Chichele Presidential Lodge: Our full report

Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built in 1972 as the holiday home for the former Zambian president ...

... Kenneth Kaunda. From a commanding spot on the top of Chichele Hill, it has stunning views over South Luangwa National Park, the Luangwa River and the Chindeni Hills. Chichele Presidential Lodge closed at the beginning of October 2018 for a major rebuild and refurbishment, and is currently due to open in June 2025. We are following the progress and will update here when we have further information - please call us for the latest developments.

After major refurbishment, Chichele Presidential Lodge was reopened by Mr Kaunda himself in April 2011 and, for many years, Chichele functioned as more of a hotel-style luxury safari lodge.

After being taken over by new management in 2018, and undergoing an extensive rebuild and renovation, the new Chichele Presidential will be run and managed by the same team running the nearby Puku Ridge, and so we're expecting a similarly high level of style to the new lodge, along with the high standard of guiding and service we've come to expect from these camps.

A team from Expert Africa has yet to visit the new lodge, but this is the information we have about it.

Guests will stay in one of 10 suites, to be known as ‘Lodge Retreats’, and two of these can link to a safari lounge with private dining area, ideal for families or for a more exclusive and luxurious stay.

Spaced well apart, overlooking the Luangwa Valley, each retreat will have a spacious bedroom, with air conditioning, and large twin or king sized beds; a lounge area, and sliding glass doors leading out to a covered veranda and plunge pool. The views from the lodge have always been some of the best in the Luangwa, and the new designs look to be making the most of the surrounding landscape.

Bedrooms will have super-king or twin beds, and air conditioning as well as overhead fans. Ensuite bathrooms in each retreat will include twin basins and a bathtub with a view, plus an outdoor shower overlooking the plains beyond.

We understand that activities at Chichele Lodge will concentrate on day and night 4WD game drives, with walking safaris on offer as well. The lodge is located in the area south of the Mfuwe Main Gate, with drives taken near the Luangwa River and in the surrounding woodland.

Between safari activities, guests will be able to make use of a newly built spa, yoga deck, gym and swimming pool.

Our view

While we have yet to visit the new look Chichele Presidential Lodge, we have worked with the team running the lodge for many years and we are confident the lodge will match the high standard of guiding and service, and we are excited to see the lodge when it reopens.

Amanda Bond

Country manager: Zambia

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay: A stay of three to four nights in this area of the national park would be ideal. Time at Chichele would combine well with a camp further north, perhaps Kaingo or Lion Camp, or it also combines well with one of its sister camps in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Old Mondoro or Chiawa.
Directions: The nearest airport is at Mfuwe, a 90-minute drive from Chichele.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: On previous visits, the food at Chichele was of a very high standard. On our visits to Chichele's sister camps we've also enjoyed delicious meals, and would expect similar from the new lodge when it reopens.

We're expecting that the lodge will follow the generally standard meal times as the other safari lodges in the park, and we'd expect something similar to the following:.

Breakfast is normally served before the morning activity. A buffet table is laid out with an assortment of cereals, fresh fruit and fruit juices as well as freshly baked bread. A cooked breakfast is also usually available to order.

On returning from the morning activity, brunch is served. This is generally a selection of salads and a hot dish such as barbecue chicken or a quiche, and is followed by a dessert.

Afternoon tea is served at about 4.00pm and consists of both a sweet and a savoury snack.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a selection of wines and sparkling wines will be included. Champagne and some imported wines and spirits cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.

Special interests

Luxury: Originally built as a holiday home for Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda, Chichele Lodge stands high on one of South Luangwa’s few hills. With private retreats, plunge pools, and an on-site spa, Chichele is a great option for those looking to add a bit of luxury to their safari in Zambia.; See ideas for Luxury in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children: Chichele Presidential welcomes families with children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: There is no minimum age at Chichele Presidential Lodge, though children 13 years and younger cannot participate in walking safaris.
Special activities & services: We don't know as yet what additional services will be available for any children staying at the lodge, though we understand a 'kids programme' will be in place.
Generally recommended for children: We feel that Chichele is best suited to older children.
Notes: Chichele is an unfenced lodge, and dangerous wildlife often wanders through. There is also an unfenced swimming pool, and plunge pools at each retreat. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: We understand that each suite will have multiple international charging points.
Communications: The lodge has WiFi. Limited cell phone reception is usually available in this area of the park.
TV & radio: None.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: The bathrooms at Chichele have flush toilets and are plumbed with hot and cold running water on tap.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: We understand staff and guides are first-aid trained. There is a doctor based in the Mfuwe section of the park. For more serious incidents, travellers would be flown to Lusaka, or Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Guests will be escorted to and from their retreats after dark. Each retreat will have a radio to contact staff in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: We understand there will be fire extinguishers throughout.