{"id":1311718,"date":"2026-10-26T09:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T09:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?page_id=1311718"},"modified":"2026-10-23T16:06:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T16:06:38","slug":"lilongwe","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/malawi\/lilongwe\/","title":{"rendered":"Lilongwe"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":1314863,"parent":1310609,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hw-hub-city","meta":{"footnotes":"","hw_hub_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_hero_image":"","hw_hub_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_why_title":"","hw_hub_why_body":"","hw_hub_why_link_label":"","hw_hub_why_link_url":"","hw_hub_why_cards":"","hw_hub_stats":"","hw_hub_countries_title":"","hw_hub_countries_intro":"","hw_hub_featured":"","hw_hub_regions":"","hw_hub_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_hostels":"","hw_hub_when_title":"","hw_hub_when_intro":"","hw_hub_seasons":"","hw_hub_costs_title":"","hw_hub_costs_body":"","hw_hub_cost_rows":"","hw_hub_cost_note":"","hw_hub_money_reads":"","hw_hub_rail_title":"","hw_hub_rail_body":"","hw_hub_rail_link_label":"","hw_hub_rail_link_url":"","hw_hub_rail_image":"","hw_hub_routes":"","hw_hub_events_title":"","hw_hub_events_intro":"","hw_hub_events_source":"","hw_hub_events_continent":"","hw_hub_events_count":"","hw_hub_events_cache":"","hw_hub_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_events":"","hw_hub_events_pills":"","hw_hub_reads_intro":"","hw_hub_article_rows":"","hw_hub_show_read_time":"","hw_hub_all_title":"","hw_hub_all_body":"","hw_hub_all_cta":"","hw_hub_trips_title":"","hw_hub_trips_note":"","hw_hub_trips":"","hw_hub_faq_title":"","hw_hub_faq_note":"","hw_hub_faqs":"","hw_hub_cta_title":"","hw_hub_cta_body":"","hw_hub_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_hub_term":"","hw_hub_scope_rows":"","hw_hub_country_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_country_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_country_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_country_hero_image":"","hw_hub_country_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_country_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_country_stats":"","hw_hub_country_intro_title":"","hw_hub_country_intro_body":"","hw_hub_country_facts":"","hw_hub_country_cities_title":"","hw_hub_country_cities_intro":"","hw_hub_country_cities_live":"","hw_hub_country_cities":"","hw_hub_country_trips_title":"","hw_hub_country_trips_intro":"","hw_hub_country_trip_types":"","hw_hub_country_do_title":"","hw_hub_country_do_body":"","hw_hub_country_do_points":"","hw_hub_country_do_tag":"","hw_hub_country_do_more":"","hw_hub_country_food_title":"","hw_hub_country_food_body":"","hw_hub_country_food_points":"","hw_hub_country_food_tag":"","hw_hub_country_food_more":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_title":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_body":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_points":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_tag":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_more":"","hw_hub_country_transport_title":"","hw_hub_country_transport_body":"","hw_hub_country_transport_points":"","hw_hub_country_transport_tag":"","hw_hub_country_transport_more":"","hw_hub_country_money_title":"","hw_hub_country_money_body":"","hw_hub_country_money_points":"","hw_hub_country_money_tag":"","hw_hub_country_money_more":"","hw_hub_country_safety_title":"","hw_hub_country_safety_body":"","hw_hub_country_safety_points":"","hw_hub_country_safety_tag":"","hw_hub_country_safety_more":"","hw_hub_country_entry_title":"","hw_hub_country_entry_body":"","hw_hub_country_entry_points":"","hw_hub_country_entry_tag":"","hw_hub_country_entry_more":"","hw_hub_country_season_title":"","hw_hub_country_season_intro":"","hw_hub_country_season_note":"","hw_hub_country_season_rows":"","hw_hub_country_budget_title":"","hw_hub_country_budget_intro":"","hw_hub_country_budget_note":"","hw_hub_country_budget_rows":"","hw_hub_country_budget_currency":"","hw_hub_country_events_title":"","hw_hub_country_events_intro":"","hw_hub_country_events_source":"","hw_hub_country_events_country":"","hw_hub_country_events_count":"","hw_hub_country_events_cache":"","hw_hub_country_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_country_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_country_events":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_country_hostels":"","hw_hub_country_team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city guide","hw_hub_city_hero_h1":"Lilongwe Travel Guide","hw_hub_city_hero_intro":"Lilongwe is Malawi's laid-back, leafy capital and the starting point for most trips to the lake. It's not a big sightseeing city, but a day here brings rescued animals at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, busy markets in the Old Town, traditional dance at Kumbali and the buses that take you to Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay.","hw_hub_city_hero_image":"1314863","hw_hub_city_hero_overlay":"light","hw_hub_city_hero_cta":"Where to stay | #areas\r\nWhat it costs | #budget","hw_hub_city_live_stats":"1","hw_hub_city_stats":"1975 | Became the capital\r\nAbout US$20 | Taxi from the airport\r\nFrom US$6 | Dorm beds on Hostelworld","hw_hub_city_intro_title":"Lilongwe at a glance","hw_hub_city_intro_body":"Lilongwe, in central Malawi, became the capital in 1975, replacing Zomba. It grew from a small village on the Lilongwe River into a spread-out city of about a million people, with a green, almost suburban feel.\r\n\r\nThe city is divided into numbered \"Areas\" rather than named districts. Old Town, in the south, is the liveliest part, with the market, shops, bus station, banks, caf\u00e9s and most budget accommodation. City Centre, also called Capital City or New Town, a few kilometres north, is the planned government district, with ministries, embassies and offices around Capital Hill.\r\n\r\nBetween the two lies the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, an animal rescue centre with river trails.\r\n\r\nMost travellers stay a night or two to sort out money, SIM cards and onward transport before heading to the lake, the parks or across the border to Zambia, Tanzania or Mozambique.\r\n\r\nIt's a calm city by day, but don't walk at night, and plan your transport home in advance.","hw_hub_city_facts":"Airport transfer | 30\u201340 minutes; taxi about US$20\r\nGetting around | Taxis; minibuses MWK 1,000\u20132,000\r\nTransport app | Limited; ask your hostel\r\nCurrency | Kwacha; ATMs in shopping centres\r\nTap water | Bottled if you have a sensitive stomach\r\nTipping | Small tips appreciated\r\nLanguage | Chichewa and English\r\nHow long to stay | One to two nights\r\nBest area to stay | Old Town\r\nBus station | Malangalanga Road, Area 2","hw_hub_city_areas_title":"Where to stay in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_areas_intro":"Stay in Old Town for markets, caf\u00e9s, buses and most budget beds, or in the leafy residential areas for quiet. City Centre is mostly offices and ministries.","hw_hub_city_areas_map":"1","hw_hub_city_areas_zoom":"12","hw_hub_city_hostels_pins":"1","hw_hub_city_areas_live":"1","hw_hub_city_areas":"Old Town | Budget stays and buses | Market, shops, caf\u00e9s, banks and the bus station. | -13.985 | 33.785 |  | \nCity Centre (Capital City) | Offices and embassies | Planned government area around Capital Hill. | -13.96 | 33.79 |  | \nArea 10 and Area 43 | Quiet residential | Leafy suburbs with guesthouses and restaurants. | -13.95 | 33.81 |  | \nLilongwe Nature Sanctuary | Wildlife | Woodland between Old Town and City Centre, with the Wildlife Centre. | -13.975 | 33.79 |  | ","hw_hub_city_itin_title":"","hw_hub_city_itin_intro":"","hw_hub_city_itin":"","hw_hub_city_do_title":"Wildlife, markets and dancing","hw_hub_city_do_body":"The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, between Old Town and City Centre, is Malawi's only sanctuary for rescued wild animals and runs conservation and education work. Since the pandemic, visitors walk river trails through the sanctuary woodland rather than doing animal tours. International visitors pay about MWK 5,000.\r\n\r\nOld Town's market is one of the busiest in the country, selling fruit, vegetables, dried fish, second-hand clothes and household goods. The craft stalls and galleries around Old Town Mall sell woodcarvings, chief's chairs, paintings and textiles; bargain politely.\r\n\r\nThe Kumbali Cultural Centre, on a farm outside the city, hosts evenings of traditional dancing, drumming and music, often with dinner.\r\n\r\nThe Kamuzu Mausoleum, in City Centre, commemorates Malawi's first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.\r\n\r\nDzalanyama Forest Reserve, about an hour's drive south-west, has walking and mountain-biking trails in miombo woodland, and birdwatching.\r\n\r\nLilongwe is also the place to get organised: change money, buy a SIM card, stock up at the supermarkets and book onward buses.","hw_hub_city_do_points":"Lilongwe Wildlife Centre | River trails, about MWK 5,000\r\nOld Town market | Busy local market\r\nCraft stalls | Carvings and chief's chairs\r\nKumbali Cultural Centre | Traditional dance and dinner\r\nKamuzu Mausoleum | Malawi's first president\r\nDzalanyama Forest | Walking and biking trails","hw_hub_city_do_tag":"things-to-do","hw_hub_city_do_more":"All things to do in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_free_title":"Lilongwe for free (or nearly)","hw_hub_city_free_body":"Walk Old Town's market and the streets around it by day, for a busy slice of Malawian life.\r\n\r\nBrowse the craft stalls around Old Town Mall, even if you don't buy.\r\n\r\nThe Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary area is green and pleasant, though go with others and by day.\r\n\r\nWatch a football match at a local ground, a cheap and lively afternoon.\r\n\r\nLook out for live music and events at caf\u00e9s and cultural centres at weekends.","hw_hub_city_free_points":"Old Town market | Free to wander\r\nCraft stalls | Browse the carvings\r\nNature Sanctuary area | Green space by day\r\nLocal football | Cheap, lively afternoons\r\nWeekend music | At caf\u00e9s and centres","hw_hub_city_free_tag":"free","hw_hub_city_free_more":"All free things to do in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_food_title":"Nsima, chambo and caf\u00e9s","hw_hub_city_food_body":"Lilongwe is a good place to try Malawian food. Local restaurants serve nsima, a stiff maize porridge, with beans, greens, beef stew or chambo, the lake tilapia, for a few euros.\r\n\r\nChicken and chips is a popular cheap meal, and mandasi (fried dough balls) and roasted maize are sold on the street.\r\n\r\nOld Town and the residential areas have caf\u00e9s serving coffee, breakfasts, burgers and pizza, and the city has good Indian restaurants, thanks to a long-established Indian community.\r\n\r\nThe supermarkets in Old Town are good for stocking up before the lake.\r\n\r\nCarlsberg \"greens\", Kuche Kuche and Malawi Gin are the drinks to try. Drink bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.","hw_hub_city_food_points":"Nsima | With beans, greens or chambo\r\nChicken and chips | A cheap favourite\r\nMandasi | Fried dough balls\r\nIndian food | Good restaurants in town\r\nCaf\u00e9 meal | About \u20ac5\u201310\r\nDrinks | Carlsberg greens and Malawi Gin","hw_hub_city_food_tag":"food","hw_hub_city_food_more":"All food guides for Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_nightlife_title":"Pubs, bars and weekend clubs","hw_hub_city_nightlife_body":"Lilongwe's nightlife is relaxed. Pubs and bars in Old Town and the residential areas are busy at weekends, and some clubs stay open late.\r\n\r\nHostel bars are a good place to meet other travellers and share tips for the lake.\r\n\r\nDon't walk at night. Late-night transport is hard to find, so arrange a taxi back before you go out.\r\n\r\nWatch your drinks, as the UK warns of spiking and methanol-contaminated alcohol, and keep an eye on your phone and wallet in clubs.","hw_hub_city_nightlife_points":"Pubs and bars | Busy at weekends\r\nClubs | Watch your wallet\r\nHostel bars | Swap lake tips\r\nAt night | Book a taxi in advance\r\nDrinks | Watch for spiking","hw_hub_city_nightlife_tag":"nightlife","hw_hub_city_nightlife_more":"All nightlife in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_transport_title":"Getting to and around Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_transport_body":"Kamuzu International Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes' drive north of the city. Taxis from Old Town cost around US$20.\r\n\r\nThe main bus station is on Malangalanga Road, in Area 2, near Old Town. Coaches and minibuses go to Blantyre and Mzuzu, and minibuses head to Monkey Bay for Cape Maclear, then a pick-up for the last stretch. For Nkhata Bay, take a bus to Mzuzu and change. Coaches are safer and more reliable than minibuses.\r\n\r\nInternational buses run to Lusaka and Dar es Salaam, and minibuses go to the Zambian and Mozambican borders.\r\n\r\nIn town, shared minibuses between Old Town and City Centre cost about MWK 1,000 to MWK 2,000. Taxis are the safest way to get around, especially at night; agree the fare first.\r\n\r\nTravel by road only in daylight, and carry a copy of your passport.","hw_hub_city_transport_points":"Airport | 30\u201340 minutes, taxi about US$20\r\nBus station | Malangalanga Road, Area 2\r\nTo Cape Maclear | Minibus to Monkey Bay, then pick-up\r\nTo Nkhata Bay | Bus to Mzuzu, then minibus\r\nInternational | Buses to Lusaka and Dar es Salaam\r\nIn town | Minibuses MWK 1,000\u20132,000","hw_hub_city_transport_tag":"transport","hw_hub_city_transport_more":"All transport guides for Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_money_title":"What Lilongwe costs","hw_hub_city_money_body":"Lilongwe is cheap. Hostelworld lists dorm beds from about US$6 and private rooms from about US$5.50.\r\n\r\nA plate of nsima and relish costs a few euros, and a caf\u00e9 meal around \u20ac5 to \u20ac10.\r\n\r\nMinibuses around town cost about MWK 1,000 to MWK 2,000, and a taxi from the airport about US$20.\r\n\r\nATMs are in the shopping centres, such as the Crossroads Complex. Change money at banks or licensed bureaux, and avoid street touts. Foreign currency is scarce, so bring some US dollars.\r\n\r\nOn a budget, allow around \u20ac20 to \u20ac30 a day.","hw_hub_city_money_points":"Dorm bed | From about US$6 on Hostelworld\r\nPrivate room | From about US$5.50\r\nLocal meal | A few euros\r\nCaf\u00e9 meal | About \u20ac5\u201310\r\nMinibus | MWK 1,000\u20132,000\r\nCash | Bring some US dollars","hw_hub_city_money_tag":"budget","hw_hub_city_money_more":"All budget guides for Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_safety_title":"Staying safe in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_safety_body":"Lilongwe is calm by day, but the UK says break-ins have increased in the city, and most thefts from tourists happen around bus stations. Keep your bags close at the bus station and markets.\r\n\r\nDon't walk alone after dark, and arrange transport home in advance, as late-night taxis are hard to find.\r\n\r\nWatch your drinks in bars and clubs, and beware of pickpockets.\r\n\r\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Malawi, and the country is socially conservative.\r\n\r\nCarry a copy of your passport and visa, as police may ask for ID. Avoid demonstrations.","hw_hub_city_safety_points":"Bus station | Most tourist thefts\r\nBreak-ins | Increasing in the city\r\nAt night | Don't walk; book a taxi\r\nClubs | Pickpockets and spiking\r\nLaws | Same-sex activity illegal\r\nID | Carry passport copies","hw_hub_city_safety_tag":"safety","hw_hub_city_safety_more":"All safety guides for Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_trips_title":"Day trips from Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_trips_intro":"Lilongwe is close to forests, cultural centres and the southern lakeshore.","hw_hub_city_trips":"Dzalanyama Forest Reserve | About 1 hour | Car or tour | Miombo woodland with walking and biking trails and birdwatching. |  | \nKumbali Cultural Centre | About 30 minutes | Taxi | Traditional dancing, drumming and dinner on a farm. |  | \nSenga Bay | About 2 hours | Minibus or car | The closest lake beach to Lilongwe, for a quick taste of Lake Malawi. |  | \nCape Maclear | Most of a day | Minibus and pick-up | Lake Malawi National Park. Covered in the Cape Maclear hub. |  | ","hw_hub_city_trips_tag":"day-trips","hw_hub_city_trips_more":"All day trips from Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_season_title":"When to go to Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_season_intro":"Lilongwe is mild, with highs of 24\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C. May to October is dry and sunny, with cool nights in June and July. The rains run from November to April.","hw_hub_city_season_note":"Average daily highs from weather2travel's Lilongwe climate data. Crowd levels are our rough guide.","hw_hub_city_season_rows":"January | 27 | 2 | Rainy\r\nFebruary | 27 | 2 | Rainy\r\nMarch | 27 | 2 | Rains easing\r\nApril | 27 | 3 | Green and fresh\r\nMay | 26 | 3 | Dry season begins\r\nJune | 24 | 3 | Cool and dry\r\nJuly | 24 | 3 | Coolest; Independence Day\r\nAugust | 25 | 4 | Dry and sunny\r\nSeptember | 28 | 4 | Warm and dry\r\nOctober | 30 | 3 | Hottest month\r\nNovember | 30 | 3 | Rains begin\r\nDecember | 28 | 2 | Rainy","hw_hub_city_events_title":"What's on in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_events_intro":"Lilongwe's calendar includes Malawi's national holidays and weekend live music.","hw_hub_city_events_source":"api","hw_hub_city_events_count":"8","hw_hub_city_events_cache":"24","hw_hub_city_events_cta_label":"All events in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_events_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/events\/africa\/malawi\/lilongwe\/","hw_hub_city_events":"John Chilembwe Day | 15 January | Nationwide | Public holiday. |  | \nMartyrs' Day | 3 March | Nationwide | Public holiday. |  | \nIndependence Day | 6 July | Nationwide | Public holiday marking independence in 1964. |  | \nMother's Day | 15 October | Nationwide | Public holiday. |  | ","hw_hub_city_budget_title":"How much does Lilongwe cost per day?","hw_hub_city_budget_intro":"Pick a style and a number of nights for a rough total, per person, in euros.","hw_hub_city_budget_note":"Estimates in euros, converted from kwacha and US dollar prices. Beds are based on Hostelworld prices in October 2026.","hw_hub_city_budget_rows":"Shoestring | 5 | 6 | 3 | 3\r\nMiddle of the road | 15 | 12 | 6 | 8\r\nComfortable | 50 | 25 | 15 | 20","hw_hub_city_budget_currency":"\u20ac","hw_hub_city_hostels_title":"Hostels in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_hostels_intro":"Lilongwe's hostels are small and spread across the city's residential areas, good for a night or two before the lake.","hw_hub_city_hostels_cta_label":"All hostels in Lilongwe","hw_hub_city_hostels_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/malawi\/lilongwe\/","hw_hub_city_hostels_source":"api","hw_hub_city_hostels_count":"12","hw_hub_city_hostels_cache":"12","hw_hub_city_picks":"Best rated | Stay with Booker | Rated 9.9 from 11 reviews, with private rooms from about US$5.50, about 6 km from the centre. No dorms. | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/p\/333093\/stay-with-booker\/\nCheapest dorms | Wandi's Hostel | A newer listing with dorm beds from about US$6, about 11 km from the centre. No reviews yet. | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/p\/335760\/wandi-s-hostel\/","hw_hub_city_hostels":"","hw_hub_city_team_title":"","hw_hub_city_team_intro":"","hw_hub_city_team":"","hw_hub_city_faq_title":"Lilongwe FAQs","hw_hub_city_faq_note":"Prices and timetables change. Check before you travel.","hw_hub_city_faqs":"Is Lilongwe worth visiting? | For a night or two. It's a calm, green city with a wildlife centre, markets and cultural evenings, and the starting point for the lake.\r\nHow do I get from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear? | Take a minibus from the main bus station to Monkey Bay, then a pick-up to Cape Maclear. It takes most of a day.\r\nHow do I get from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay? | Take a coach or minibus to Mzuzu, then a minibus to Nkhata Bay, about an hour and a half.\r\nHow much is a taxi from Lilongwe airport? | About US$20 to Old Town. The airport is 30 to 40 minutes north of the city.\r\nWhere should I stay in Lilongwe? | Old Town is the most convenient for markets, caf\u00e9s and buses.\r\nIs Lilongwe safe? | It's calm by day. Watch your bags at the bus station, don't walk at night and arrange taxis in advance.\r\nCan I change money in Lilongwe? | Yes, at banks and licensed bureaux. Avoid street touts. ATMs are in the shopping centres.","hw_hub_city_cta_title":"Say yes to hostels, meet the world","hw_hub_city_cta_body":"Compare Lilongwe hostels: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.","hw_hub_city_cta_buttons":"Find a hostel in Lilongwe | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/malawi\/lilongwe\/\r\nGet the app | https:\/\/hostelworld.onelink.me\/IdiK\/f5a50nhd","hw_hub_city_newsletter_title":"Get the good stuff monthly","hw_hub_city_newsletter_body":"New city guides, deals and route ideas. No 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