Chichele Presidential (South Luangwa)

Chichele Presidential is one of those rare safari properties that has it all. Top tier guiding and outstanding accommodations, warm hospitality and an unmatched wildlife and wilderness location. Deep in the South Luangwa National Park. On top of Chichele Hill, with sweeping views in all directions. It is in a stunning wildlife location with rivers, streams, floodplains and forests at its feet.

Chichele Presidential opened in April 2025. Like its neighbor Puku Ridge, it is a collaboration between its owners (Chichele Safaris) and Chiawa Safaris (Chiawa and Old Mondoro in the Lower Zambezi). Who with the help of some of the world’s top safari lodge designers, Fox Browne Creative and Jack Alexander, have together created a boutique safari lodge like no other. Undoubtedly one of southern Africa’s most luxurious safari properties.

This historic retreat was originally built as a holiday home for Zambia’s founding President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. And to host visiting dignitaries. Chichele Presidential’s decor celebrates this historic tie. Whilst the color scheme gets its inspiration from its name, which means “salt” in the local Chewa language, and pepper.

Its sense of location and history are incredible and is a unique offering to Zambia, providing a sanctuary to those guests who want a more contemporary and luxurious safari lodge but with a serious safari pedigree.

There is a gym over-looking a larger infinity lap-pool. As well as a well appointed spa with 2 treatment rooms.

Skip to Chichele Presidential Rates or Specials and Packages

Chichele Presidential Accommodation

Vista Suites (x 10)

The first impression is of some of Zambia’s most sensational views from each of the Vista Suites. Which connect you with the landscape. Enhanced by tall arches, expansive decks. Because of its supply of clean hydroelectric power, there is air-conditioning and WiFi. The lodge is decorated to world class standards.

Each of the Chichele Presidential identical Suites provides 143m2 of private indoor and outdoor space. With a sitting room, bedroom, bathroom and covered veranda with plunge pool and outdoor shower. One with wheelchair access.

A super king or large twin bed is swathed in sumptuous linen with central air conditioning and overhead fans. All within a stylish take on the mosquito net. Inside these luxury retreats you’ll find a well stocked armoire with tea + coffee station, 24/7 220v power, and multi-national plug points. En suite facilities include a private toilet and indoor shower plus “his & hers” washbasins and huge bathtub with view.

A covered veranda with private pool and outdoor shower overlook the valley to views beyond what the eye can see. And wildlife in all directions. No detail has been overlooked, you will find all sorts of welcome touches and surprises that you never thought you needed. And perhaps some that you never will but that is all part of Chichele’s charm. The custom couch in each room converts into a comfy double bed if you have kids that you would prefer to keep close to you.

For your safety and convenience an electric buggy is available to take guests between the rooms, spa/pool/gym and the main areas of camp.

Safari Lounge (x 1)

The Safari Lounge (with wheel chair access) is available with either one or two Vista Suites. The private lounge comes complete with board games and books. A massive veranda with more seating and outdoor dining overlooks the most beautiful of landscapes. It also has a kitchen with bar and coffee/tea station and a dining room with a fun map table.

When booked with one Vista Suite, this becomes the most amazing space for a couple wanting even more privacy, space, choice and luxury. But, when booked with two inter-leading Vista Suites this becomes the ultimate Family Retreat. Or escape for good friends wanting some extra space, luxury and privacy. For such travelers there is no better accommodation in Zambia, period.

There is no extra charge for use if both Suites 1 + 2 are booked together. If only one suite wants it then the neighboring suite will be blocked off and a supplement applies.

South Luangwa Family Safaris

Bringing your kids on safari can make for some incredible family memories. Cherished for years to come. A family holiday unlike any other, a safari in Zambia exposes your kids to a world they’ve yet to see. Away from screens, kids on safari will marvel at the vast wilderness and the stillness of nature. Thrilling wildlife sightings will make them hold their breath. And top guides will teach them something no book or movie could ever hope to replicate. As parents, you’ll take deep joy in seeing your kids experience all that a family safari in Africa can offer.

Each child will receive his/her own Chichele Cubs backpack with fun items that will encourage an interest in nature and use of 5 senses. Including a passport which will get stamped as various activities are completed and which will include:
Learning about nature with guides who have empathy and experience with younger children
Sounds of nature
Tracks of nature
Use of binoculars and cameras
Baking cookies and pizzas

Chichele Presidential Activities (South Luangwa)

The South Luangwa is 9,050 square kilometers (in contrast to the North’s 4,636 sq.km) and is colloquially referred to as the “Valley of the Leopard”. Due to such a high density of this elusive African animal being found in the park. Both day and night sightings abound at Chichele Presidential for the leopard lovers. While modest in size, the South Luangwa is still largely uninhabited and unexplored, providing guests with a remote and private feel. Arguably home to Africa’s best bush walks, guests staying at Chichele Presidential can explore the valley on foot and even encounter some pretty special (and very rare) African animals. And walk with the increasingly rare Wild Dogs. A stay at Chichele Presidential effortlessly combines both the wild experience and the luxurious camp for a Zambian safari that ticks all the boxes.

With throwbacks a-plenty to the Chichele of old, like croquet on the lawn.

Safari Game Drives

There’s no better game drive safari experience than in the thoughtfully outfitted and custom built 4×4 luxury safari vehicles. The safest and most effective way to explore this remote and pristine wilderness and enjoy its incredible wildlife. A game drive allows guests to get (comfortably) close to the animals. Varied habitat and diverse wildlife make for superb photographic opportunities where nature reveals its secrets right in front of you, undisturbed.

The safari game drive activities typically venture out for a few hours in the morning and again in the late afternoon. Culminating in sundowners (a cocktail of your choice and some delicious snacks if you wish) and then returning to camp on a night drive. Using filtered red spotlights to enjoy the crepuscular and nocturnal creatures.

A night drive in the South Luangwa National Park is one of the activities that make Zambia particularly unique. A privilege guests enjoy, and which have minimal impact on the wildlife when conducted responsibly, as at any Chiawa Safaris camp.

With approximately 400 bird species including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species. There is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot; whatever the season.

Walking Safaris

The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari in Zambia. The most immersive of safari experiences that truly keeps you on your toes. Follow in the footsteps of explorers from the 18th century in a country that has scarcely changed and where the wildlife still roams freely. Bush walks are a sensory safari adventure and quite exhilarating. As you are on their turf now. Is that bird call a song or an alarm? Was that grunt a distant hippo or a nearby lioness?

But worry not, you are in the capable hands of an experienced, highly trained safari guide and an armed Government National Parks scout. Who will lead and enthrall you with insights you never knew and stories that you will take home with you. Leaving you with memories you to treasure forever. By having two highly trained guides with you, we can maintain a high standard of safety and ensure you are able to enjoy your experience to the fullest extent without worry.

Find yourself walking through thick Ebony grove, across dry tributaries of the Luangwa and into Mopane forests. Track wildlife with your knowledgeable guides, from elusive Leopard and African wild dog, to the more easily spotted wildlife of Puku, Giraffe, and Elephant. Amble gently, taking in the uniquely Zambian sights, scents and sounds, which feel very different when experienced on foot than in a game vehicle.

Photographic Hide

The photographic hide at Puku Ridge, is a guests favorite. Observe (and photograph) wildlife without disturbing them from a very close vantage point. A rather serene and relaxed safari activity. Where you can watch the uninhibited behavior of the animals as they make their way to the watering hole. As they are unaware of your presence, you can truly take in the setting and scene as a quiet witness. As the wildlife go about their daily bathing and hydration.

A favorite for herds of Elephant, there is nothing sweeter than to see than a new calf learning to roll and wallow in the mud. While testing their trunk in the water and bordering vegetation. Wildlife watching or photographic hides (also known as ‘blinds’ in America), provide protection for viewers when observing larger or more dangerous species such as buffalo, elephant and lion.

The wildlife hide at Puku Ridge ticks both boxes when it comes to the must-have traits of the best safari photographic hides. It is in a high wildlife traffic area and ideally positioned for avid photographers. The Puku Ridge hide is located just below the main deck, positioned right in front of the watering hole with an expansive view of the private plains as a backdrop. With both upper and lower windows spanning the length of the hide, along with cushions for elbows (and full body mats for laying flat) photographers can work with more than one angle – and stay comfortable whilst waiting for that perfect shot.

Sustainable tourism

At all of the Chiawa Safaris camps, conservation is not just a word, but a way of life. From lodge building materials to use of solar power and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. As well as a considerate and sensitive approach to how they interact with the environment and wildlife. Chiawa is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism. In late 2017, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai, made a visit to South Luangwa National Park to declare it as a park committed to sustainable tourism. And the first in the world to be declared as such.

Cuisine

Chichele Presidential love creating variety in the dining experience, with guests seated in different spots around the main area. Special locations include the historic main dining room, watched over by a portrait of President Kaunda, fire-cooked meals in the boma, romantic dinners on the lawn, and private in-room dining on the verandas. A firm guest favorite remains the unforgettable bush dinners under the stars.

Chichele Presidential are happy and able to cater to most dietary tastes and requirements. Please give us as much notice as possible due to the remoteness of the location.

The dining experience at Chichele Presidential is uniquely curated around the safari journey. With offerings from pre-breakfast and brunch to high tea, gourmet dinners, and welcome, imaginative surprises.

The chefs skills and standards set them apart, delivering a level of quality that exceeds expectations and what is available elsewhere.. All Halaal-friendly, dining is fresh, creative, and varied. Always delicious and always served with a smile and incredible view.

Colorful, fresh fruit and vegetables are hand-picked from Eden Organics, Puku Ridge & Chichele Presidential’s own project that supports divorced and widowed women in the local community just outside the National Park. And where rare herbs and spices come from secret locations and all but just a few condiments are sourced internationally.

Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Breakfasts can be taken by the camp fire or on the dining deck. They are a vibrant continental spread featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, camp made muesli, chia seed pudding, charcuterie, and a variety of dips. Complementing this are freshly baked pastries, and a selection of cereals. If you prefer a more leisurely and comprehensive breakfast, there is an interactive egg bar where the chef prepares eggs to your liking. Served alongside all the classic breakfast favorites.

Flavorful and inviting lunches feature colorful mezze platters, gourmet sandwiches, juicy burgers, and a variety of light, delicious options to choose from. Finished off with refreshing house made sorbets and ice cream.

Elegant three course dinner experiences offer a choice of two starters, three mains, and two indulgent desserts always accompanied by freshly baked artisan bread. Fine dining, on safari.

On BBQ nights expect a strong Zambian influence with local dishes accompanying international fare.

The Best Time To Visit South Luangwa

Zambia, like many African safari destinations, has a wet season and a dry season. The best time to visit the South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season. From May to November. Wildlife viewing and photographic opportunity abounds when water supplies dwindle and the bush starts to thin out. If you can handle higher temps, then September and October are fantastic for wildlife sightings.

Getting to Chichele Presidential

Proflight currently handles all domestic air travel within Zambia and offers cost effective and convenient flights around the country. Private aircraft are also available for hire on a charter basis.

Flights between Lusaka and Mfuwe are usually on a Jetstream twin turbine commuter planes. If you are flying from Livingstone, it will usually go via Lusaka.

From Mfuwe Airport to Chichele Presidential is about a 90 minute drive by road. The drive spends equal time winding through villages and market places as it does within the National Park. Therefore, you can expect some game viewing en-route.

Chichele Presidential Accommodation Rates

Chichele Presidential is open from 6th March – 7th January each year.

2025

2026

Single supplement is 35% for more than per person per night rate.

Rates Include:
16% VAT and transfers between Chiawa Safaris camps and airfields.
Accommodation.
All meals (private dining available), beverages, house wines, local spirits & laundry.
Professionally guided safari activities:

• Game drives (day & night),
• Bush walks.

Privately guided safari activities will be offered as much as possible. Else a private vehicle can be hired.

Rates Exclude:
Park, Conservation, Community & Carbon Collection Fees.
Air or river transfers to/from South Luangwa.
Any airport departure tax or access fees.
Gratuities, visa fees and personal extras.

Chichele Presidential Accommodation Special Offers

Chichele Presidential is part of Chiawa Safaris. Their camps are:
Lower Zambezi National Park: Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro
South Luangwa National Park: Chichele Presidential or Puku Ridge.

Shoulder Season Offers

Stay 3 and pay 2 at Chichele Presidential.

OR:

Safari Ultimate at Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa:
Stay 9 pay 6 at a combination of Chiawa Safaris portfolio in the Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa. Three nights at each camp with one night free per camp. So, three nights FREE!

The shoulder season offers are valid from 1st May – 30th June & 16th October – 15th November every year.

Best of Both Worlds

Stay 6 pay 4 at a combination of camps in the Chiawa Safaris portfolio in the Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa.
This offer must include Chiawa Camp (for at least 3 nights). Valid all seasons.

Group Offer

Save 10% when staying with a group of 6 or more guests. Can be combined with other specials.