Chichele Presidential Lodge

Highlights of Chichele Presidential Lodge

• Chichele Presidential Lodge focuses primarily game drives in 4x4 open vehicles
• A colonial lodge in grand hilltop setting, the former safari residence of President Kaunda
• Air-conditioning which is a rarity in Zambia
• Children 9 and older accepted at Chichele Lodge

Formerly the private Presidential retreat, Chichele Presidential Lodge, (pronounced to rhyme with 'belly'), occupies a magnificent hilltop site with wide sweeping views of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Chichele Presidential Lodge has undergone a complete transformation to create a spectacular 'turn of the century' safari lodge, designed to complement its natural surroundings. Initially this grand safari lodge might seem a little incongruous in a Zambian context but its ambience and sense of history soon grows on you. 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

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge offers ten elegant chalets built along the edge of the hillside, each with a private panoramic view of the floodplains below. Each air-conditioned cottage has a full en suite bathroom with shower & bath, mini-bar, tea/coffee facilities, four poster bed with mosquito net and ceiling fan with French doors opening out onto your private terrace. Two of these are interconnecting for families. Chichele Lodge also has a swimming pool in the garden and small curio shop.

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.

Note: This lodge is currently closed for refurbishment