Malawi's modern capital city of Lilongwe is in the center of the country. It is split into two main centers known as the New and Old Towns. The modern New Town is a collection of gleaming buildings with manicured lawns.
The more chaotic Old Town couldn't be more different. The original village of Lilongwe has bustling markets, teaming bus stations and street vendors. The city is worth a half-day visit—plenty of time to see the Teacher Training College, government buildings, the market on Malangalanga Road and the Asian Quarter.
The sprawling curio market outside of the post office in the Old Town is definitely worth a visit for the vast range of wooden carvings on offer, though you will have to be prepared to haggle hard over prices.
Travelers planning to visit Malawi's parks should drop by the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre on Kenyatta Drive. Part of the 445-acre/180-hectare nature reserve located between the Old and New Towns, the small animal sanctuary is operated by the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust.
The Lingadzi River that runs through the reserve is inhabited by a few crocodiles; it also attracts a number of birds as well as spotted hyena, bushbuck and vervet monkey. There is a wildlife information center and a number of walking trails through the woods.
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