Stay in a Safari Lodge that the Queen has stayed in

  • January 31, 2011
Stay in a Safari Lodge that the Queen has stayed in
The iconic Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge was built in the 1970s for Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia after the country gained independence in 1964. Given his keen interest in wildlife, it's no wonder Kaunda chose this location for his private retreat in the South Luangwa. The game viewing in this park is considered to be some of the best in Africa and Sanctuary Chichele's hilltop position affords the elegant lodge incredible, and unique, views over the lush valley below, stretching as far as the Luangwa River.

As a presidential retreat, the lodge hosted many well-known guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. These days Sanctuary Chichele welcomes visitors from around the world who are looking to combine a stay in a historic lodge with the epic game viewing that the South Luangwa is so known for.

The lodge's original colonial style has been maintained. There is a grand dining room and large veranda which wraps around the main lodge allowing for panoramic views. The ten air-conditioned suites all come with four-poster beds and, as with the rest of the lodge, are decorated in an understated yet elegant Victorian style. French doors open up to private terraces, all of which have spectacular views over the valley – the perfect spot to watch the sun rise with a fresh pot of coffee or tea.

Sanctuary Chichele will now be accepting children of all ages. With two triple rooms and one inter-connecting room, the lodge is the perfect choice for a family safari in the South Luangwa.

Home to probably the highest concentration of hippos in the world, the park also has considerable numbers of elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, wild dogs, impala, puku and various other games plain. The South Luangwa is also a fantastic place to see leopards, as well as endemic species such as the Thornicroft's giraffe and the Crawyshay's zebra.

Guests at Sanctuary Chichele can enjoy both day and night game drives, allowing for the added excitement of encountering animals that are rarely seen before dusk. Leopards are particularly active at night, as are hyena and bush babies.

The South Luangwa is also famous for its walking safaris, it was in this park that the concept was pioneered and it is an indescribable way to see, smell and hear the bush. For the more adventurous, we suggest combining Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge with a stay at our new luxury walking safari camp Sanctuary Zebra Plains (opening 1st June 2011).

For more information about Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com, email info@sanctuaryretreats.com or call +44 (0)207 190 7739.