The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a 180-hectare miombo woodland sanctuary inside the city, part of the larger Lilongwe National Park. It doubles as a rehabilitation centre for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade — vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and bush babies are the most visible residents — and as a birding destination, with over 100 species recorded on site.
Walking trails wind through the woodland past enclosures and open habitats. The centre is well run and genuinely committed to conservation rather than display; this is not a zoo, and the experience feels appropriately wild. You can walk independently or join a guided tour, which adds considerably to what you see and understand. An on-site café makes a pleasant stop. Entry fees go directly to the centre's work. Allow two to three hours for a proper visit.