(Zambia)

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 settings, contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Both of these different parts of the town are worth touring. The modern shops of the City are complemented by the exciting street and walled markets of Old Town. Lilongwe’s range of services and facilities is unsurpassed except, possibly, in Blantyre. The State House is now the seat of parliament and the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary lies between the Old and New towns. Within the Sanctuary is the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre - a new and exciting 'People and Wildlife' animal rescue and education facility.

There are a number of first-class hotels in Lilongwe with the Sunbird Capital and Sunbird Lilongwe the best known. The old Imperial Hotel has been completely rennovated and reopened in 2005 as the Kiboko Town Hotel. Korea Garden Lodge has a range of room types. Guest house accommodation is provided by Heuglin's Lodge whilst the new Sanctuary Lodge will open in 2008 in the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary in the middle of the city. Out of town, Barefoot Safari Camp has chalets, permanent tents and pitches whilst Kumbali Country Lodge has luxury chalets set in natural forest on a dairy farm.