The flagship, ultra-luxury Chichele Presidential Lodge in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is undergoing a complete transformation with upgrades expected to be concluded by March 2025.

The redesign is the result of a collaboration between owners Chichele Safaris, Chiawa Safaris and the world-renowned Fox Browne Creative design team along with architects Jack Alexander Studio.

Later this year, the lodge will unveil 10 luxurious “vista suites” in a soft opening. Each of the suites takes full advantage of the lodge’s hilltop location, which offers 360-degree views of floodplains, rivers and forests.

Each of the fully air-conditioned suites includes a covered verandah with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Two of these suites (one offering access for disabled people) are connected by a lounge area with private sitting and dining rooms.

The lodge’s main areas include a large deck overlooking the surrounding landscapes, a state-of-the-art gym, a large rim-flow pool and a spa.

Game drives and guided walking safaris, led by expert guides, are included in the rates. Dining is a highlight with a variety of menus featuring ingredients sourced from local business Eden Organics. Options include boma barbeques, tapas evenings, lawn dinners and made-to-order pizzas from the wood-fired oven.

Chichele was originally built in the 1970s as a personal getaway for Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda. Accessed via a 90-minute drive from Mfuwe Airport, the lodge operates annually from March to January.