwe consists of two contrasting parts, the smart, modern Capital City and the streets and markets of the Old Town to be experienced on a Malawi vacation.

To the south of Lilongwe, the Old Town is almost indistinguishable from other small African towns. Here you will find a real mix of commercial, residential and industrial buildings. The numerous shops, markets, cafes and restaurants found here sell nearly everything imaginable.

Planned and built mainly in the late 60s and 70s, Lilongwe’s new town is the most modern and developed area of Malawi’s capital. Broad avenues are bordered by tall buildings, mainly banks, hotels, embassies and offices. 

Although most visitors on a Malawi vacation use Lilongwe as a stop-over, there are pleasant ways to spend time here. One can explore the contrast between the old and the new towns including a visit to the walled market and the Asian quarter in the Old Town.