Chichele Presidential Lodge

Introduction

This historic property, once the personal bush retreat of President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, has a magnificent hilltop location in Zambia's premier game viewing area, the South Luangwa National Park. Carefully restored to preserve its turn-of-the century elegance, Chichele Presidential Lodge is approached through a majestic arched entrance leading to a huge colonial style lounge.

The lodge is accessible year-round and is an ideal base for exploring the prolific wildlife that populates the different habitats that surround the Luangwa River.

South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savannah, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the river which forms the eastern boundary.

Rooms and Suites

At this Luangwa Family Friendly Lodge, ten air-conditioned, elegant Victorian style suites are built on top of a hill, each giving guests a private panoramic view and the opportunity to savor the wonderful floodplain vistas offered by the site.

Quality furnishings and discreet service provide the necessary level of comfort expected by the discerning traveler.

All suites boast air conditioning, en-suite facilities, mini bar, mosquito nets, and hairdryer.

Activities

Wildlife that can be seen here includes elephant, hippo, lion, wild dog, buffalo and a wide variety of antelope in addition to endemic species such as the Thornicroft's giraffe.This is also an excellent area for spotting predators including the leopard.

Game Drives; Sanctuary Chichele offers a full range of game drives in the South Luangwa National Park using open 4 x 4 vehicles. Each vehicle is driven by a qualified and knowledgeable guide. Night drives using spotlights allow guests to view nocturnal animals such as leopard, bush babies and spotted hyena. On night game drives, guests return to camp by 8 pm.

Walking Safaris; There is an emphasis in the area on the wonderful opportunities for walking safaris. Guided walks are conducted by a professional guide and an armed parks scout.