Chichele Presidential Lodge
Location
The view from the lodge over the Luangwa River and the Chindeni Hills has inspired presidential thinking, so it’s a great place to contemplate Africa and Zambia in particular.
Accommodation
If your own official entourage includes flunkies, perhaps your kids, then accommodation options in the 10 stunning and modern suites (officially called ‘lodge retreats’) are certainly able to cope. You’ll find each retreat is spaced for seclusion, has a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower, a sophisticated lounge area, a luxurious bathroom, and comes with stunning views, even from the bathtubs.
Perhaps reflect on the fact that President Kaunda had almost none of these extras but was here for what you really want too: the landscape and the wildlife. The landscape remains unchanged, but conservation efforts and the guiding experience, honed by the staff at nearby Puku Ridge, mean that you may end up seeing more animals than he did.
Experiences
- Head out with a guide in one of the lodge’s dedicated off-road vehicles. You’re likely to see Thornicroft's giraffe and Crawshay's zebra, plenty of elephant, along with lions and leopards.
- South Luangwa is said to be the original home of the walking safari. Embrace this. Get out with a guide on foot and test all your senses as you discover nature from close quarters.
- The park is estimated to be home to about 400 bird species, including almost 40 birds of prey. It’s not all about the big cats here.
- Go out spotting trees too. See if you can spot mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, ivory palm, marula, the magnificent tamarind and, of course, the immense baobab.
- Make use of the photographic hide, which is a great place to get pictures of uninhibited animals without disturbing them.
- Embrace the historic need to consume quinine with a sundowner gin and tonic. It’s a great way to get ready for a night drive.
- Make use of the lodge’s superbly well-equipped gym, which comes with an excellent view.
Zambia is the path less-travelled, which means that a safari here is always one with guaranteed privacy. It’s also an experience of how African exploration always used to be, with bush camps deep in game-rich territory and walking safaris led by expert guides. Authenticity can still be comfortable, so amazing food and perfectly-placed accommodation are just as Zambian as the wilderness.
Indulge in a luxurious Zambian getaway. Start with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, then venture into the wilderness for an exclusive safari, encountering Zambia's diverse wildlife while unwinding in stunning accommodations, creating an unforgettable African adventure.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
Three of Africa’s great rivers set the scene for your Zambia safari. The Zambezi, the Luangwa and the Kafue rivers are all of different character and have national parks named for them.
Whether on foot, canoe or open vehicle - Zambia is the perfect place for a real family safari adventure. You can track elephants and giraffe walking with an expert guide. You can paddle a stable Canadian canoe down the Zambezi watching zebra and antelope drinking at the water’s edge.