Chichele Presidential Lodge - Zambia

Chichele Presidential Lodge at a glance

The magnificent historic game lodge set in amongst lush primeval forest provides panoramic views across the game-rich valleys of South Luangwa National Park.

On a magnificent hilltop location in the South Luangwa National Park, Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge was once the personal retreat of Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

The area is well known for its endemic species such as Thornicroft's giraffe, Crayshay's zebra, and Cookson's wildebeest. Home to probably the highest concentration of hippos in the world, the park also has considerable numbers of elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, wild dogs, impala, puku and various other game. It is estimated that about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appear in the South Luangwa National Park. These include 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species.

Highlights

Historic property built as a presidential retreat in the 1970s
Children of all ages allowed, with dedicated children's program - perfect for families
South Luangwa is well known for its game viewing, endemic species and is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard

The Lodge

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge's quality furnishings and discreet service provide the necessary level of comfort expected by the discerning traveller.

Dining

Before leaving for an early morning game drive to maximise game viewing before the heat sets in, a continental breakfast is served, or if a cooked breakfast is preferred, Chichele will whip up a hot delicious breakfast on request. One of Chef Roy's specialities is his famous Chichele eggs benedict - a must for all who visit the lodge. Lunch can be enjoyed back at the lodge, or alternatively our staff can arrange a bush lunch in a special selected location for you. There is something special about a beautifully set table literally in the middle of nowhere.

Later on in the day, enjoy a delightful high tea with a selection of quiche, freshly baked cakes and biscuits before departing on your afternoon game viewing activity. Your evening game drive finishes with classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected locations. A favourite spot of ours is along the banks of the Luangwa River where hippo's wallow and animals congregate for their last drink of the day. Return to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks around the camp fire and a scrumptious three course plated dinner. If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a romantic private dinner under the stars.

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome at Chichele Presidential Lodge.

Amenities

Lounge
Dining Area
Verandah
Fireplace
Bar Area
Swimming Pool
Curio Shop
Complimentary WiFi
Electricity Supply

Room

HISTORIC HILLTOP LODGE

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built for Kenneth Kaunda, the former Zambian president, in the 1970s. This historic property was recently carefully restored to maintain the original colonial style. A majestic arched entrance leads you into a huge colonial-style lounge and outside the grand dining room, a long veranda stretches with views down the valley to the Luangwa River. The main area features a comfortable lounge, intimate fireplace and bar area.

ELEGANT SUITES

In keeping with the grand colonial style of the lodge, the suites are decorated in the same understated elegance of years gone by. In the ten Victorian-style rooms, the large french windows offer a light, airy feel to the suites and open onto private terraces overlooking the valley - the ideal vantage point to relax and enjoy the wildlife. Air-conditioning, plush furnishings, a four-poster bed, and a luxurious bathroom can make you forget you're in the bush. The lodge also features an interconnecting room - perfect for families.

Amenities

En-suite Bathroom
Indoor Shower
Outdoor Shower
Air Conditioning
Mini Bar
Mosquito Nets
Hairdryer
In-room Safe
Private Terrace

Game Drives

Game viewing in the South Luangwa is considered to be some of the best in the world. It is a notably good place to see leopards, particularly in the dry season when they have less cover in which to hide. From Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, guests have the particular privilege of being able to go on night game drives when it is possible to see all sorts of animals that are seldom seen by day - like leopard, hyena and bush baby. Plains game, such as antelope and zebra, are not scared by the lights so you are able to get very close to animals for fabulous photographs. The early evening is the best possible time to see diurnal animals and a little later is the best time for nocturnal wildlife, so a game drive combined with sundowners gives you the best of both worlds.

Kids Activities

Kids just love the special and educational activities designed to educate them about the bush and keep them busy while mom and dad enjoy a game drive or venture out on a walking safari. Their friendly expert guides will accompany children as they learn about animal tracking around the grounds of the lodge. Other activities include making plaster of paris moulds of their favourite animal, making elephant dung paper and paper maché African masks. Making camp fires and toasting
marshmallows, star gazing with hot chocolate and visiting our interactive room with skulls and snake skins.

Each child will also receive a back pack that includes a big five colouring book, colouring pencils, water bottle, torch and children's binoculars.

Guided Safari Walks

There are wonderful opportunities in the area for walking. Guided walks are conducted by a professional guide and an armed parks scout. It is on foot that Sanctuary's guides can show you some of the most fascinating signs of the bush, many of which are hard to spot from a vehicle. It's not just the big animals that are fascinating - termites, dung beetles and chameleons all have their stories to tell too. The park hosts many herds of the endemic Thornicroft giraffe which can always be found in the prolific Mopane woodland on the valley floor.

Chichele Lodge

Chichele Presidential Lodge at a glance

Highlights

Location

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Weather

The Lodge

Dining

Child Policy

Amenities

Room

Amenities

Game Drives

Kids Activities

Guided Safari Walks

DURBAN OFFICE

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