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Chichele Presidential Lodge

About Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Presidential Lodge gives you a stay in South Luangwa that feels a little more elevated from the start. Perched on Chichele Hill, it looks out over the park with wide views across the floodplains, and that setting adds a lot to the experience before you even head out on safari. It is also one of those places with a stronger sense of character, thanks to its history as a former presidential retreat and its position in one of Zambia’s best wildlife areas. 

When to visit

June to October is the signature Chichele Presidential window, with dry bush, stronger wildlife viewing, and the lodge at its most classically safari-driven.

Most popular: June - October

Spring · Sep, Oct, Nov

September to November is hot, dramatic, and one of the most exciting times in South Luangwa, with wildlife increasingly concentrating near water and the valley building toward the first storms. September and October are especially strong for classic dry-season safari intensity, while November adds heat, cloud build-up, and the first signs of the green season.

Summer · Dec, Jan, Feb

December to February is the rainy season period, with greener bush, occasional thunderstorms, and a softer, more atmospheric feel across the valley. Chichele Presidential remains open in December but closes from early January before reopening in March, so this is not the lodge’s most practical stay window overall.

Autumn · Mar, Apr, May

March to May is a transition season, with March marking the lodge’s return and April to May bringing lush scenery, warm weather, and improving safari conditions as the rains ease. The bush is greener, birdlife is strong, and some loops may still be affected by high water early in the period.

Winter · Jun, Jul, Aug

June to August is one of the finest times to stay, with dry days, cooler mornings, and increasingly rewarding game viewing as vegetation thins and wildlife movement becomes easier to track. This is the classic South Luangwa safari season, combining comfort, visibility, and atmosphere beautifully.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    25°C / 77°F

  • Winter low

    11°C / 52°F

  • Rain

    78 days

  • Snow

    0 days

Location

Getting There

From Mfuwe, drive into South Luangwa National Park and continue to Chichele Presidential Lodge on Chichele Hill, with the final stretch taking you through the park itself. If you are arriving by air, Mfuwe Airport is the usual gateway, and the road transfer to the lodge takes about 90 minutes.

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