What are the best things to do in Lilongwe?
Top picks in Lilongwe include Kamuzu Mausoleum, World War I Memorial tower and statue of Hastings Kamuzu Banda. See the full list and itinerary on this Lilongwe travel guide.
Photo: Felixfeld · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Lilongwe
Travel guide for Lilongwe, Malawi — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Lilongwe is a stop in Malawi, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise Kamuzu Mausoleum, World War I Memorial tower and statue of Hastings Kamuzu Banda instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–110 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Lilongwe
1
Kamuzu Mausoleum
2
World War I Memorial tower and statue of Hastings Kamuzu Banda
Budget
Lilongwe trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–110
per person / day
Luxury
USD 125–210+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Lilongwe, Malawi. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Lilongwe
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Lilongwe mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–110 · luxury 125–210+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Sana
Sells meals such as curry, pizza, and burgers. Good quality for price.
Chicken Inn
Like KFC and surprisingly very good quality. Good chips, and sells ice cream.
Country Lodge
From Mabuya Camp. Offers very good Indian and Chinese food. You can also ring up, place and order and have a takeaway (picking it up yoursel
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Welcome Lodge
camping/dorm beds/double room
Mufatse Lodge
Imperial Town Hotel Lilongwe
Has its own cafe and a residents-only bar. Used to be the Imperial Hotel. Clean, pleasant and friendly, in a very convenient location. They
Korea Garden Lodge
Offers a comfortable and relaxing setting close to downtown Lilongwe but in a quiet residential area. Swimming pool, television, rooms rangi
Cresta Crossroads Hotel
This four-star hotel operated by a South African chain offers modern if somewhat uninspiring comfort. Pool, jacuzzi, gym, speedy wireless In
Shopping
- Old Town Mall
Nightlife
- Chez Ntemba International Nightclub
- Lonely Planet/Oasis
- Chameleon Bar
In pictures
Lilongwe gallery
Photos: Felixfeld, Timon Zingg — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Lilongwe travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Lilongwe?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Lilongwe?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Lilongwe, depending on how many day trips you want in Malawi.
Where should I stay in Lilongwe?
Popular stays in Lilongwe include Welcome Lodge, Mufatse Lodge, Imperial Town Hotel Lilongwe. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Lilongwe cost?
On the ground in Lilongwe (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–110, and luxury about 125–210+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Lilongwe, Malawi. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
