Mabuya Camp is very friendly and very welcoming. It's probably the best known hostel in Lilongwe, with great party atmosphere. It is basic, but enough to get you by.
The Location
The location is fine -- it's a good walk to the main town, however, along the long dust roads and through a few (sometimes intimidating) groups of people hanging around. We didn't see any other hostels in the city, and it is probably much safer for being just outside, and you do feel safe there. The walk isn't hard or bad, so it is a very good location -- walking distance to the town, but far enough out for you to feel safe.
Rooms and Bathrooms
You can camp outside, which is cheap and cheerful (although, be very aware of ant attacks!). The dorms look fine too, again very basic, but a bed for the night. Everyone there is very friendly and laid back, so you don't feel you have to worry about your stuff. The bathroom is outside, so if it's cold, you have to wrap up warm to go to the sinks and showers, and there are other ones across the grass. There is a toilet inside -- not the most luxurious toilet we've used, but still fine.
Common Spaces
There is a little room on the side with a couple of computers and a book exchange which is nice, although it is competitive business getting on the internet at times, as internet is not the most reliable thing all over Malawi. It is a social hostel, buzzing with other backpackers -- the bar is on the go all day and night. The bar room is fairly small but can cram a lot of backpackers in, and there's also a really nice outside sitting area with sofas.
Summary
This place is great, with lots of information on the boards and fantastic hostel owners (a young, funny, enthusiastic English couple, who make delicious, cheap breakfast in the morning!).
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
September 2008
Ort/Kontakt
