The city was initially established around the turn of the century as a British colonial administrative centre, after a local chiefs requested protection from warlike neighbours. It grew quickly into a small settler town. Lilongwe is considered the crossroads in more than one sense. Its central position, on the junction of the country's main north- south route and the road to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia), meant that by the 1960's it was the second-largest urban area in Malawi. In 1968 plans were announced to move the country's administrative centre from Blantyre to Lilongwe, as it was more central. The construction of ministerial buildings was largely funded by South Africa and Lilongwe was officially declared the new capital in 1975. 

Lilongwe has two centres: The New City-usually called City Centre-which has ministries, embassies, some smart hotels, a shopping centre, airline offices and some travel agents; and the Old Town, with a good range of places to stay, the bus station, the market, several restaurants and cafés. More importantly, Old Town has soul, whereas City Centre is a surprisingly quiet and rather sterile place. The two centres are at least 3 km apart, and minibuses run between them. A visit to the nature Sanctuary is more soothing and highly recommended. It is covers 150 hectares of indigenous woodland that escaped development when the capital city was moved here in 1972. There is a wildlife information centre and a series of walking trails through the trees that you can follow. The Lingadzi River flows through the reserve, and contains crocodiles. Birds are surprisingly varied For such a small area, and many birds-watchers rate this sanctuary highly. Mammals include duiker, vervet monkey, porcupine and bushpig. One can also see hyena, leopard and even tiger- unfortunately in cages. After your stroll you can relax at Annie's au Naturaelle, a nice open-air café near the entrance.