PRESS RELEASE
ANTICIPATION BUILDS FOR THE REIMAGINED CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL OPENING
January 2025, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chichele Presidential, Exterior Vista Suite + private swimming pool
Sunset over 18.5m rim-flow pool &7 yoga deck
Chichele Presidential is an iconic Zambian landmark with a rich history. Built in the 1970s as a private retreat for Zambia’s first president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, it stands on a hilltop overlooking the floodplains and abundant wildlife of the pristine South Luangwa National Park. Chichele Presidential has undergone a complete transformation through a collaboration between the lodge owners, and the Fox Browne Creative Design team, partner architects Jack Alexander Studio and Chiawa Safaris.
This team of visionaries have created magic in ten luxuriously appointed Vista Suites poised to redefine the meaning of a true luxury African safari experience, placing Zambia on the map as one of the ultimate wildlife destinations for luxury travellers in Africa.
A drone shot of a Vista Suite perched on a hilltop overlooking the South Luangwa National Park offers endless views across the plains
These recent images, captured by South African photographer Elsa Young, provide an inspiring preview of Chichele. Avid safari enthusiasts, lovers of nature, or anyone wanting to relax and enjoy the environment, please note that Chichele Presidential is now open for bookings and will be welcoming guests from April 2025.
Chichele Presidential offers:
- Elegant, uncompromising luxury
- Unrivalled bird and wildlife viewing
- Highly trained local guides
- A family-friendly environment, with two units comprised of two Vista Suites connected by a Safari Lounge with a private sitting room and dining room, ideal for couples or families travelling together.
- Dedicated Chichele Cubs children’s program combining fun activities with environmental education
- An ethos of sustainability, community and environmental responsibility evidenced by reusing existing foundations, incorporating recycled materials, and utilising energy-efficient systems powered by clean hydropower.
- Superior health and wellness facilities and treatments
- An epicurean adventure of enticing menus, featuring the freshest local ingredients sourced from Eden Organics, a Zambian business cultivating organic products. Food experiences include sizzling Boma barbecues, made-to-order pizzas from the wood-fired oven, tapas evenings, and delectable lawn dinners.
The countdown to the official re-opening has begun
South Luangwa National Park is a kaleidoscope of green after the rainy season, and Chichele is a hive of activity as it prepares to open its doors to discerning guests from all over the world.
The designers are perfecting the finishing touches in the suites, which are crafted from natural stone, wood, and glass, and whisper luxury in every detail. Light and elegant by design, the interior colour palette of contrasting ebony and ivory, charred timber accents and subtle touches of copper, was inspired by the salt, clay and copper in the surrounding hills, and the name Chichele means salt in the local Chewa language.
Contemporary & tribal, texture & smoothness created by pendent lights above the bath in Chichele Presidential Vista Suites
The newly appointed management is a husband-and-wife team, Julius Schuld and Dominique Gaines-Schuld. They are on-site fine-tuning training and building a cohesive team with locally sourced staff as they familiarise themselves with the nuances and uses of the tranquil communal deck, perfect for meditation or sunrise yoga, the state-of-the-art gym and fitness area, the 18.5-meter rim-flow pool, and the beautifully appointed safari treatment room.
The excitement is palpable! In anticipation of welcoming guests, every detail at Chichele Presidential is being carefully considered. Expert guides and trackers are perfecting their knowledge of the landscape and wildlife, ensuring unparalleled safari experiences. The maintenance team is ensuring the fleet of Land Cruisers is ready to provide comfortable and reliable transport. And in the kitchen, the executive chef is creating culinary masterpieces using the finest local ingredients. With the surrounding vegetation and landscape now lush and green after the rains, it is ideal for activities like croquet and relaxation around the lodge. This dedicated preparation guarantees a truly memorable stay.
