Lilongwe

Lilongwe became Malawi’s capital in 1975, a role previously filled by Zomba. It owes its status to Dr Hastings Banda, the country’s first President, who was born just north of the town. The Old Town is distinct and separate from the new Capital City.

While the former has all the appearance of a traditional African settlement, the City has much in common with other twentieth-century urban developments around the world. Its gleaming modern buildings in their spacious garden-like setting, contrast with the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Both parts of the town are worth touring.

Lilongwe’s range of services and facilities is unsurpassed except, possibly, in Blantyre. Of the modern shopping precincts, Old Town Mall is the best, particularly for those looking for quality souvenirs. As well as African Habitat, with its locally crafted ornaments and furnishings, there is one of Central Africana’s galleries: full of fascinating books and modern and historical maps and prints.

Lilongwe Hotels

Latitude 13 Degrees$$

Latitude 13 is a stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Lilongwe, set in a lush green garden with a huge swimming pool. There is a beautiful spa and the whole hotel is filled with modern art made from recyclable material such as washed-up glass and driftwood made by a women’s charity on the island of Likoma. This is Lilongwe’s most upmarket hotel, and the restaurant is very popular with the city’s ‘movers and shakers’, we recommend popping in for a cocktail or two and dinner whilst...