A date with History- Kamuzu Mausoleum
Malawi attained its independence from Britain in 64’ but the men behind that independence still remain a figment of history. These are drivers who toiled to ensure freedom and liberty existed for Malawian people. On top of the list is the first prime minister of Nyasaland, and the first life president of the republic, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who is also rumored to have been crushing with the late queen Elizabeth II.
Paying homage to his final resting place seemed a good idea. A very beautiful final space next to the Parliament and the eye catching Presidents hotel.
Trip Recap
- Day 1: Visit the mausoleum to explore Malawi's historical and cultural significance.
- Day 2: Exploring Martyrs Tower, Parliament, and botanical gardens reveals Malawi's rich history.
- Day 2: Malawis landmarks and history elaborated
Highlights
The entire tour was interesting as it reflected the entirety of the Malawian history from colonial rule, uprisings, the transition to self governance, independence, all through to one party rule and democracy. The guide on the mausoleum were respectful and very knowledgeable. With detailed archives of the lion of Malawi.
Day 1
The final resting place of the founding father of the Malawi nation, having brought in independence and ruled for over 27years. He was the first prime minister and the only life president before democratic rule. He set up most institutions and ruled with an iron fist.
His mausoleum has two tombs. One is downstairs where he rest and the other is symbolic on top. For cultural reasons and family values, his actual casket is not accessible to the public. He was embalmed to last a century.
The mausoleum is all symbolic in so many angles, including administration, culture, history rule and his tenets of discipline.
From the mausoleum you can see the Malawi parliament, and a walk into the botanic gardens where you can also walk to the Martyrs tower, which was erected to pay homage to those soldiers who fought in World War 2.
Day 2
A walk to the Martyrs tower, through The Parliament and the botanical gardens. The tower is a symbol of respect for the Malawian soldiers who fought in World War One and two. The tower has names of those who died during those wars when they went and fought for Britain.
It also has a statue of the nations founding father, Hasting Kamuzu Banda, who was pivotal in acquiring independence from Britain and bringing self rule.
Day 2
A walk to the Martyrs tower, through The Parliament and the botanical gardens. The tower is a symbol of respect for the Malawian soldiers who fought in World War One and two. The tower has names of those who died during those wars when they went and fought for Britain.
It also has a statue of the nations founding father, Hasting Kamuzu Banda, who was pivotal in acquiring independence from Britain and bringing self rule.
Anything you would add or do differently?
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Since the mausoleum sits next to the parliament, it would have been nice visiting the parliamentary grounds as it’s another beautiful landmark. But due to security reasons people don’t just visit.
