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CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE

Built shortly after Zambia's independence as a private retreat for the country's first president, Chichele Presidential Lodge occupies a prime setting in the South Luangwa National Park, and enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any lodge in Africa. Now under private ownership, Chichele has been completely renovated and refurbished to a state of sumptuous luxury befitting its magnificent location.

The lodge is comprised of 10 elegant Victorian style chalets boasting 19th century charm and 21st century comfort. Each expansive room has full en-suite facilities, 220v electricity, air conditioning, and a private verandah with panoramic views across the South Luangwa National Park. With its privileged location in the Park, Chichele is one of the few camps in the South Luangwa to be open year round.

The main lodge, which straddles the crest of a hill overlooking the Luangwa River and its floodplains, is built and decorated to recreate the ambience of a 19th Century "Gentleman's Lodge". High ceilings, ample verandahs, and polished floors reflect the cool, airy ambience typical of a grand Colonial era farmstead. All meals are table d'hote with a wide selection of dishes. Meal venues vary from the elegant in-door dining room to the scenic verandahs and boma area outside. Port and cigars are served after dinner.

South Luangwa National Park is widely regarded as Zambia's premier game-viewing destination. The Luangwa River and its verdant oxbow floodplains ("Dambos") attract high concentrations of game, affording visitors the opportunity of seeing most of Africa's savannah species. The Park contains a diversity of habitat types, from thick riverine vegetation to vast grass floodplains and endless mopane forest. The year round presence of water and lush vegetation ensures the constant presence of herbivores and their predators.

In addition to game-drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guests at Chichele can also enjoy night drives, and game walks conducted by professional guides and an armed National Parks game scout. The concept of a walking safari originated in the South Luangwa, and this remains one of the highlights of this bountiful Park. Walking safaris at Chichele range from shorter trips to half day excursions, and even the option of overnighting in a bush camp.

For discerning travelers seeking to combine a game-rich wilderness destination with the comforts and amenities of a luxury lodge, Chichele is a very strong candidate. The grandeur of its setting, the elegant luxury of the lodge, and the South Luangwa's remoteness and abundance of game make this a very attractive year round safari proposition.

To find out more about Chichele, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA

1-888-227-8311 or email us.

CLASSIC AFRICAN ZAMBIA PORTFOLIO - South Luangwa National Park