LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE
A unique nature reserve in the heart of the city
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC) is a beautiful protected nature reserve in the middle of the capital city, Lilongwe. Covering 70 hectares, it provides a unique haven for a huge range of wildlife, from antelopes and bushpigs to jackals and over 200 species of birds! LWC also hosts one of the last remaining Acacia/Combretum forests in Malawi’s Central Region – a type of woodland that was once widespread across this area.
The site is also home to a unique environmental education centre and one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, where injured, orphaned and abused animals can find safety and support. Although the wildlife sanctuary itself is not open to the public, LWC offers a range of other visitor attractions and is the perfect place to escape the city and experience nature.
Plan your visit
We’re open to visitors 365 days a year, 8am to 5pm. On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we open late at 11am.
Take a walk along the 6km of beautiful wilderness trails along the Lingadzi River and through the forest before relaxing at the peaceful Kuwala Gardens café (8am-6pm every day and open until 10pm on Thursdays and Saturdays). There is also a gift shop selling arts and crafts made by Malawian artisans.
* You can find a summary of membership benefits here.
Donations are also appreciated and will be used to support our wildlife rescue work, providing a much-needed lifeline for orphaned and injured wild animals. Please leave what you can at reception. Please also help us to keep the site clean by using the litter bins and picking up any rubbish you see.
For enquiries please call +265 (0)88 1788 999 or email centre@lilongwewildlife.org.
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
Our wildlife sanctuary is mandated to operate on behalf of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and is accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the PAW scheme under the Born Free Foundation. It is the world’s only wildlife sanctuary to hold all three accreditations and one of a handful of African sanctuaries deemed by GFAS to have high enough welfare standards for a global award. Our wildlife rescue work is supported by a range of donors, but also depends on funding generated from our volunteer placement programme.
Our team provide expert care to animals that are rescued from wildlife crime, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, the illegal pet and bushmeat trades and other threats. We make every effort to return rescued animals to the wild where they belong. Those animals that can’t be released for medical or behavioural reasons can find a safe, permanent home with us. We offer the best possible quality of life in large, natural enclosures where they can roam freely.
Our Wildlife Emergency Response Unit is also on hand to support wildlife in other places across Malawi. It typically provides veterinary treatment and support in the field for animals injured by snares, traps or bullet wounds. These are often endangered species such as elephants or rhinos.
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is situated in the heart of the capital city. Find us on Kenyatta Drive between Old Town and City Centre, equal distance from the Lingadzi Bridge and Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout.
Onsite partners
Kuwala Gardens is a café offering delicious snacks, meals and cakes in a beautiful forest setting. It is also available for private hire.
Visual Arts Association of Malawi
The Visual Arts Association of Malawi coordinates and supports visual artists across Malawi. A wide range of art and traditional crafts from Malawian artists is available to purchase near reception.
International Conservation & Clean-up Management
ICCM is a social enterprise dedicated to effective education, practical waste reduction and the ethical recycling or reuse of resources. ICCM operates the recycling station at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.
Accreditations
