From a bird’s eye, Lilongwe , Malawi’s commercial city, is a cluster of scattered tin roof houses and patched dry land. Upon landing, you are greeted by a small but beautifully landscaped airport. This airport does not have the huge steel or glass structures that are common around some of the continent’s airports.Lilongwe airport is welcoming, friendly and refreshing. The road leading out of the airport is well-maintained and lined with flowering Flame and Jacaranda trees.

Driving around the city, it’s evident that the city planners had put a lot of thought into it. This small city with a population of 900,000 people have over the years blossomed into a modern one with numerous shopping malls, excellent restaurants, shops selling imported goods and world-class hotels.

Walks around Lilongwe are very peaceful and the people are very welcoming and friendly. The capital is divided into two areas: Old Town and New Town. The old town houses residential areas, banks, shops and the Lilongwe Market. New Town as the name suggests, you will find diplomatic missions, upmarket residents, NGO offices and governmental offices.

The city tour will also include a visit to War Memorial, climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city. The first President’s Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s mausoleum, pass by the new parliament building and the wildlife sanctuary.