The Best Accommodations in Lilongwe
Situated in central Malawi, Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and the economic and transport hub of central Malawi.
Lilongwe is divided into more than 50 areas, numbered in order of development, with Area 1 being the oldest town and Area 2 the second oldest.
The city is divided into two main parts.
The City Centre is home to ministries, parliament, embassies, smart hotels and business offices, and the Old Town is home to popular restaurants, guesthouses, a bus terminal, new shopping malls and an energetic market.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and minibuses run frequently between the City Centre and the Old Town.
There is a wide range of accommodation in Lilongwe, from luxury hotels with great security and service, to clean and affordable guesthouses.
Here is a selection of hotels in Lilongwe by budget.
Luxury Accommodations Above USD100
1. Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC)
| Name | Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) |
|---|---|
| Location | Chilembwe Road, City Centre, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 789 888 |
| info@umodzipark.co.mw |
Located 23km from Kamuzu International Airport, Umodzi Park stands proudly in the central business district of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and is home to the world-class Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC).
The 130-room President Hotel is the only five-star hotel in Lilongwe; there are 14 Presidential Villas offering the ultimate in privacy and security; over 20 function venues; over 2,500 secure parking spaces; and Malawi Square, an outdoor venue.
Other hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center and sauna.
Guests can enjoy a game of tennis or work out in the fitness center.
This spectacular and sophisticated facility, together with the highly trained staff, makes for outstanding meetings.
2. Kumbali Country Lodge
| Name | Kumbali Country Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Area 44, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 963 402 |
| kumbali@kumbali.com |
Set amidst 650 hectares of forest reserve and dairy farm, just 10 minutes from Lilongwe city centre, Kumbali Country Lodge is a stylish and relaxing boutique lodge that sets itself apart from other hotels in Lilongwe.
It is the ideal place for those who want to spend a quiet and peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The lodge’s restaurant serves a wide variety of delicious cuisines using farm-fresh produce and dairy products.
It is also a steady favourite among tourists and local expats.
Accommodation consists of 16 spacious thatched suites, all with private verandas.
The verandas overlook beautiful private gardens surrounded by peaceful greenery.
The rooms have comfortable king-size beds and large bathrooms, ideal for relaxing after a long flight or resting before departure.
During your visit, you will forget you are in the capital as you stroll through the gardens surrounded by natural forests, go hiking, biking or bird-watching, take a dip in the large pool, or enjoy a massage or spa treatment in the quiet, peaceful setting.
3. Sunbird Capital
| Name | Sunbird Capital |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamuzu Procession Road, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 756 333 |
| lilongwehotelres@sunbirdmalawi.com |
Sunbird Hotels & Resorts is Malawi’s leading hotel chain, with nine hotels across Malawi.
Sunbird is synonymous with Malawi’s hospitality industry and is a well-loved brand offering comfortable accommodation, excellent personalised service and fine cuisine that rivals international competitors.
Among these is Sunbird Capital Hotel which is the flagship hotel of the Sunbird chain.
Sunbird Capital is an efficient and well-managed multi-storey hotel for international business travellers, located in a spectacular park next to the government headquarters called Capital Hill.
It is within walking distance of most diplomatic missions’ bases and international organizations.
The hotel has a total of 182 air-conditioned rooms (73 superior rooms, 8 suites, 93 standard rooms and 8 deluxe rooms), 5 conference rooms, 2 reputable restaurants, 2 bars, a business centre, gym facilities, squash courts, a large swimming pool and massage therapy centre, with a total capacity of 700 people for various conferences, meetings, seminars, workshops and product launches.
4. Sunbird Lilongwe
| Name | Sunbird Lilongwe |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamuzu Procession Road, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 756 333 |
| lilongwehotelres@sunbirdmalawi.com |
Sunbird Lilongwe is a decent hotel conveniently located near the centre of Lilongwe and is very popular with tourists visiting Lilongwe.
The Civo Stadium, where national football league matches are played, is within walking distance of the hotel.
There is a Capital Hotel of the same chain in the City Centre, and the choice between staying at the Lilongwe Hotel or the Capital Hotel is often determined by the traveller’s convenient location.
All 94 air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a minibar and free wi-fi is available.
At the Patio Restaurant, guests can enjoy views of the outdoor pool and gardens while savouring local classics and a wide range of international cuisine, or relax with a local or international drink at the bar lounge or poolside bar.
The Patio Restaurant has an a la carte menu and is one of the oldest restaurant in Lilongwe, retaining its uniqueness to this day.
5. Latitude 13°
| Name | Latitude 13° |
|---|---|
| Location | 43/2/58 Mphonongo, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 999 975 960 |
| marketing@latitudehotels.com |
Latitude 13° is located in the leafy lanes on the northern edge of Lilongwe.
It is conveniently located 20 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport and only 5 minutes from City Centre.
The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and offers 20 loft style apartment rooms, 6 garden suites and 3 club rooms.
With vibrant interiors decorated with recycled materials, progressive architecture, manicured gardens and rolling lawns, it is a quiet, private setting ideal for executives to relax, unwind or work smart.
The poolside restaurant & bar serves international cuisine using herbs grown in the hotel’s vegetable garden and locally produced ingredients, as well as exquisite wines and exotic cocktails.
Other facilities include a state-of-the-art gymnasium with personal trainers, an 18-metre heated swimming pool and a health and beauty spa offering relaxing and refreshing treatments.
6. Ufulu Gardens Hotel
| Name | Ufulu Gardens Hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | C43-365 Ufulu Street, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 794 060, +265 (0) 1 794 079, +265 (0) 999 994 060, +265 (0) 996 945 277 |
| reservations@ufulugardens.mw |
Located in a quiet and tranquil location in Lilongwe, between Kamuzu International Airport and the City Centre, Ufulu Gardens Hotel is a luxury hotel and conference venue with carefully landscaped gardens, friendly and attentive staff and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
The hotel was awarded Best Hotel in Malawi at the 2021 MICE Awards.
For accommodation, there is a choice of suites and corporate flats.
Each suite is accessible from the outside, ensuring privacy and minimizing interaction with other guests.
Each luxurious and spacious Corporate Apartment has its own separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and dining room, and is looked after daily by dedicated housekeeping staff, allowing you more flexibility with your work and leisure schedules.
7. Crossroads Hotel Lilongwe
| Name | Crossroads Hotel Lilongwe |
|---|---|
| Location | Crossroads Complex, Mchinji Roundabout, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 759 333, +265 (0) 1 750 336 |
| reservations@crossroadshotel.net |
Conveniently located for business, sightseeing and shopping Crossroads Hotel Lilongwe is well-equipped and lies 30 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport.
The 101 rooms, including luxury suites, have been carefully selected with quality furnishings and elegant fabrics which have been designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax.
The hotel’s restaurant, Copper Pot, offers a wide range of gastronomic delights, including spicy tandoori dishes, carefully selected Szechuan cuisine, aged steaks and exquisite seafood.
A beautiful outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens, a fully equipped gym, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, spa and massage facilities will enhance your stay.
8. MAFUMU HOTEL
| Name | MAFUMU HOTEL |
|---|---|
| Location | Likuni Road, Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 750 982 / +265 (0) 994 186 214 |
| reservations@mafumu.net | |
| Website | www.mafumu.net |
MAFUMU Hotel is located on Likuni Road in Area 3, just next to Lilongwe Golf Club.
It is an international standard hotel with conference facilities and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
All 30 spacious and luxurious deluxe rooms are fully equipped with king size beds, electronic safes, DSTV, internet facilities, air-conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves and tea and coffee making facilities to make you feel at home.
The hotel has three different sized meeting rooms to cater for small and large groups.
The restaurant serves high quality food made from locally sourced ingredients.
9. Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel Lilongwe
| Name | Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel Lilongwe |
|---|---|
| Location | Plot no. 13/97, Area 13, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 776 666 |
| jkq_mw@afecc.com |
Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel is located in the centre of Lilongwe, where most government offices, banks, embassies, Parliament and the Presidential Palace are located.
Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel comprises two seven-storey main buildings with views of Lilongwe from its roof top, and has a total of 236 rooms with ornate Chinese decor and all essential facilities.
Other facilities include one of the country’s largest casinos, an authentic Chinese restaurant that can accommodate 400 people simultaneously, and an attractive swimming pool with a maximum depth of 1.7 metres, a salon and a gym.
Popular Accommodations for USD30-100
10. Riverside Hotel & Conference Centre
| Name | Riverside Hotel & Conference Centre |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Paul Kagame Road, Area 32, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 750 511 / +265 (0) 992 771 914 |
| reservation@riversidehotelmalawi.com | |
| Website | https://riversidehotelmalawi.com |
The Riverside Hotel is situated in a quiet residential area of Lilongwe, approximately 25km from Kamuzu International Airport.
Its proximity to both Old Town and the City Centre makes it easily accessible for any business.
The Riverside Hotel is the ideal place for tourism and business meetings.
With 100 deluxe rooms, 40 villas and flats, a lodge, a resort and eight conference facilities for all types of business meetings, the hotel can accommodate up to 600 delegates.
Each room is equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning and a kettle.
Complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.
A 24-hour front desk is also available for your peace of mind.
11. Lingadzi Inn
| Name | Lingadzi Inn |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Paul Kagame Road, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 880 007 674 / +265 (0) 998 908 326 |
| marketingdpt@mit.mw |
Lingadzi Inn is located along Paul Kagame Road, just 30 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) and within easy access of both City Centre and Old Town.
All 36 spacious rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with TV with satellite channels, kettle and private bathroom.
The hotel also has a conference room with a capacity of more than 50 people, a garden where weddings, celebrations and small concerts are held, a restaurant and a bar.
The hotel’s restaurant, Kingfisher, offers a relaxed dining experience with chambo, Malawi’s famous fish and the Garden is also a great place for outdoor dining and attracts a large crowd at weekends when live entertainment is held.
12. Bridgeview Hotel
| Name | Bridgeview Hotel & Conference Centre |
|---|---|
| Location | Behind Game Stores, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 757 666 / 635 / 636 |
| info@bridgeviewhotelmw.com | |
| Website | https://www.bridgeviewhotelmw.com |
Bridgeview Hotel is located in the heart of Lilongwe Old Town, close to Lilongwe’s most popular shopping mall, major banks, a famous souvenir market and nightclubs.
The spacious and clean rooms are equipped with DSTV, WiFi, air-conditioning and an electric kettle with free tea and coffee.
The hotel’s restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A large conference room can accommodate up to 200 delegates and is equipped with a projector, screen and Public Address (PA) system.
13. Bamboo Boutique Hotel
| Name | Bamboo Boutique Hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | Area 12, Mdoka Street, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 883 186 205, +265 (0) 996 999 944, +265 (0) 996 999 922 |
| fobamboo@serendibhotel.com |
Bamboo Boutique Hotel is located in a quiet residential area close to Lilongwe’s City Centre, home to various government departments, international organisations and corporate headquarters.
Managed by Serendib Hotels and Resorts, Malawi’s leading hospitality and tourism company, the hotel offers clean, safe and modern accommodation and a stylish restaurant, bar and garden.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a desk, a minibar, a kettle, a bathtub, bathrobes, bed linen and towels.
Bamboo Boutique Hotel offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Darts can be enjoyed at the accommodation, and car rental is available.
14. Lalibela Boutique Hotel
| Name | Lalibela Boutique Hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | Area6, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 993 281 760, +265 (0) 882 022 313 |
| lalibelaboutiquemw@gmail.com |
Set in Area 6, Lilongwe, Lalibela Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem.
This is an excellent location for conferences because of the serene atmosphere.
With a maximum capacity of 70, the hotel has one conference room which is air conditioned and spacious.
A balcony with spectacular views of Lilongwe is attached to the conference room.
The hotel also has a swimming pool where guests can relax and a restaurant that serves Ethiopian specialities.
In terms of accommodation, there are 14 rooms in total; 5 twin rooms and 9 double bed rooms.
15. Dzalanyama Forest Lodge
| Name | Dzalanyama Forest Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 880 757 120 |
| info@landlake.net |
Located in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, a two-hour drive southeast of Lilongwe, is Dzalanyama Forest Lodge.
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is one of the best places for bird watching, with excellent Miombo bird watching and the region’s endemic woodpeckers.
Built overlooking the Makata Stream, the lodge is simple yet cosy and comprises four bedrooms, a large lounge and dining area with a fireplace.
The veranda is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor lunch and appreciate the tranquillity of the area.
The lodge is self-catering and is equipped with solar lighting and a gas fridge.
Guests have to bring their own ingredients, but the resident cook will cook for you.
As there are also three thatched chalets, the lodge can accommodate up to 15 people.
An environmentally friendly campsite is located away from the main house.
Enjoy birdwatching, walking, hiking or mountain biking, or simply sit on the veranda and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding forest.
Transfers can be arranged from Lilongwe.
Cheap Accommodations Under USD30
16. Korea Garden Lodge
| Name | Korea Garden Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Tsiranana Avenue, Area3, Lilongwe |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 759 700 / 784/ 774 |
| info@kglodge.net | |
| Check Out | 10:00 |
Located on Tsiranana Avenue, near Lilongwe Golf Club, Korea Garden Lodge offers a range of accommodation from standard to luxury.
Lilongwe’s business centre and large shopping malls are within walking distance.
The price includes a buffet breakfast, which is very popular with guests.
The hotel also offers a laundry service, internet access, a restaurant and bar serving Korean food, and a swimming pool.
The hotel has been carefully designed to create a safe and comfortable environment, and some rooms have their own kitchens so that guests can prepare their own meals, making it a popular choice for longer stays.
