Malawi is one of the Uyaphi team's favourite African destinations. Relaxed people, safe environment, unique safari destinations where you can be equally at home in bush or beach. The capital Lilongwe, essentially a 1960's creation leaves much to be desired in terms of activities or things to do. Despite it being home to a large expatriate population of NGO and diplomatic staffers, there is not a great variety of night life or dining options. Yet, you may have to overnight in Lilongwe so here is our top 5 choice of restaurants:
- The Latitude restaurant at the Latitude 13 boutique hotel, 10 minutes drive from the CBD. A recent arrival to Lilongwe, this is probably the best fine dining experience in the capital. It also has the best wine list in the country. The design, like the hotel, is Afro-chic. Expect to pay about $25 a head without wine.
- Bombay Palace restaurant at the City mall in Old Town. Regularly ranked as the number 1 restaurant in Lilongwe on Tripadvisor. Service is excellent and if you are an Indian food lover, this is an absolute must. Expect to pay about $15-20 per head.
- Mamma Mia restaurant in the Old Town Mall. Probably the best Italian restaurant In Malawi and well frequented by the expat community. This is not high cuisine but the comfortable offering of pizzas and pasta. Expect to pay about $20 a head with a beer.
- Buchannan's Grill at the Four Seasons complex about 10 minutes from the city centre. This is essentially a steak house but the setting is in a lovely tropical garden where you can wander (there is a plant nursery within the complex). Expect to pay about $20 a head.
- For something slightly different, go to the Kumbali Village restaurant. It is a recreation of a Chewa village, located about 25 minutes drive from town. It is more about the vibe than the food, the latter really offering easy, comfort food and some local Chewa dishes. At the weekends there are live bands and a choice of local curio shops made by locals on site. If you want to chill out and let children run about, this is the place. Expect to pay about $15 a head.
Restaurants in Lilongwe
- Africa's Ultimate Bucket ListIt has become very fashionable to compile a list of things to see and do before one meets their maker. Here at Uyaphi.com we already have our "Ultimate Bucket List" of things in Africa that we have to do and see.
- Romantic Kruger Park LodgesWhen it comes to romance these are our best options. Lodges that do not take children, lodges that offer privacy, large rooms with lots of space and large baths and outdoor showers. This is what romance in the African bushveld should be. Perfect for honeymooners, those in love or those wanting to fall in love.
- Star Beds in AfricaOne of the newer and more exciting options safari lodges and camps throughout Africa are starting to offer is what is called a "Star Bed". Essentially a luxurious platform in the wilds overlooking a vantage point and open to the stars.
- Remote Lodges in AfricaAs always one will find an intrepid soul who has taken the plunge and built a lodge or camp in what can only be described as the "Middle of Nowhere". This page is dedicated to those who are wanting to experience isolation like no other.
- Best Spas in the KrugerLife on safari is not always about game drives and walks 24/7, there should always be a bit of relaxation time, and this is where a Spa comes into play. Take a few hours off to indulge in a tranquil Spa treatment at one of these excellent lodges. All of these lodges offer in-house facilities and a broad range of treatments.
- Best Baths in AfricaYou can never be as relaxed as you are as in a bath. Now image that bath having one fantastic view out over the plains of Africa with wildlife and birdlife passing you by. That is what this page is all about, simply "The best Baths in Africa".