If you are looking for an authentic cultural experience, Chingalire Rural Homestay in Lilongwe is the perfect destination for you.
Established in 2012, the village is arguably the warm heart of Lilongwe for the best cultural experience.
Located near Milala Trading Centre in Nsalu, Lilongwe, Chingalire Rural Homestay adopted a rural homestay model of ecotourism which allows guests to have a glimpse of village life.
With the help of renowned local musician, Ben Michael Mankhamba, the village has thrived into a tourism centre, offering accommodation, cultural activities and live band performances, just to mention a few.
In an interview with ProjectM, Mankhamba, who is the founder and director of the site, said he set up the village as one way of preserving the country’s culture.
“I have always been a person who cherishes culture and establishing this cultural centre has always been my dream,” he said Mankhamba.
Apart from hosting tourists from all over the globe, the village is also imparting positive knowledge on education, social, cultural and environmental conservation.
According to Mankhamba, who is a well known award winning musician, adopting this model also drove him to establish a Rural Growth Centre.
“As you can see here, this is a treasure worth exploring because we are offering virtually everything a guest might need ranging from pleasure as well as information and knowledge on culture, environment and agriculture,” said Mankhamba.
He added that his vision is to see the village thriving into an important tourism site not only locally but internationally.
Starcia Nordin, a renowned environmental and nature activist said Chingalire Rural Homestay as the best cultural village.
“My experience at this village has always been therapeutic because it is a village which offers almost everything I need as a nature enthusiast,” said Nordin through her Meta platform.
On average, the village receives 150 tourists per month, with a good number of them being international tourists.
Locally, the village is playing a crucial role in contributing to the economic growth of surrounding communities through direct and indirect employment and business.
