Things to do in Blantyre
-
A
PAMET
PAMET is an inspiring project that was set up to teach people how to recycle paper. This is an important issue in Malawi, where some people are too poor to buy exercise books for their children. For USaround US$1 you can take a tour of their workshop to see how it's all done. They sell a lovely variety of cards and other paper products made from a range of different material (including elephant dung!).
To help slow down the rate of deforestation, PAMET makes paper briquettes that are used as an alternative to charcoal and firewood.
reviewed
-
B
CCAP Church
Probably the most impressive building in Blantyre is the CCAP Church , officially called the Church of St Michael and All Angels. This magnificent church was built in 1891 by Scottish missionaries who had no construction training, using only local handmade bricks and wood. It has a basilica dome, towers, arches and bay windows. Although extensively renovated in the 1970s, what you see today is pretty much how it looked the day it was completed.
reviewed
-
C
Blantyre Sports Club
Blantyre Sports Club offers daily membership for US$5, which allows you to enter the club and use the bar and restaurant. To use the pool or to play squash or tennis costs an additional US$1. Nine holes of golf costs US$3; equipment can be hired. The club also features live music on the last Friday of every month.
reviewed
-
D
Mandala Manager's House
A nice way to spend an hour or two is a visit to the Mandala Manager's House. Set in pleasant gardens, this old colonial house was built in 1882, and is now home to a café (has excellent homemade cakes, salads and good coffee), the La Caverna Art Gallery and the Society of Malawi Library & Archive.
reviewed
-
E
Chichiri Stadium
Blantyre's main sports venue is the Chichiri Stadium , between the city centre and Limbe. This is also Malawi's national stadium; international football and other events are held here. There's no regular programme, but matches are advertised in the newspaper and on billboards around town.
reviewed
-
F
Carlsberg Brewery
A visit to the Carlsberg Brewery , east of the centre, may appeal. Free tours are conducted at 14:30 every Wednesday; you must book. The tour ends with a free tasting session. Some places to stay in Blantyre arrange transport here. Alternatively, you can walk or get a taxi.
reviewed
-
G
Bombay Palace
This place serves the best Indian food in the city. It's stylishly decorated and the food tastes surprisingly fresh and light. The speciality is the Rumali Basket Masala - a light crispy batter filled with onions, tomatoes and green chillies.
reviewed
-
H
21 Grill on Hanover
This is a highly rated eatery, with swanky interior complete with soft lighting, mahogany bookcases, comfortable cushioned chairs and the soft tinkle of piano music in the background. Serves seriously good steaks and seafood.
reviewed
-
I
Central Bookshop
For a much wider selection than TBS, visit this bookshop. It stocks stationery, books and guides about Malawi, local-language dictionaries and a good range of novels by local writers. There's also a pleasant coffee shop.
reviewed
-
J
Hong Kong Restaurant
Housed in a grand pagoda-style building that belies the rather mediocre food. For a Chinese restaurant the menu is surprisingly limited and the food, although it arrives in large portions, is nothing special.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
National Museum
The National Museum is midway between Blantyre and Limbe. There's a small collection of traditional weapons and artefacts, and exhibits relating to traditional dance, European exploration and slavery.
reviewed
-
L
Alem Ethiopian Restaurant
For some different African flavours, this place serves injera (sour millet pancake) and wot (sauce), but you can also get 'normal' meals like chicken and chips or curry.
reviewed
-
M
French Cultural Centre
Not just for French lessons. The centre has a regular program of concerts, plays and readings. Performances have been known to include such international luminaries as Angelique Kidjo.
reviewed
-
N
Municipal Market
The modern buildings of the Municipal Market give it a more formal feel than the hectic market in Lilongwe; it's still worth a visit even if you don't want to buy anything.
reviewed
-
O
Michiru Restaurant
This is the smart, top-floor restaurant at the Mount Soche Hotel. Excellent steak, fish, chicken and prawn dishes come with a hefty price tag but the views are pretty fine.
reviewed
-
P
Chimwewe Restaurant
Despite its name, this is more like a bar. Loud music and gaming machines mean it's low on charm but the congenial crowd and cheap drinks compensate.
reviewed
-
Q
Peoples Supermarket
The main Peoples Supermarket sells food and other goods, much of it imported from South Africa or Europe and sold at similar prices.
reviewed
-
R
Kips
Dishes up a real mix of pizzas, burgers, fish, steak, Malawian and Indian meals. It's clean and deservedly popular with locals.
reviewed
-
S
Kandodo Supermarket
Cheaper but more limited supplies (compared with the range at Peoples Supermarket) can be bought at Kandodo Supermarket .
reviewed
-
T
Wildlife Society of Malawi Giftshop
At the Heritage Centre. Specialises in books about natural history and national parks; its prices are very reasonable.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Sportsman's Bar
Also at the Mount Soche Hotel, the Sportsman's Bar is favoured by local businessmen and other movers and shakers.
reviewed
-
U
Jungle Pepper
Teems with office workers over the lunch hour, due to a tasty and diverse selection of fresh pizzas and hotdogs.
reviewed
-
V
Megabite Takeaway Café
Little courtyard café popular with the lunchtime office crowd. Serves fish and chips and Malawi curries.
reviewed
-
W
Temptation Coffee Shop
Serves good burgers, tasty Malawian dishes and a tempting selection of pastries for sweet tooths.
reviewed
-
X
TBS Bookshop
There's a TBS bookshop in town and a smaller one at the Mount Soche Hotel on Glyn Jones Rd.
reviewed