Press Release

5 MUST-SEE REASONS TO VISIT CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL – ZAMBIA’S NEWEST & MOST LUXURIOUS SAFARI LODGE

September 2024, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Chichele Presidential is poised to bring a contemporary design and a new level of luxury to the region when the reimagined lodge opens in late 2024.

1. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! A UNIQUELY REMOTE & PRISTINE WILDERNESS

Imagine a place of exquisite natural beauty, where lush woodlands compete with the vast floodplains and the Luangwa River for your attention. A place where conservation is the number one priority, and the wildlife is abundant and diverse. This is South Luangwa National Park, a perfect safari destination of 9,059 square kilometers of unspoiled nature where the human footprint is minimal and subtle. Within this unrivalled wilderness, Chichele Presidential occupies the prime location on Chichele Hill, affording incredible views in every direction.

While South Luangwa is not a Big 5 reserve as it does not have rhinos, it more than compensates on the wildlife front. It boasts the world’s largest concentration of hippos, the endemic Thornicroft giraffe, Cookson’s Wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra, as well as vast herds of elephants and buffalo and 14 species of antelope, including the unique puku, a fluffy orange version of an impala. In keeping with the extraordinary wildlife, African Wild Dogs, also known as Painted Wolves, are rare, sought-after sightings on most safaris but commonly occur in South Luangwa. The ultimate thrill in this reserve is the big cats that thrive in this region, dubbed the Valley of the Leopards, due to the high population of these usually elusive predators. Sightings of leopards and lions are almost guaranteed. If luck is on your side, you might even spot a cheetah. For birders, South Luangwa is a paradise with over 400 recorded species, which include migratory birds and 39 different raptors.

The Luangwa River is the lifeblood of the region, and it’s oxbow lakes and ten-kilometer-wide floodplains dominate every experience in South Luangwa National Park. Chichele truly offers a safari extraordinaire when it comes to wildlife and stunning views.

2. A HISTORY OF REGAL SIGNIFICANCE

Chichele Presidential is intrinsically tied to the history of Zambia and its first president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. The president had a passion for conservation and a deep love of the bush and enjoyed frequent game drives with his guides.  His private retreat was built on this site, and the new lodge, while contemporary in design, reflects the significant ties to the past, curated through some beautiful antique pieces, selected photographs, a refurbished gramophone and other subtle touches. The original fireplace is still in the same position, as is the outdoor boma and fire pit. This year is the 60^th anniversary of Zambia’s independence, and it would have been the one-hundredth birthday of Dr Kenneth Kaunda. It seems fitting that his beloved Chichele is being reborn to enchant and delight a new generation who share his affinity with Mother Nature.

3. WORLD-CLASS SAFARI GUIDES AND EXPERIENCES

The guides are all classified as expert Pro Guides when hired and are all true locals, born and raised in the area, which gives them an intimate familiarity with the terrain. Chiawa Safaris, who co-manage Chichele, provides additional training that includes sympathetic guiding, which is respectful and minimises the disturbance of wildlife and their natural habitat, first aid, photography, tracking, astronomy, ornithology, geology, 4×4 driving, mechanics, and communication.

These highly skilled guides provide unrivalled experiences for their guests. Game drives are offered twice a day, and when in Zambia, a walking safari is highly recommended. The physical connection to the earth and the slower pace of the adventure opens up a whole new world of natural wonders to explore with your guides. Night drives offer another unique opportunity to experience the wilderness, and the guides use environmentally friendly red filters in the lights as they unveil the secrets of the nocturnal creatures.

4. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: UPLIFTING COMMUNITIES & PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Chichele’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in its various programs, which aim to improve the quality of life for local communities and protect the environment.

One such example is Eden Organics, a community project in Mfuwe. Started by a group of widowed women to feed and support their families, it has grown into something much bigger. These ladies are sowing the seeds of success, providing fresh organic ingredients to Chichele’s kitchen. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture practices ensures that every ingredient is grown with care and respect for the environment.

5. COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Chichele Presidential offers discerning guests a unique combination of high-end luxury and bespoke service in an extremely remote location. Guests often feel like they have exclusive rights to the entire National Park. A low density of people is a rare luxury in the safari industry, and it enables visitors to spend as long as they wish at sightings and tailor their experiences to suit their interests. Chichele even has a dedicated children’s program called Chichele Cubs and welcomes individual travellers, couples, families and groups to experience a truly exceptional, authentic African safari in style.