Chichele Presidential Lodge

• This is one of those rare safari properties that has it all, top tier guiding and outstanding accommodations, warm hospitality and an unmatched wildlife and wilderness location.
• A colonial lodge in grand hilltop setting, the former safari residence of President Kaunda
• Air-conditioning which is a rarity in Zambia
• Family-friendly activities and options at Chichele Lodge

Chichele Presidential opened in April 2025 and is an outcome of generous and passionate owners with the knowledge and nearly 40 years of authentic safari experience of Grant Cumings and the soft, special touches of his wife Lynsey.

Formerly the private Presidential retreat, Chichele Presidential, (pronounced to rhyme with 'belly'), occupies a magnificent hilltop site with wide sweeping views of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Chichele Presidential has undergone a complete transformation to create modern safari luxury but with a nod to its past.

The main lodge is imposing with sumptuous furnishings in the rather grand sitting and dining rooms. There’s a convivial bar and even a billiard room to really maintain the atmosphere or a colonial clubhouse. A long shaded veranda runs the length of the lodge, perfect for afternoon tea or an evening drink, with majestic vistas over the garden to the bushveld beyond.

Accommodation at Chichele

Chichele Presidential’s decor celebrates its historic ties with Zambia’s Presidents whilst the colour scheme gets its inspiration from its name, which means “salt” in the local Chewa language, and pepper. The ten vista suites are now below the main lodge, each with panoramic bush views. But their lower location means that the main lodge also enjoys those same views. Two of the Vista suites can be booked together and then they have the use of a common safari lounge to create a two-bedroom family or friends villa.

Safari activities

Game-viewing is primarily by 4x4 open vehicles on day and night drives. Night drives using spotlights enable you to see such nocturnal animals as leopard, night ape and spotted hyena. Game walks are also offered on a more limited basis, conducted by a professional guide and an armed national parks scout. Mfuwe Airport is approx 1½ hours transfer time but this usually takes the form of a game drive. Chichele is one of the few lodges in the South Luangwa National Park which accepts children of all ages. As well as the two interconnecting rooms, all the rooms are very spacious and can easily accommodate an extra bed. Being in the central area of the South Luangwa, Chichele Presidential Lodge is also one of the few lodges which remains open for the whole year.