Hostels in Lilongwe, Malawi

Lilongwe, Malawi -- the capital of the country, with a population of a little over one million -- is a bit of sprawling mess. It has two centers -- the Old Town and the administrative center. It doesn't immediately lend itself to exploration as there is little to see and do in the city itself. However, Lilongwe grows on you once you become oriented. For travelers spending time in Malawi, Lilongwe will inevitably be, at the very least, an overnight stop, and it does have all the amenities you'd expect from a big city.

Tobacco is one of Malawi's biggest exports, and a visit to the Tobacco Auction Floors is well worth considering. It is around seven kilometers north of the city center and the auction season runs from April to September. There is a public gallery.

Along the banks of the Lingadzi River, between the Old Town and the administrative center, visitors will find the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, opened in recent years. It is home to around two hundred rescued wild animals and is run by the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust. On the opposite side of Kenyatta Road, there is the government run Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary. Set on one hundred eighty hectares of woodland, it has a small network of walking trails.

There are a few hostels in Lilongwe, Malawi of varying quality. Lilongwe, Malawi hostels are in the Old Town, around a twenty-minute walk from the bus station and central market area. Dorm beds for budget travelers are available at these Lilongwe, Malawi hostels as well as camping facilities and they are generally helpful in helping to arrange onward travel for guests.

Lilongwe doesn't have an awful lot going for it as far as tourist attractions are concerned, but it's a comfortable enough place to spend a day or two if you are traveling independently on public transport. As it's the capital and centrally located, there is plenty of transport going in all directions to every corner of Malawi and beyond.