Plizio Visual Lab
Lilongwe War Memorial
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
The Lilongwe War Memorial stands as a prominent tribute to the Malawian soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives during the two World Wars. Located in the Area 18 district of the capital, the site features a stately clock tower that serves as a landmark for both residents and visitors. During the World Wars, soldiers from the then-protectorate of Nyasaland fought under the King's African Rifles, participating in critical campaigns across East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The memorial area is the official site for national Remembrance Day ceremonies, held annually to honor veterans and fallen heroes. The architecture of the tower and the surrounding plaques provide a historical narrative of Malawi's military contributions within the Commonwealth. Set amidst landscaped grounds near the administrative center of the city, the monument features a quiet space for reflection on the impact of global conflicts on the African continent and the enduring bravery of its local soldiers.
- Location: Malawi
- Nearby: Kongwe Mission (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 307 | 216 | 151 | 40 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 63 | 242 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Lilongwe War Memorial is a freely accessible monument in the city center. Visitors can view it from outside at any time, and the surrounding park invites relaxation.
Typical hours
The monument is accessible 24/7 as it stands in a public space. Official ceremonies typically take place on national holidays - expect more activity then.
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime without restrictions, first-rate for souvenir photos. Be careful not to disturb during official events - otherwise shooting is welcome.
Time needed
A short visit of about 15-20 minutes is enough to see and photograph the monument. If you linger in the park or explore the surroundings, allow half an hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with other downtown Lilongwe attractions like the Parliament building or the National Museum. The area is walkable and provides several historic sites.
Getting there
The monument is centrally located in Lilongwe, easily reachable on foot or by taxi. Buses and minibuses stop nearby - ask for the 'War Memorial' stop.
Insider tip
Come early in the morning to view the monument peacefully and take good photos without crowds. On national holidays, commemorative ceremonies often take place, making the visit special.
Geography
Facts
- Erected in 1923.
- Obelisk height: 12 meters.
- Material: local granite.
- Original location: Zomba.
- Relocated to Lilongwe in 1975.
- Records names of 402 fallen soldiers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lilongwe War Memorial (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the war memorial in Lilongwe?
It serves to commemorate the soldiers who died in the war.
Do I need permission to visit?
No, the memorial is freely accessible.
Is the area well-maintained?
Yes, the memorial site is generally well-maintained.
How long does a short stop take?
About 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient for a visit.
Is it a good place for reflection?
Due to its quiet nature, it is a handy place for reflection.
Lilongwe War Memorial: where is it located?
Lilongwe War Memorial is located in Malawi.
Lilongwe War Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Lilongwe War Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Lilongwe War Memorial stands as a prominent tribute to the Malawian soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives during the two World Wars.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Malawi →
Nearby cities
Lilongwe
Lilongwe is the sprawling capital of Malawi and the country's political heart.
Blantyre
Blantyre is Malawi's second-largest city and the country's economic powerhouse.
Mzuzu
Mzuzu is the capital of Malawi's Northern Region and serves as the primary service hub for the northern highlands and Lake Malawi.
Zomba
Zomba was Malawi's capital until 1975 and is today a major educational center located at the foot of the spectacular Zomba Plateau.
Kasungu
Kasungu is a significant town in central Malawi, known as the birthplace of the nation's founder, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, and a center for…
Mangochi
Mangochi is a picturesque town at the southern end of Lake Malawi, strategically located on the banks of the Shire River.
Salima
Salima serves as the gateway to Senga Bay on Lake Malawi, famous for its golden beaches and local fishing culture.
Liwonde
Liwonde is a strategic town located on the Shire River, known as the primary gateway to the famous Liwonde National Park.
Nkhotakota
Nkhotakota is a historic town on the shores of Lake Malawi, known as one of Africa's oldest market settlements and a former center of the…
Mzimba
A vibrant cultural hub in Northern Malawi, known as the ancestral home of the Ngoni and Tumbuka people.
Rumphi
Rumphi is a charming town in northern Malawi, serving as the primary service center for the Nyika Plateau and the Livingstonia mission area.
Mulanje
Home to the majestic Mount Mulanje and lush tea plantations at the foot of the mountain massif.
🗺️
Kongwe Mission
Kongwe Mission was established in the early 20th century.
Chikwawa Mission
Chikwawa Mission in the lower Shire Valley was established in the late 19th century.
Nkhoma Mission
Nkhoma Mission was founded in 1889 by the Dutch Reformed Church.
History & landmarks
Blantyre Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall in Blantyre is a prominent colonial building.
Press Corporation HQ
The nerve center of Malawi's largest conglomerate, holding interests across many of the country's key industries.
Dedza Border Post
This high-altitude border post connects Central Malawi directly with Mozambique and is a major route for agricultural exports.
Nature
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned animals.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary
This sanctuary preserves a patch of indigenous forest along the Lingadzi River.
Bunda Hill
Bunda Hill is a prominent inselberg located south of Lilongwe.
🗺️
Chencherere Hill
Chencherere Hill is a distinctive elevation in the Chongoni area.
Dedza Mountain
Dedza Mountain towers over the town of the same name in central Malawi.
More places
Kamuzu Memorial Statue
This large statue in Lilongwe honors Dr.
Lilongwe Dairy
The largest dairy processing plant in the capital city, producing a wide range of milk products for Malawi.
Limbe Leaf Processing Plant
A massive industrial complex in Lilongwe that prepares raw tobacco for worldwide shipment to cigarette manufacturers.
AHL Tobacco Auction Floors
The central venue for trading Malawi's 'green gold', where massive quantities of tobacco are auctioned annually.
Kanengo Industrial Area
The industrial heart of Lilongwe, known as a global hub for tobacco processing and auction trading.
🗺️
Dzalanyama Range
The Dzalanyama Range is a mountain range southwest of Lilongwe.
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
Dzalanyama is an important protected area southwest of Lilongwe.
🗺️
Mphunzi Mountain
Mphunzi Mountain is a large granite outcrop located near Dedza.