Things to know about Lilongwe

Lilongwe is the capital city of a small country Malawi in Africa. Named after River Lilongwe, this city is located in the heart of the country and is an important economic and transportation hub for Malawi.

Though Lilongwe existed since ever as a small fishing village, it was formally founded only in 1906 and established as a trading post by the ruling British who found its location strategic and conducive for administrative purposes. Lilongwe was recognized as a town much later in 1974 and its fate changed once President Hastings Kamuzu Banda moved the country’s capital from Zomba to Lilongwe after Malawi’s independence from the British rule. 

In last few decades, Lilongwe has developed impressively though the old and the new Lilongwe both co-exist in different parts of the town separated by a lush wildlife sanctuary. While the South or Old Lilongwe is the crowded city center dotted with bustling stores, markets, residences and restaurants, the North Lilongwe is the new Lilongwe with impressive broad boulevards where the embassies and the government offices are located.

Lilongwe, being the capital city, is where most of the people halt for a day or two on their way to another destination. At a glimpse though this bustling African city might not feel very exciting, as you become familiar with itLilongwe slowly grows on you.

Here are a few of the things to do in Lilongwe.

1.Visit Lilongwe Wildlife Centre 

Dividing the town into the North and the South is a lush green wildlife sanctuary for the orphaned and injured animals that are rescued and kept here till they can be rehabilitated back into the wildlife.A visit to the wildlife centre does not hold a promise of a glimpse of the various animals living here as this is a sanctuary and not a zoo, however just being here, in this lush green oasis with diverse flora, is calming and soothing.

2.Get a first-hand experience of a Tobacco Auction 

A visit to Lilongwe is incomplete if one has not witnessed a tobacco auction, the heart of Malawi’s economy. Held at Auction holdings warehouse about 7 km north of the city centre, Tobacco auctions are a must see.

3.Explore the main market 

Located near the bus stand in the Old Town, the main market of Lilongwe is a typical African market offering everything from vegetables, fruits, clothes, CDs and utility items to bicycle parts.

4.Take a peek at the notable buildings 

Lilongwe has its fair share of impressive buildings. While Reserve Bank of India is a hard-to-miss important landmark in the city, The Parliament and Kamuzu Mausoleum are two imposing and magnificent buildings in Lilongwe that are definitely worth a visit.

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