At the western edge of Lilongwe, this route takes through open fields, villages and new developments. Our thanks to Martine van Schoor for suggesting this route! The recommended start point is Gateway Mall. Cross the roundabout and take the road to the west (M12). After ~1.5km (when you just passed Aramex transport on your left), go LEFT through a gate into the fields. Follow this path until you hit a T-junction, there turn left and follow the road. On the next T-junction, turn left and take the 2nd path to the right. Follow this path, passing Mulambe Lodge on your left, and take the 2nd path right again. Then take the first left, following this path downhill – in the meantime crossing a river and pass through a village – until you hit the tarmac road. Turn left, run until you are on the Bypass roundabout. Take the first exit to return to Gateway Mall along the main road (~4.5km).
Photo: Martine van Schoor

Note: in rainy season the river might not be passable: then take a left before the river and make your way back to the main road. If you don’t want to follow the main road back to Gateway Mall, or want to lengthen your run, you can opt to take any of the paths leading off the right to explore Areas 3 and 9. Be prepared to navigate along small fields, streams, and dead-end roads, and don’t be surprised if Google Maps is not always accurate.