Top 5 Lilongwe Sightseeing Tours: Your Guide
Thinking of seeing the sights around Lilongwe? Well, there’s a ton of different ways you can go exploring, so whether you’re super into learning about culture or just eager to soak up the local scenery, there really is something for everyone. What I’m gonna do, then, is give you a rundown of some of the top sightseeing tours in Lilongwe. I hope I can, kinda, paint a picture so you can pick one that is just right for you!
1. Lilongwe City Walking Tour
What about exploring Lilongwe by foot? You see way more that way, more or less, I guess. I would describe the City Walking Tour as like, you know, your perfect first introduction to Lilongwe. You’ll usually meet up with a local guide who will, just so you know, share a ton of stories and show you what Lilongwe is all about. I guess, this walking tour covers all the can’t miss spots – things like the bustling Lilongwe Old Town Market (tons of energy there), so you will be able to see the Parliament Building – and there are some important government buildings too! The best part about doing it on foot is how close you get, and it really is hard to beat, since you can really chat with people and get a good sense for local life. In a way, it really allows you to soak things up!
What You Might Experience:
- Wandering through Old Town Market, kinda chatting with vendors.
- Seeing the Capital Hill area.
- Listening to your guide tell you some cool stories about Lilongwe’s history.
Things to think about: Walking tours are a bit different. Remember to wear shoes that work and have some water handy! It probably goes without saying, but check the weather before going anywhere.
2. Kumbali Cultural Village Tour
Want to spend some time learning about Malawi’s cultures up close? As a matter of fact, you might consider the Kumbali Cultural Village tour, it’s amazing. Kumbali, just a stone’s throw from Lilongwe, like your, allows you to see traditional village life, since it provides a really immersive experience. I guess it is a place where they show off local customs, arts, and just the everyday routine of Malawian people. At the village, you’ll get to see some cool stuff like how they do pottery or woodworking, so do try to take advantage! Very often they’ll even do some traditional dance performances for you! Just saying, it’s pretty cool, actually. If you are trying to get a feel for Malawi’s heritage and all the traditions that have been going on for ages, this trip will do just that.
What You Might Experience:
- Looking at traditional crafts.
- Being at a dance performance.
- Just generally hanging out with the locals.
Things to think about: This is a cool opportunity to respect and admire the culture. Feel free to engage but do try to be mindful and keep an open mind when looking around, more or less.
3. Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Tour
Now, for all of you that, like, love animals, there is this really special spot close to Lilongwe, called the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre! It, very, very, is actually Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary of sorts. You will be happy, similarly to, how they help all types of hurt and saved animals! The sanctuary does a super important job, is that it lets you learn about Malawi’s wildlife. From lions to monkeys, and birds of all sorts, they all live here. It, arguably, can be super interesting when you learn what goes into keeping animals safe and just hear their stories. It does provide, actually, pretty close up looks, too. By the way, the center works hard on getting people interested in protecting wildlife and Malawi’s natural spaces, and the money spent on the visit is used to fund that important work! It’s like supporting wildlife conservation and having fun doing it!
What You Might Experience:
- Getting pretty close to a range of animals.
- Listening to cool information regarding the sanctuary’s mission.
- I guess you might feel happy knowing you helped animals there.
Things to think about: Some things you should check out ahead of time is to learn how it helps protect animals in the country, and it’s good to understand what the organization really cares about, pretty much.
4. Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge Day Trip
If you fancy, as a matter of fact, going a bit further out on your tour, I would describe the Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge could be, could be a fab choice. It, honestly, provides something very unique: spending time with real pottery artists. I would add, it’s a cool and unique, little spot on the Lake Malawi shore, very much worth a visit, really! While you visit, so you should, of course, try out making some pottery, while chatting with people who’ve been doing it forever, anyway. When it comes to the pottery, it is top tier local art, while the drive up to the lodge does involve getting pretty picturesque Malawi country scenery on the way there. Also, if, just saying, you are really looking to take a small break away from all of the busy city tours while being surrounded by peace and something crafty to focus on, this location will tickle you, right?
What You Might Experience:
- Getting your hands mucky, making some pottery yourself!
- Going for it when it comes to some talks with skilled artists.
- Getting an eyeful from the journey to and from Lilongwe.
Things to think about: So it is important to remember that that one might be a tad lengthier in terms of drive time when trying to leave from Lilongwe.
5. Three-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Lilongwe
For people pressed for time and yet still seeking some highlights in Lilongwe, you see the 3 Hour Guided Walking Tour gets people out to several important must-see destinations in the capital. Your local person does allow you, unlike, to see a blend of the current life in addition to older monuments in a quite intimate fashion – seeing spots such as the World War I Memorial Tower or being around the tobacco market makes things really jump out, you see? You, also, probably will spend this tour listening carefully since that professional often knows interesting factoids and also little historical spots about Malawi you might skip otherwise. Ultimately that tour shines through by ensuring that travellers with limited sightseeing windows still take an extremely in depth tour of this cool capital district! Also! Very importantly remember wearing some fantastic strolling footwear plus perhaps an umbrella in order to plan ahead. Should that weather ever be bad?
What You Might Experience:
- Visiting central landmarks during reduced timeframes!
- Being around the markets plus the war monuments during a few fascinating hours!
Things to think about: It’s really short so go dressed for walking!