You’ll be based in Lilongwe during your month in Malawi. As the nation’s political capital, it boasts a population of over 700,000. You’ll be staying in “Area 3.”
Learn more about:
Accommodation
Safety
Transportation
Points of Interest
Original map by Google Maps
- Shopping center with a number of stores including Shoprite, a grocery store, and restaurants including Chik’n-Inn.
- City Mall: Lilongwe’s newest shopping complex and home to Game: a huge grocery store similar to Walmart, Spar: another huge grocery store, Pizza Inn and Creamy Inn: pizza and ice cream, an Italian bistro, an Indian restaurant, a sports store, and plenty of clothing and decorating stores.
- Lilongwe’s biggest open-air mall: has fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat (be careful here!) as well as car parts, hula hoops, artwork, used shoes and clothing, as well as anything else you may need. Make sure you bargain!
- Sunbird Hotel: sells large Skyband internet cards, has a pool (you must pay to use), and a gym (roughly $30/month).
- Craft Market: The place you’ll want to go for souvenirs. They sell everything from paintings to jewelry to stools and stone carvings. You should aim to pay 1/3 to 1/2 of their original offer. Just remember that buying wood products contributes to deforestation in Malawi.
- Total Filling Station: the nearest store for snacks and drinks. If you’re buying soda or beer, make sure you take an empty glass bottle to cover the deposit. If you don’t, it’s not a big deal, it’s just more expensive.
- Kiboko Hotel: sells Skyband internet cards, a great restaurant, and live music every Thursday night.
- World Camp House: A safe place to go in case of emergencies, work extensively with international interns and Colby students.
- Mufasa Lodge: Where you’ll be staying during your month in Malawi!
- A street filled with stores selling electronics, clothes, and everything else. Prices are pretty much set.
- Mosque: You’ll hear beautiful calls to prayer everyday from this incredible mosque. Make sure you walk by it at least once, although entrance is limited.
- Lilongwe Golf Center: The place to go if you want to play a round of golf or a game of soccer (although it’s pricey). They also have a great restaurant with views overlooking some of the holes. If you want to run in the mornings, this is the place to go. Just make sure you’re off the course by whatever time they ask.
- Old Town Market: another open-air market that sells chickens, fruit, veggies, car parts, rubber knick-knacks, sling shots, and legumes. There’s also a fabric market with hundreds of choices that can be tailored into anything you’d want – dresses, skirts, bags, shirts for men or women, ties, pants, yoga mat bags, etc. Get creative, this is one of the best gift ideas in Malawi!
- The Old Town Bus Station: Where you’ll catch your daily bus to Mitundu (from there you’ll take a bike taxi or walk to Chadika).
