Chichele Presidential Lodge Zambia — Hotel in Muchinga Province

I had heard so much about Chichele and had never been so was really looking forward to it. |The drive from the airport was in a safari vehicle and not the most ideal if traveling at speeds faster than 40kms. We were doing close to 60 which wasn’t very comfortable at all with the wind in our face and an occasional bug or small grain from gravel road crashing on our face.|The lodge sits elegantly on Chichele hills with a spectacular 360 view of the valley below. It was once the presidential lodge. The furnishings are colonial and well preserved although some need restoration and some TLC. There are old gramophones, trunks and old maps adorning the walls along with the portraits of all the presidents of Zambia. You can find gems like very old encyclopedias tucked away in a corner...be careful taking them out...they are falling to bits. An out of tune baby grand stands in the entrance hall which once must have filled the halls with music during high tea. You can certainly feel the history at Chichele. |The rooms are large and comfortable. The air conditioning is a real luxury in the bush. The bathroom are also large with showers and bath and still room to run around. They are a little dated but nothing a lick of paint or some motor work will improve. |The staff were all very pleasant albeit and little lackadaisical. They were very obliging but nothing was done quickly. The menu was great with a lovely light lunch and a three course dinner every night. The inside dining room and pool table area were the biggest let down. Random mis-matched furniture with a clumsily placed television on a small dinner table with the staff and watchmen casually lounging around of them. They made no attempt to move when the guests wanted to enjoy some television and one guest had to pull up a chair. ||Chichele has potential to be one of the top lodges in Luangwa but it just needs some attention in all areas. Simple tasks like changing fused lightbulb or returning furniture to their rightful place are ignored, tidying up the courtyard and repairing the broken fountain would just add life to an otherwise sadly dull area. |We had a great guide. Paul was knowledgeable and very obliging.|The view is out of this world. ||I am so glad I went there but it is unlikely to be my first choice or second for that matter when I return to the valley in the...

We have been visiting Zambia since the late 1990”s. We have stayed at many safari camps and lodges over the years in both the South Luangwa and lower Zambezi. During our last visit to Zambia, we learned about the reconstruction of Chichele Presidential and on our return this year, we booked three days at the newly renovated luxury lodge. ||We were greeted with a high level of hospitality that we have grown to love about Zambia. ||Upon our arrival, we immediately recognized the uniqueness of this beautiful property which sits on top of a hill overlooking vast valleys and woodlands teaming with game such as giraffes, elephants, buffalo, Puku, Impala, as well as lions, leopards, wild dogs and more.||Our welcome tour at the main lodge spotlighted the lounge bar area, the open air patio, the breakfast and dining area, the outdoor fire pit/bri area and the beautiful gift shop full of locally sourced home, personal items and artwork.||Golf carts picked us up and transported us to our lodging, where we met our butler who gave us a full tour of room for the next days. The accommodations were beyond luxurious and air conditioned, though we never needed air con due to the beautiful weather in June.||Every amenity was provided, more than we could have ever imagined. Fully stocked bar, coffee and cappuccino, snacks, bottled still and sparkling water. A beautiful oversized king bed adjacent to our private pool with a vast deck overlooking the valley, woodlands and animals all of which opened by hideaway sliding glass doors that were closed in the evening.The beautiful bathroom consisted of a freestanding tub, a private lavatory, with his and her sinks, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. Laundry was picked up daily and returned quickly by our butler.||A separate building housed an air conditioned Gym, a lap pool and sauna. I also booked a massage at the spa, it was one of the best spa treatments I’ve ever experienced in all my travels.||What makes Chichele truly extraordinary is the staff who radiate genuine pride and warmth in every interaction. You feel more like a welcomed friend than a guest. Service was flawless, the staff seemed to anticipate our every need. ||If you have the opportunity to visit the Lower Luangwa, then add a stay at Chichele Lodge for an...

My husband & I stayed at this exceptional safari resort in Zambia, and it exceeded all of our expectations. There was luxury in every detail, from the accommodations, the food, and even the game drives. It was truly a 5-star experience. The amazing staff made sure we had everything we needed & they went above and beyond to make sure our experience was unforgettable. ||When we stepped into our room, we could not believe the size of it! We had amazing views & the outdoor shower along with the splash pool just added to the “wow factor”. ||The game drives were extraordinary. Our guide, John, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, which made each excursion both educational and exciting. We saw so much wildlife & we really got to experience them in their natural habitat. On our drives we saw everything - from elephants, giraffes, and lions to exotic birds. Also, the special touches like tea breaks and sundowners during the drives added a perfect touch of indulgence that we continue to talk about! ||Chichele offers a truly 5 star safari experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable safari adventure in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. We cannot...