Lilongwe is a logical base for exploring central Malawi. Senga Bay on Lake Malawi is about three hours east by road — a pleasant, low-key beach village on the lake with guesthouses and fishing boats. Dedza, about 85 km south-east, is worth the journey for its hillside pottery workshop and the nearby Dedza Mountain Forest Reserve, where hiking trails offer good views. For those with their own vehicle, the drive south through the Dedza highlands passes through some beautiful green scenery.
Liwonde National Park, the best game reserve in Malawi with elephants, hippos, and good birdlife, is about four hours south and more easily done as an overnight trip.