Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa

Overview

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built for Kenneth Kaunda, the former Zambian president, in the 1970s and the original colonial style has been retained in the furnishings. A long veranda stretches outside the dining room, from which guests are afforded views down the valley to the Luangwa itself. When possible, dinner is served outside. On cooler nights, roaring fires take the chill out of the air. The roar of lions or the saw of leopards can often be heard from the wooded valleys that surround the lodge. 

Each of the ten elegant suites at Sanctuary Chichele comprise of four-poster beds, air conditioning, and private veranda. In keeping with the rest of Chichele, the suites are decorated in an understated colonial style with a fully appointed en-suite bathroom. Large French windows offer a light, airy feel to the suites, opening onto your private terraces -the ideal vantage point to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

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Included Activities

Game DRIVES

Game viewing at South Luangwa is considered to be some of the best in the world. It is a notably good place to see leopards, particularly in the dry season when they have less cover in which to hide. From Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, guests have the particular privilege of being able to go on night game drives when it is possible to see all sorts of animals that are seldom seen by day - like leopard, hyena and bush baby. Plains game, such as antelope and zebra, are not scared by the lights so guests are able to get very close to animals for fabulous photographs. The early evening is the best possible time to see diurnal animals and a little later is the best time for nocturnal wildlife, so a game drive combined with sundowners gives guests the best of both worlds.

walking safaris

There are wonderful opportunities in the area for walking safaris. Guided walks are conducted by a professional guide and an armed parks scout. It is on foot that Sanctuary’s guides can show travellers some of the most fascinating signs of the bush, many of which are hard to spot from a vehicle. Out in the bush with an armed game scout and a guide, travellers can follow animal tracks along sandy paths. It’s not just the big animals that are fascinating – termites, dung beetles and chameleons all have their stories to tell too. The park hosts many herds of the endemic Thornicroft giraffe which can always be found in the prolific Mopane woodland on the valley floor.

Rates

Per person per night sharing in USD

Rates include:

• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Park fees
• Laundry
• Emergency medical evacuation
  
• The following activities: Morning and evening game drives, Walking safaris

Rates exclude:

• Gratuties to driver/guides and staff 
• All items of a personal nature, telephone calls and curio shop purchases
  

Getting There & Away

The nearest airport to Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge is at Mfuwe. You can fly into Mfuwe from Lusaka (1 hour), Livingstone (2 hours, via Lusaka), Zambezi Kulefu airstrip (1 hour 40 minutes) and Jeki/Royal (1 hour 30 minutes).

The transfer time from Mfuwe airport to the lodge is approximately 2 hours in 4X4 vehicle (45 minute road transfer through village followed by 1 hour 15 minutes gravel road transfer through the national park with game viewing possibilities). Please note the luggage restriction is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag.

Additional Activities

Guest Comments

"This is our first Africa trip and I am convinced no other lodge will exceed our expectations, that’s for sure!  I felt like being a member of the ‘big family’ right from the beginning.  When I am back home I will recall the memories as often as I can." Matthias, Germany

"Chichele was awesome!  From the stay at the lodge to the daily safaris, everything was perfect.  The meals we had here were truly a gastronomical delight - the food was divine. The rooms luxurious, views excellent and our guide Prince covered everything from lions feasting on a buffalo to a leopard hunting. Wow! Excellent stay and a big thank you to the entire Chichele Team." Navjit, India

‘"As always it is a pleasure to come here and enjoy the valley and its wonderful people!" His Excellency President Rupiah Banda

"We had a wonderful stay at this iconic property. The game viewing was spectacular and being able to watch elephants from the private deck of our bedroom was a real thrill. We will be back soon to make more memories that will last a lifetime!" Katja, South Africa

"What a memorable stay! Thank you to the managers for taking such good care of us. We were surrounded by friendly and helpful staff who made sure that we had a pleasant stay, The game viewing was excellent, we saw buffalo, elephant and other animals from the deck of our room. We also experienced incredible game drives with our knowledgeable guide. The meals were wonderful and plentiful. Thank you for a delightful time - we will definitely be back for more." Rebecca, South Africa

"The old world charm of the lodge with sweeping views over the Luangwa Valley infused with incredible game viewing will always be imprinted as one of my fondest and most memorable stays in Zambia." Craige, South Africa

Packages

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Family Safari in Botswana & Zambia

Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

A unique safari designed especially for families with children of all ages. Discover and share the memories of the South Luangwa National Park and the Victoria Falls in Zambia followed by the tranquil waters of the Chobe River in Botswana.

View Safari

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Ultimate South Luangwa

Duration: 6 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, Sanctuary Zebra Plains

Explore the pristine wilderness of the South Luangwa – the home of the walking safari - with one of Zambia’s most experienced expert guides, whilst enjoying luxurious tented accommodation and fine dining, personalised service and comfort.

View Safari

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