Chichele Lodge

About Chichele Lodge

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Chichele Presidential Lodge enjoys a stunning elevated location on Chichele Hill in the South Luangwa National Park.

The recently renovated lodge was originally built for ex-President Kenneth Kaunda as a luxury retreat and offers accommodation in individual suites. Ten air-conditioned spacious suites are stylishly furnished and all have ensuite bathrooms. Each suite has a private terrace where guests can enjoy views across the river and extensive floodplain.

The Chichele food and beverage team have raised Zambia''s safari cuisine and service standards. Memorable meals are part of the experience and can be enjoyed from the shaded verandah or taken al fresco, under the Africa star-canopy. The lodge has a cool, wrap-around verandah where guests can escape from the heat of the day and its well-maintained grounds include a swimming pool with relaxation area.

The original walking safari was pioneered by early conservationists in the South Luangwa National Park. Well-known for the variety of its game including large herds of elephant, buffalo, antelope, lion, leopard and wild dog the lodge offers day and night game drives and also guided walking safaris.

Gallery and information

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Highlights

Luxurious accommodation in well furnished individual guest suites.
Excellent game viewing by vehicle and on foot.
Great elevated views over the Luangwa River and floodplain.
Spacious grounds with cool verandas and a swimming pool.

Situation

South Luangwa National Park - Mfuwe Airport 2 hrs by road, mostly game viewing on the way.

Activities

Game drives by day and night; guided game walks

Facilities

10 air conditioned, ensuite lodges with private terraces; dining room; swimming pool; gardens; curio shop

Child policy

Minimum age 9 years.

Open

All year.

Best time

Main 'wet' season December to March, sunshine and heavy showers. Dry season May to November with cooled June - August and hottest October up to 40C.

Inclusions

all meals, game viewing activities, park fees, most drinks.

Pricing guidelines for Zambia

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless airlines have special offers). Zambia combines well with Malawi and Botswana.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £150
	£150 to £300
	£300 to £500
	£500 to £800
	Over £800

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week mid-high season safari staying in one park in good lodge or tented campBetween £3000 and £5000
2 week safari in various parks in quality lodges and tented camps.Between £4000 and £6000
1 week ‘green season’ safariFrom about £2500 +
2 weeks Zambia and Lake MalawiBetween £4000 and £5000

Tribes Advisor

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This grand old dam of South Luangwa National Park is a different cup of tea from all the other lodges and camps in the valley. It's an old colonial style building in an elevated position. It might indeed look rather out of place from the outside, but there is no denying the incredible views from the inside.
It's not right for everyone (but which lodge is?), especially if you want to get that close to nature feeling. Chichele will suit you if you want a lodge with a more hotel-like feel and perhaps also if you want to be sure of aircon (which could well be a consideration if you're here in late Sept-October). Another consideration is that managers Garth and Lindsay, and general manager Obert have made this place more child-friendly too, plus there is disabled access to a few rooms.
Of the course the wildlife viewing based from here will be just as good as from any other lodge within the park - South Luangwa is hardto beat.

Amanda Marks, Tribes managing director, visited March 2011

I visited this place many times when I worked in Luangwa though I've not been there since Sanctuary Lodges took it over and re-branded it. The views from Chichele hill are stunning, and it's a game rich area. However, to have such a modern style of hotel inside the park with glass windows and chandeliers is to me out of place! It was originally the presidential lodge and has its own airstrip. The president always stayed there, so I know that they cannot change the actual buildings. But I would only recommend it to people who want a 'manicured' safari, totally protected from the bush as you cannot immerse yourself into the noises of the night and watch the stars with all that light and sound going on! It's fine for families and people who want a high quality 'hotel'.

Julie Croucher, Africa Sales Manager - visited between 2001 - 2007

Zambia