Chichele Presidential, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is the unsung safari gem of southern Africa: flush with wildlife that thrives on expansive floodplains and riverine woodlands, watered by the Luangwa river and backed by the imposing Muchinga escarpment. Birthplace of the walking safari, it’s long been the province of adventure seekers, accommodated for the most part in seasonal tented camps. All hail the new Chichele Presidential, then, which has opened up South Luangwa to travellers seeking top-end safari luxury at a reasonable price. The brief for this elevated perch on a hillock – once picked by Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda to host heads of state such as Queen Elizabeth II – was clearly to build the country’s most sophisticated lodge, no expense spared. Architect Jack Alexander has made the most of the views, framing big horizons in arches and opening up double volume spaces. Lauded design team Fox Browne has layered in tactile luxury, warmed with touches of gleaming copper, rattan and timber, luxuriant fabrics and rugs, as well as mixing mid-century modern and deco-inspired pieces with vintage nods to the site’s history: old crystal tableware; leatherbound books; even Kuanda’s original wingbacks. It’s all deeply considered, and the result is a lodge you’re loath to leave. And with 270-degree views, you don’t have to: moving from bed to bath, plunge pool to lounge, you’re in a luxurious eyrie – a surreal contrast to the wildlife below. PDB
