Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge (South Luangwa National Park | Zambia)

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge was built for Kenneth Kaunda, the first Zambian president, in the 1970s and the property’s original colonial style has been retained in the furnishings. There is a boastful, arched entrance, a huge colonial style lounge and the lodge’s unique hilltop position in the South Luangwa in Zambia affords incredible views over the lush valley below, stretching as far as the Luangwa River. This is the perfect choice for a family safari.

Accommodation

Each of the ten suites comes complete with a four-poster bed, air conditioning, luxurious bathroom and private veranda, overlooking the valley. In keeping with the rest of Sanctuary Chichele, the suites are decorated in an understated style that harks back to the lodge’s past as a presidential retreat.

Activities

The South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris. It was in this park that the concept was pioneered and it remains an indescribable way to experience the bush. Walks are conducted by a professional guide and an armed parks scout. It is on foot that Sanctuary’s guides can show guests some of the most fascinating sights, many of which are hard to spot from a vehicle.

Game viewing in the South Luangwa is considered to be some of the best in the world. Home to probably the highest concentration of hippos in the world, the park also has considerable numbers of elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, wild dogs, impala, puku and various other games plain. This is also a fantastic place to see leopards, as well as endemic species such as the Thornicroft’s giraffe and the Crawshay’s zebra.