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Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Superb national park location
- Imposing colonial-style accommodation
- Excellent wildlife viewing

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Overview

The Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge is a stylish and welcoming high-end property offering superb comfort levels and excellent facilities in a beautiful bush setting within South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. A two hour transfer from Mfuwe airport, the luxurious lodge sits proudly amidst woodland on the crest of a hill, with fantastic views across the National Park. Admittedly there’s a fairly high price tag, but the lodge provides a unique and historic base from which to explore the vibrant surroundings. The region is renowned for its excellent wildlife viewing, and is home to large numbers of hippo and elephant, along with leopard, lion, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, crocodile, and prolific birdlife.

Originally home to a Zambian president, the main building boasts imposing colonial-style architecture. The elegant guest areas comprise a spacious and airy lounge with a large fireplace and comfortable period furniture, a bar area, a formal dining room, and a small boutique. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Outside, sweeping veranda and lawn areas lead to a large, inviting swimming pool with outstanding views across the valley and the Luangwa River below. Delicious, three-course plated dinners are frequently served alfresco, at communal tables beside the campfire.

Activities focus on day and night game drives, and walking safaris with expert guides, plus birdwatching and bush dinners.

The accommodation comprises ten well-appointed Victorian style suites with double or twin four-poster beds fitted with mosquito nets, comfortable lounge areas, and ensuite bathrooms. All suites come with air conditioning, mini bar, and safe. The spacious bathrooms comprise a luxurious freestanding roll-top bath and separate shower, along with twin washbasins, and a flush toilet. French doors lead from the bedroom onto an attractive private terrace with breath-taking views.

The lodge welcomes children and demonstrates a high level of flexibility towards families. Two interconnecting suites are available, and one additional bed can be provided per suite, with any child under 16 required to share accommodation with parents. Child menus, flexible meal times, and a babysitting service are also available. There’s a dedicated children’s activity programme which includes animal tracking in the grounds, making camp fires, marshmallow toasting, and handicrafts. For safari activities, families with children under five years of age are required to book a private vehicle, whilst under 12s may participate in game drives at the discretion of the lodge manager. There is also a minimum age restriction of 12 years for walking safaris, but the lovely pool and engaging child-specific activities will ensure that younger family members are kept well entertained.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

  • We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
    Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.

    Will be a trip we remember forever

    MissingMaritta B reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value on 11 November 2024

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