Chichele Presidential Lodge

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Highlights

• Primarily game drives in 4x4 open vehicles
• Colonial lodge in grand hilltop setting
• Quite unlike any other lodges in the South Luangwa
• Children 9 and older accepted at Chichele

Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Chichele Lodge, (pronounced to rhyme with 'belly'), occupies a magnificent hilltop site with wide sweeping view of the South Luangwa National Park. Chichele Lodge has undergone a complete transformation recently to create a spectacular new 'turn of the century' safari lodge, designed to complement its natural surroundings. Initially this grand safari lodge might seem a little incongruous in a Zambian context but its ambience and sense of history soon grows on you. Sumptuous furnishings and discreet service provide a superb backdrop to the outstanding safari opportunities in this area of the South Luangwa.

Ten elegant Victorian style lodges are built along the edge of the hillside, each with a private panoramic view of the floodplains below. Each air-conditioned cottage has a full en suite bathroom with shower & bath, mini-bar, tea/coffee facilities, mosquito nets, hair dryer and private veranda. Chichele Lodge also has a swimming pool and small curio shop.

Game-viewing is primarily by 4x4 open vehicles on day and night drives. Night drives using spotlights enable you to see such nocturnal animals as leopard, night ape and spotted hyena. Game walks are also offered on a limited basis, conducted by a professional guide and an armed national parks scout.

Mfuwe Airport is approx 1½ hours transfer time but this usually takes the form of a game drive. Chinchele is one of the few lodges in the South Luangwa National Park which accepts children - from 6 years and up. The rooms are very spacious and thus can easily accommodate an extra bed.

PRICING