Chichele Presidential Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
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CHICHELE
PRESIDENTIAL
LODGE - SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
Sanctuary Lodges & Camps have acquired the following camps and lodges in Zambia:
• Sussi & Chuma on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park above the world-famous Victoria Falls
• Lechwe Plains Tented Camp in the Lochinvar National Park north of Lusaka
• Kulefu Tented Camp situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park
• Puku Ridge Tented Camp in the South Luangwa National Park
• Chichele Presidential Lodge in the South Luangwa National Park, the world-famous lodge which was originally built by President Kaunda
In order to bring these properties in line with Sanctuary's high level of comfort and service, all the camps (with the exception of Sussi & Chuma), are closed with immediate effect for the remainder of 2007 for refurbishment. The camps will re-open in 2008. |
The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest
and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing
the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of
different habitats extending outwards from the central river.
Formerly a private Presidential
retreat for the former President
of Zambia – Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Chichele (pronounce to rhyme with
belly) occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park.
Since the
original structures, built circa 1960, became very dilapidated, Star
of Africa has undertaken a complete transformation of the building
to create a spectacular new central lodge of stone and thatch, designed
to complement its natural surroundings.
In order to exploit the wonderful
floodplain vistas offered by the site, 10 elegant Victorian style
lodges are built along the edge of the hillside, each giving guests
a private panoramic view. Quality furnishings and discreet service
provide the necessary level of comfort expected by the upmarket visitor.
Accommodation  For
images of Chichele Presidential Lodge, click Chichele
Images
The Lodge has 10 elegant
Victorian style lodges, each air-conditioned and with its own private
terrace from which to view the
game strewn river valley and flood plain below. Four-poster beds with
crisp period linen, needlepoint cushions and a comforter for those rare
cool evenings, set an ambience of elegance. A sumptuous
bathroom with twin basins and ball & claw bathtup would have been
a charming surprise for those early colonial visitors but a must for
those of us who travel
today.
The main hall and dining room
bring a high level of sophistication to the Lodge. A grand
piano and antique gramophone grace the room along
with carefully collected furniture and eclectic bric a brac. Zebra
skin rugs, exotically carved lamps and touches of leather remind the
visitor
that Africa is at hand. Outside immaculately manicured lawns dotted
with umbrellas surround the formal pool and occasional fountains. Whilst
deep
shady verandas provide a welcome retreat during the heat of the day.
All accommodation has air conditioning,
en-suite toilet, basin, shower & bath, mini bar, mosquito nets
over all the beds, and hair dryer. Accommodation includes the following:
• 3 meals a day
• 2 game viewing activities per day
• Night drive
• Park entry fees
• Soft drinks, local beers and house wines
• Laundry service
• Service charge
• VAT for Zambian Residents
Additional Facilities include:
• swimming pool
• curio shop
• conference facilities
Dining
Meal are served at the usually accepted times but
can be dependent on game drives and will vary seasonally. All meals
are table d’hôte with a wide selection of dishes, and
will be served outdoors whenever possible - often around a campfire
in the evening.
Activities &
Wildlife
South Luangwa National Park offers very good game viewing which is
complemented by its dramatic scenery. The Park is home to a significant
population of elephant and the Luangwa River is home to more NIle
crocodiles than any other river in Africa. Four hundred bird species
are found in the Park, which is also famous for its lion and leopard
populations.
• Full
range of game drives in the South Luangwa National Park using open
4 x
4 vehicles. Each vehicle is driven by
a qualified,
knowledgeable guide.
•
Wildlife to be seen includes Elephant, Lions, Wild Dog, Buffalo,
Giraffe and a wide variety of antelope in addition to many other
endemic species.
•
Night drives using spotlights enable guests to see such nocturnal
animals as leopard, bush baby and spotted hyena.
•
Game walks conducted by a professional guide and an armed national
parks scout.
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For
History and General information about Zambia, click More
Zambia
For
further information about the National Parks of Zambia, click Zam
Parks
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