Lilongwe is Malawi’s capital city and therefor as buzzing as expected. What I didn’t expect was the amount of road construction occurring here. Bypasses swerve around construction sites throughout most major roads as part of a significant upgrade on road traffic. Why they are constructed all at once and hardly developed on either site, I don’t know. There isn’t much of interest for me in Lilongwe, art galleries and museums are passé.

I arrived in Lilongwe from Lake Malawi on my first visit. I took the scenic route over Golomoti Pass on the S127, winding through mountain terrain.

It must have been one of those days as I got stopped by police over and over again. Even on my way up north on the M1, police officers needed to remind me that my insurance was running out in two days. And my visa. ‘Yes, my road tax needs extending just as well, I got them all on the same day. That’s why I am going to Lilongwe, officer!’

I had my mind set on busy streets, crazy drivers, and motorbikes swerving left right, and center, just like any metropolitan city in Africa. I headed straight downtown as it was the shortest way to get to the northern suburbs. Only on paper.

I got stuck on a construction site and moved around 30 meters in an hour. When I had the opportunity, I turned Zimba around and by passed the center on a dodgy detour over holy streets. Phew.

I arrived at ‘Quest Lodges and Safari’ just before dark.

A big ‘thank you, thank you’ goes out to my friend Chikonde, who let me take shelter at this friendly and affordable bed and breakfast. Chikonde is a busy hotel manager of not one but two accommodations.

‘Quest Lodges and Safari’ is in a safe and quiet sector 43. Many expats reside here and one can safely walk the streets after hours.

This budget accommodation suits budget travelers and adventurers like myself and is therefore a perfect option to exchange travel experiences. Riding a bike through Africa surely is an experience.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and suit single, double or multiple visitors.

A tasty breakfast is included and homemade Malawian dishes can be arranged for dinner.

Friendly and helpful staff will assist you in any way they can.

Friendly are the two guard dogs too.

Spooky is a Maltese mother who tells you what’s right and what’s wrong.

And there was another fluff ball, around 6 months old.

It didn’t take long for us to become best friends.

We called him Zimba in honor of my zebra wagon.

Little Zimba loved exploring the interior.

There’s nothing like a happy tail-wagging yap early morning. So cute.

Like any young and playful pooch, there was much to explore.

Wherever I went, Zimba followed.

Until it was shower time.

No business like shower business.

Not for Zimba looking scruffy and sorry for himself.

I bought him a funky chicken so that his sharp teeth don’t stick in my fingers.

The chicken didn’t last long.

‘Mpatsa Quest Hotel’ is only a few more kilometers north in the newly re-developed area of sector 11.

This very impressive building is for the stylish upmarket traveler class, mainly visitors from Blantyre.

Chikonde herself turned this empty building into an upmarket boutique accommodation.

A swimming pool and bar area include the outside dining area.

A conference room is necessary for busy business meetings.

The hallways are stylish in art-deco implements.

I sent Rick over the estate to give Chico an aerial view of the hotel. These will surely help her website to increase business. Business is tough in Malawi.

If I was wearing a hat, I would take it off. Chikonde is an independent and hard-working woman on both sites. Getting as far as she has took ages, courage, and nerves of steel. Needless to say, the red tape and trouble thrown into her path were enormous. Corruption on house leases, theft and death threats, jealousy, and envy by all couldn’t stop her from coming this far.

Typically Africa is like a mushroom farm. As soon as someone pops up and creates and constructs something new, something outstanding, something excellent, everyone wants a piece of the fungi.

Money talks in Africa. Fairness and integrity are swear words.

I doubt that you would find a friendlier accommodation in Lilongwe and consider staying at either lodging.

Wether you like a stylish comfort.

Or prefer basically atmosphere with fellow adventurers.

Safaris can be booked with and through Quest Lodges and Safari as well.