Taken over by Chiawa Safaris in 2022 and now sister property to Chiawa, Old Mondoro, and Puku Ridge. Commanding some of the best views in Luangwa National Park, from its position atop Chichele Hill, Chichele Presidential Lodge is a superb option for those seeking Zambia’s most impressive wildlife encounters with the added comforts of an upscale luxury lodge.

Permanent lodge

Ultimate

From AU$2,346 – AU$3,273 pp

Min age 8 +

A high-end safari lodge with stunning views over the South Luangwa National Park

Lounge, dining room, swimming pool, gardens, spa, yoga deck, and gym

Boma, Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia

Ten air-conditioned guest accommodations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool

Game drives, night drives, and nature walks

Living And Bedroom, Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
  • Excellent value for luxury seekers
Beautiful design, fantastic hosting, top level guiding: Chichele Presidential has a big name to live up to, and it does! This is the highest level of luxury in the South Luangwa.
Olivia Barclay-Hudson Product Manager

Activities

Activities at Chichele Presidential Lodge focus on game viewing, with morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris.

Game drives

Night drives

Walking safaris

  • The remote and scenic location of the lodge, south of the Mfuwe Main Gate, makes for exclusive experiences within this wildlife-rich region. The park’s plains, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers support an exciting variety of predators and herbivores alike. Among the species you can look out for are four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – in addition to hyena, jackal, wild dog, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and hippo. Leopard concentrations are particularly impressive!

    Exterior Deck, Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia
  • The Luangwa has a variety of nocturnal animals, including bush babies, genet cats, and porcupines. Guests can head out after dinner on a night safari with a knowledgeable and experienced guide, who will bear a special flashlight with a red filter to highlight the wildlife at night.

    Exterior Deck, Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia
  • A walking safari in the South Luangwa is an unforgettable way to get close to resident wildlife. There are over 400 species of birds to observe, and you’ll also learn about the park’s smaller species, such as its plants and insects.

    Exterior Deck, Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

Access & Location

Chichele Presidential Lodge occupies an impressive location on the top of Chichele Hill overlooking South Luangwa National Park. It’s approximately two hours by car from the airport at Mfuwe with a game drive en route.

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Facilities

Contemporary yet subtle, Chichele Presidential Lodge is decidedly chic with characteristic tall arches, strong industrial accents, and extended deck areas.

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Bar

Bar

Swimming pool

Infinity pool

Spa

Spa

Fitness room

Gym

The décor celebrates the lodge’s historic ties with Zambia’s presidents, while the salt-and-pepper colour scheme takes inspiration from its name (‘Chichele’ means salt in the local Chewa language). The lodge’s main area consists of an indoor and outdoor seating and dining area, a sophisticated bar and lounge, a boma, and an infinity pool that overlooks the Luangwa River with wildlife on the floodplains below. The spa has two treatment rooms, a yoga deck, and a gym for added indulgence.

Amenities

Chichele Presidential Lodge features ten identical, well-spaced guest chalets, designed to blend into the surrounding landscape and maximise the stunning views.

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Air Conditioning

Air-conditioning

Swimming pool

Private plunge pool

Balcony

Veranda

Private chef and guide in the Kenneth Kaunda Suite

Inside, stylish, air-conditioned accommodation features a large bed, an indoor and sitting area, a huge bath, twin washbasins, a veranda, and a private plunge pool. Two of the guest rooms have access to a shared lounge/dining area, perfect for families with older children or groups of friends. The Kenneth Kaunda Suite, named after Zambia’s former president, features two bedrooms, a private pool, a private lounge, and a dining area, including a private chef and guide.

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