South Luangwa · presidential hilltop
CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL
a historic hilltop presidential retreat
The house that keeps the valley in view
Chichele Presidential Lodge is a historic former presidential retreat, perched on a hilltop with panoramic bush views across the Valley of the Leopard.
Built in the 1970s as a private retreat for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president, it pairs that heritage with world-class luxury — where the landscape is the interior masterpiece.
The Lodge
The house that keeps the valley in view
Built in the 1970s as a private retreat for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president, the house was set on Chichele Hill. Every public room and every suite still turns toward the valley below.
Where presidents once rested, your story begins
- Tenvista suites
- 360°panoramic hilltop views
- Valleyof the leopard
- 1970spresidential heritage
Rooted in experiences
Endless beauty
The house was built for the view and nothing about it has changed. Every public room and every suite is turned outward to the valley.
Intimately yours
It is the rhythm of this place that carries you — the slow arc of the sun, the hum of cicadas, the gentle pull of the river as it moves without urgency. Nothing asks this of you, and yet everything invites it.
Where the land is sacred
Lodge experiences
Why Chichele Presidential
Ten Vista Suites line the hilltop, each with a private plunge pool, covered veranda and interiors that keep the landscape as the masterpiece.
Chichele overlooks one of Africa's highest recorded leopard densities, in the valley where the walking safari itself began. Heritage and habitat are protected together here.
Where the hilltop is our primary feature
The house was built for the view and nothing about it has changed. Every public room and every suite is turned outward to the valley.
Lodge experiences → 
The valley defines our rhythms and the life of our lodge
We did not tame this land. We listened to it.
Chichele overlooks one of Africa's highest leopard densities. As a heritage lodge in a landscape this rare, conservation and community sit at the heart of every stay.
Lodge experiences →in the Valley of the Leopard
The best of South Luangwa, from the hilltop
South Luangwa is a vast, unspoiled ecosystem of diverse habitats and prolific birds and wildlife. Highlights include incredible walking safaris, water excursions, photographic opportunities from the new hide, and the best day and night game viewing from our fleet of custom-made Land Cruisers.
Time is measured only by the sun's position, and the eyes are charmed by the quality of the ever-changing light.
Discover more →Getting there
Access & Location
Mfuwe International Airport
Daily scheduled flights connect Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, followed by a scenic game-drive transfer up to Chichele Presidential.
Season
Open March to December. Peak wildlife viewing June to October.
South Luangwa National Park · Eastern Zambia
