Chichele Presidential Lodge holds one of South Luangwa’s prime vantage point and features one of the most incredible views in Zambia. Originally constructed for Zambian president Doctor Kenneth Kaunda in 1972 as his personal holiday home / safari lodge, Chichele was another large and decaying lodge once owned by the parastatal ‘National Hotels’.

In 2018, the Chichele property was purchased by Chichele Safaris and the Cumings Family who have built up a reputation with their two legendary camps Chiawa and Old Mondoro in Lower Zambezi National Park. Chichele's sister camp Puku Ridge was re-launched shorty thereafter.

The rooms offer expansive decks with a private plunge pool, outdoor dining, outdoor shower, a massive bed swathed in sumptuous linen and a huge bath with his and hers washbasin. The Safari Lounge, which links two of the rooms, makes for the most beautiful and luxurious Family Retreat in Zambia. Rooms are equiped with air-conditioning and Wifi.

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. Amenities also include a world class spa, yoga deck, gym and an infinity lap pool with a large deck and sensational views.

Chichele Presidential is situated within Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. The lodge is located a good 1.5-2 hour drive from Mfuwe Airport and actually part of the quieter southern sector.

While Chichele Presidential sits on top of the hill, its sister camp Puku Ride was built at the foot of the very same hill.

The area around camp is often visited by a good number of puku, impala, zebra, kudu, warthog and of course the mighty elephant and buffalo. Lion and leopard are relatively easy to find, wild dog less so. The Luangwa River is just a couple of hundred metres away and home to crocodile and hippo - the latter usually entering the stage when night falls.

The lodge offers game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle and walks with armed rangers.

The Chichele/Puku Ridge team created a network of new roads around the hill which is almost exclusively used by these two properties.

Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra are unique to South Luangwa National Park.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
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