Mid-Range Travel Guide: Lilongwe

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, comfortable guesthouses with en-suite bathrooms

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Mix of local restaurants, hotel dining, occasional international cuisine, some street food

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Private taxis, ride-hailing apps, occasional car rental, mix with public transport

Activities

$20-50 per day

Guided city tours, cultural centers, craft markets, day trips to nearby attractions

Eat at local markets and street vendors instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use minibus taxis and matolas instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings on transport)

Stay in areas outside the main business district for accommodation (generally 30-50% lower rates)

Buy bottled water in bulk from supermarkets rather than individual bottles (typically 40-60% cheaper)

Visit cultural sites and museums on weekdays when possible (often 20-30% lower entry fees)

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through international booking sites (can save 10-25%)

Shop for souvenirs at local craft cooperatives instead of hotel gift shops (usually 50-70% less expensive)

Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of using public minibus taxis (typically costs 4-6x more)

Eating only at hotel restaurants and tourist-focused venues (generally 100-200% markup over local options)

Not carrying small denominations of local currency for markets and street vendors (often results in overpaying or inability to negotiate)

Booking accommodation without comparing local guesthouses to international chains (can overspend by 50-150%)

Not factoring in seasonal price variations when planning trip dates (can increase costs by 30-60%)