Lilongwe
Lilongwe has not always been the capital city of Malawi, in fact, it was a recently as 1974 that the capital was moved by former dictator Hastings Banda from Zomba to Lilongwe, a city that was once just a small town on the banks of the Lilongwe river and the administrative centre of British Colonial rule in Malawi. Today Lilongwe has a population rapidly closing in on one million and is the largest city in the country. Lilongwe is divided into many areas, but essentially there is the New Town and the Old Town with the renowned wildlife centre. This centre is well worth a visit as not only is it a rescue and rehabilitation centre it has its own wildlife zone with good value tours.
HIV/AIDS is a major concern in Lilongwe with a high percentage of the population there being infected and research indicates that professionals such as doctors and teachers are dying from related illnesses faster than they can be replaced. Street children can also be found in the city and these children are inevitably vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Despite this and the poverty of many who live there, having come from rural areas in the forlorn hope of finding paid employment, Lilongwe is generally a friendly city.
The above video shows pictures and images of the capital of Malawi and provides a realistic look and feel of life there. After you've watch the video make a virtual landing at Lilongwe airport here then check out our interactive map of Lilongwe below and zoom in to explore areas of interest.
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