Zambia, Seen From Chichele Hill
From the top of Chichele Hill, the South Luangwa opens in every direction, with rivers, streams, floodplains, and forests at its feet and the Luangwa River on the eastern horizon. Leopard move through the thickets below, Thornicroft's giraffe browse the woodland, and the walking safari that began in this valley still sets out each morning.
Chichele Hill · South Luangwa National Park
History, Seen From Above
There is a moment at Chichele, just after sunrise, when you understand why a president chose this hill. Below lies the Valley of the Leopard, home to one of Africa's highest leopard densities and birthplace of the walking safari. Stay where Dr Kenneth Kaunda rested and hosted heads of state, and watch the South Luangwa wake up. Heritage and habitat are protected here.
Discover the story →
- 10Vista Suites
- 360°views from Chichele Hill
- Valleyof the Leopard
- Presidentialheritage
Awards
Tatler Best 100 Hotels in Africa 2026
Rooted in experiences
Endless beauty
Each Vista Suite follows the curve of the hill, set just below the main lodge so nothing stands between you and the valley.
Intimately yours
Some views are inherited. Chichele Hill has watched over South Luangwa for generations, and its stillness feels older than the walls. At dusk, as the valley turns the colour of honey, it settles over the hill. A view to call your own.
A legacy reimagined
Salt, Copper, and Arches
The arches that frame the main lodge were inspired by the grand portico of the original building. Inside, copper and an ebony and ivory palette, inspired by the lodge's name meaning salt, sit beside restored antiques from the presidential era.
Lodge experiences →
Keeping the Leopard Wild
We guide with care so the valley's leopard remain wild, using red-filtered light on night drives. Every stay supports the wildlife of the South Luangwa and the people of Mfuwe village.
Conservation →
in the Valley of the Leopard
The Best of South Luangwa, From the Hilltop
South Luangwa is where the walking safari began, a vast, unspoiled valley rich in birds, wildlife, and habitats. Explore on foot or in an open vehicle at dawn and dusk, visit a local village or conservation project, or browse the valley's crafts. Here, time is measured by the sun and the ever-changing light.
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Access & Location
Mfuwe International Airport
Daily seasonal flights connect Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka (LUN) to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) in about 1 hour 10 minutes depending on routing. From June to October, direct flights also link Mfuwe International Airport and the Lower Zambezi (about 1 hour 30 minutes).
Your guide will meet you at Mfuwe International Airport for a 90-minute drive to the lodge in a closed Land Cruiser. The second half of the drive goes through the national park.
Return road transfers from Mfuwe are included in your rate.
Flight schedules can change and transfer times are estimates.
Season
Open March to early January. Peak wildlife viewing June to October.
South Luangwa National Park · Eastern Zambia
