Lilongwe Kamuzu Layover Guide (LLW)

What are you looking for in LLW?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Lilongwe Airport (LLW) is an international airport located in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. It’s situated about 26 km (16 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1977. Lilongwe is Malawi’s political and administrative hub, known for its relaxed atmosphere and growing economy. The city offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, including wildlife reserves, cultural sites, and a vibrant local market scene.

Can you leave Lilongwe Airport (LLW) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Time permitting, you may exit the international transit area at Lilongwe Airport, but most travelers require a visa to enter Malawi. Eligible nationalities may be exempt. You can obtain a transit visa on arrival (valid up to seven days) or apply for a tourist visa with online pre-approval in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Spend two hours observing rescued wildlife, learning about conservation initiatives at Malawi’s only PASA-accredited sanctuary. Visit the veterinary unit and support critical rehabilitation efforts. (Time required: ~2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈40 min) or shuttle.)
• Old Town Market Spend an hour exploring lively stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and vibrant textiles. Bargain for souvenirs, taste local street food, and soak in authentic Malawian market atmosphere and music. (Time required: ~1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min) or local minibus.)
• Malawi Parliament Building Admire modern architecture, manicured gardens, and learn parliamentary history through informative guided tours. Snap photos of the iconic chamber and surrounding monuments. Discover exhibits detailing Malawi’s legislative milestones and civic heritage. (Time required: ~1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈35 min).)
• Kamuzu Mausoleum Reflect at the solemn memorial honoring President Kamuzu Banda. Explore the exhibits detailing Malawi’s independence struggle. Enjoy panoramic city views from the grounds. Guided audio tours reveal rich political history. (Time required: ~1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min).)
• Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary Wander shaded trails through indigenous woodlands, spot native bird species, and learn about local flora. Enjoy tranquil picnic spots beside carp-filled ponds. Take guided nature walks led by expert rangers. (Time required: ~2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈45 min).)
• St. Michael and All Angels Church Step inside this 19th-century Anglican church to admire elegant Gothic architecture, stunning stained-glass windows, and peaceful gardens. Learn about its colonial heritage and attending midday services. Local choir performances occasionally. (Time required: ~1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (≈40 min).)
• Nkhoma Mountain Hike Challenge yourself on a guided hike up Nkhoma Mountain, reaching the 1,738 m summit for sweeping landscapes. Spot wildlife along rocky trails and cool off at freshwater springs. Suitable fitness levels required. (Time required: ~4 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈50 min).)
• Kumbali Cultural Village Immerse in vibrant Malawian tradition at Kumbali Cultural Village. Enjoy interactive performances of dance and music, sample local dishes, visit traditional tukutuku huts, and craft workshops. Engage with local artisans. (Time required: ~2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈45 min).)

Things to Do in Lilongwe Airport (LLW)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ndege Business Class Lounge airside level 1 offers pay-in access for all departing passengers. Features include complimentary snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and liquor, free Wi-Fi, newspapers, magazines, TVs, baggage storage and a smoking room. Cloud Nine Lounge reserved for Malawian Airlines Cloud Nine passengers provides a quiet retreat. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-airport hotel, but Lilongwe Hotel in Area 3, 5 km from the terminal, has 90 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, satellite TV, radio and telephone facilities. On-site bars, live music seven days a week, restaurant serving international cuisine amid extensive gardens, plus shuttle connections upon request. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Lilongwe Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods or rest zones. Travelers can doze on benches, chairs or in lounges after security. The terminal remains staffed overnight but can be noisy. No showers; bring layers and earplugs. Secure valuables and stay near security for safety during overnight stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout Kamuzu International Airport courtesy of the Digital Malawi project. Simply connect to the “Airport Free Wi-Fi” network for unlimited access, no registration required. Signal is strongest in passenger terminals but may be intermittent in remote areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: Airtel and TNM kiosks inside the arrivals hall sell prepaid SIM cards and top-up vouchers. Registration requires a passport copy and takes minutes. Data bundles start at 500 MB for ₭500, while voice and SMS bundles are also budget-friendly. eSIMs can be purchased via major provider apps before arrival. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Lilongwe Airport (LLW) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport taxis wait outside Arrivals, charging flat rates to Lilongwe’s city centre: about MWK 30,000 (US$ 35). Drivers may accept haggling. Ride-hailing apps like Yango operate locally for lower fares. Pre-booked transfers guarantee fixed prices, meet-and-greet service and driver name tags for smoother arrivals.

Train: No direct train service at LLW. The nearest passenger railway station in Lilongwe on the Sena line sits 20 km away, but scheduled passenger services are rare and freight traffic dominates. more info.

Bus: Local minibus taxis depart from outside the terminal to Lilongwe city centre for MWK 200 per person, while chartered coaches and intercity buses to Blantyre, Zomba, Mzuzu and neighbouring countries leave from the main bus depot 2 km away. more info.

Shuttle: Many hotels and tour operators run shuttle services between LLW and Lilongwe’s centre, typically in SUVs or minibuses for MWK 20,000 one-way. Schedules vary; advance booking via operator websites or arrival-hall kiosks is advised. Airport-hotel shuttles include door-to-door drops, luggage assistance and English-speaking drivers.

Car rentals: Terminal counters host Avis, Europcar, FlexWays, SS Rent-A-Car and Anna’s Car Rental, open 0600–1800 daily. Drivers aged 25+ may rent; under-25 fees apply. Vehicles range from compacts to SUVs; rates start around US$ 40/day. Booking 1–2 days before arrival secures best deals and availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short- and long-term parking lots flank the terminal, offering the first 15 minutes free. After that, rates are MWK 500/hour in short-stay and MWK 3,000/day for long-term. The fenced, CCTV-monitored car park is staffed 24/7. Overflow parking opens during peak periods.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official luggage storage or locker facilities exist at LLW. Travellers may hire baggage carts or use private courier lockers on request. It’s recommended to pack valuables in carry-on bags or arrange storage through nearby hotels and guesthouses, which often accommodate luggage for a small fee. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Lilongwe Airport (LLW) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks