Visit Dzaleka
Visit Dzaleka
Learn with local guides, meet community members, and experience the culture, history, and everyday life of Malawi's largest refugee community.
50kmFrom Lilongwe
55,425Residents
100+Local Businesses
15+Languages Spoken
4+Cultural Festivals
2-HourGuided Tours
About the Camp
A Place of Resilience and Hope
Dzaleka Refugee Camp, located approximately 50 km from Lilongwe in Malawi's Dowa District, is more than just a settlement—it's a thriving community. Established in 1994 by the UNHCR, it is now home to over 55,000 residents from the DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia, each contributing to a rich tapestry of culture, art, and innovation.
What to Expect
Featured Activities
Immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of Dzaleka through these curated experiences.
🎭
Tumaini Festival
Annual festival with music, art, theatre, film, poetry, and dance
🤝
Community Initiatives
Visit local organizations and learn about their work
📚
Educational Workshops
Workshops in entrepreneurship, creative practice, and practical skills
1964
Did You Know?
"The name Dzaleka comes from the Chichewa phrase 'N'dzaleka', meaning 'I will never do it again'."
The site was used as a political prison during the Hastings Banda era before Dzaleka Refugee Camp was established in 1994.
Political Prison (1964-1994)
Refugee Camp (1994-Present)
Living History
From prison site to refugee camp
Dzaleka's history includes its earlier use as a prison and its establishment as a refugee camp in 1994. Today it is home to people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and other countries.
The Dzaleka Time Capsule collects historical records, first-person accounts, photographs, and cultural material about the site.
Open the Time CapsuleCamp Zones
Names used for different areas within the camp.
🏘️Lisungwi
🏡Kawale 1 & 2
🏢Likuni 1 & 2
🏪Zomba
🏬Blantyre
🏘️Katubza
🏘️New Katubza
⛰️Dzaleka Hill
About the Tour
Everything you need to know to prepare for your visit
🧭
Tour Experience
A guided visit led by someone who knows the community.
A local guide leads the visit through selected historical sites, public areas, organizations, and businesses. The route provides context about the camp's history and daily life while following the visitor guidelines and residents' privacy.
Tour Duration
Standard Tour2 Hours
Our standard tour covering the main areas of interest.
Extended Tour3-4 Hours
More comprehensive experience with additional areas and activities.
💡 Standard tours are 2 hours in duration. Additional hours can be arranged at MWK 10,000/hr.
Travel Guide
Planning your visit? Our comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know about getting here, meeting points, and local transport.
Key Meeting Points:
- UNHCR Office
- Appfactory
- JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service)
What's Included
Guided walking tour of Dzaleka Refugee Camp
Insights into camp history, culture, and community
Community interaction and Q&A opportunities
Transport, meals & entrance fees not included
Visitor Guidelines
To ensure a respectful and positive experience for both visitors and residents, we have established a set of guidelines for all tours.
Core Principles:
- Respect privacy & ask before photographing
- Dress modestly and comfortably
- Environmental responsibility
Video
Watch before your visit
A short introduction to Dzaleka and some of the places included in a visit.
Video courtesy of Perfect Afrika
Pricing
Tour prices
Choose a price based on the number of people in your group.
Individual
MWK 15,000/ person
≈ $9 USD / €8 EUR
- Personalized 2-hour tour
- Local guide dedicated to you
- Flexible pace and focus
Most Popular
Small Group
MWK 50,000/ group
≈ $30 USD / €28 EUR
For 2-5 people
- Great for families & friends
- Interactive group experience
- Best value for small teams
Large Group
MWK 80,000/ group
≈ $48 USD / €45 EUR
For 6-10 people
- Ideal for organizations
- Structured group tour
- Custom focus available
Note on Currency
Payments are accepted in Malawian Kwacha (MWK) via Cash, Airtel Money, or TNM Mpamba. USD and EUR estimates are for reference only and subject to daily exchange rates.
Visitor feedback
Visitor Stories
Comments shared by previous visitors and guides.
E
Egle
Local Guide
★★★★★
"After 5 months of living close to the camp I even sometimes starting to forget that this is refugee camp. For me now it is like amazing village, where I know many people..."
W
Wilson Center
Research Institution
★★★★★
"Visitors have the opportunity to interact with camp residents not just as refugees but as fellow human beings who have talents and skills and are welcoming hosts."
T
Tumaini Festival
Cultural Event
★★★★★
"The Tumaini Festival showcases the incredible creativity and resilience of the Dzaleka community. Visitors experience authentic cultural performances..."
Ready to Visit?
Follow these simple steps to book your experience.
1
Book Online
Select your date, time, and group size below.
2
Get Confirmation
We'll confirm your guide and meeting point via email.
3
Pay on Arrival
Cash, Airtel Money, or Mpamba accepted at the camp.
Already have a booking?
View, manage, or cancel your existing tour reservation
Booking Request
Secure your spot today
Join Our Team
Become a Local Guide
Share your knowledge, earn income, and represent your community to the world
Earn Income
Receive fair compensation for each tour you lead and develop a sustainable income source as a guide.
Cultural Exchange
Connect with visitors from around the world, sharing your experiences while learning about different cultures.
Skills Development
Enhance your communication and leadership skills through our comprehensive training program.
Community Representation
Serve as an ambassador for your community, helping to share authentic stories and change perceptions.
Professional Growth
Access continued learning opportunities and develop transferable skills valuable for future career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about visiting Dzaleka
What types of tours do you offer?
We offer guided walking tours of Dzaleka Refugee Camp, where visitors can explore key areas, learn about the camp's history, and engage with the community.
How much do tours cost?
Tour prices range from MWK 15,000 for individuals to MWK 100,000 for groups of 10+ people. Additional hours are charged at MWK 10,000 per hour.
What are the different zones in Dzaleka Refugee Camp?
Dzaleka Refugee Camp is divided into several distinct zones: Lisungwi, Kawale 1 & 2, Likuni 1 & 2, Zomba, Blantyre, Katubza, New Katubza, and Dzaleka Hill. Each zone has its own unique characteristics and community features.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, bringing a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. The tours involve walking, so comfortable attire is essential.
What activities can I experience during the visit?
Visitors can experience cultural exchanges, educational workshops, community initiatives, and during special events, the Tumaini Festival which showcases music, art, and performances. You can also engage with local entrepreneurs and artisans.
What are the tour timings?
Tours operate Monday through Friday, with standard start times at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The standard tour duration is 2 hours, with options for extended tours.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, we offer special rates for groups. Groups of 6-10 people pay MWK 80,000, while groups of 10+ people pay MWK 100,000 for a standard 2-hour tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Please inform us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Are the tours family-friendly?
Yes, our tours are suitable for all ages and are designed to be family-friendly. We can adjust the tour content and pace to accommodate families with children.
Where do tours start from?
Tours can start from three recommended meeting points: the UNHCR Office, Appfactory, or JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service). The specific meeting point will be confirmed upon booking.