Last year my partner and I were flown, compliments of Zambian Airways and Airwaves Zambia charter, to the exquisite Chichele Presidential Game Lodge, situated on a hilltop in south Luangwa's southern Mfuwe region in Zambia.
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Zambian Airways has been the new kid on the block at Johannesburg International Airport since March this year and they operate flights, in conjunction with Kulula.com, to Zambia, thus making a trip to this country very affordable. The route has thus far been extremely successful and the airline now operates five flights a week.
I have travelled to many fabulous lodges in South Africa and neighbouring countries in my time, but was certainly not prepared for the vast, unspoilt beauty that confronted me on my excursion to this part of the African continent. I was also not prepared for a true African experience - even though I believe I had seen, done and been awarded the T-shirt. The journey became part of the destination as we boarded our one-hour charter flight from Lusaka to the little town of Mfuwe.
A game ranger from Chichele Presidential lodge met us on our arrival, and I couldn't help thinking how very special the people of Zambia are - everyone we met just radiated warmth, friendliness and an inherent pride and passion for their country. We were driven from Mfuwe in an open Landrover through a number of small villages that hugged the narrow road until we finally reached the banks of the Luangwa River, where we disembarked. The vehicle, together with its occupants, were all loaded onto a river pont, and curiously watched on all sides by about 50 hippos, we crossed safely to the bank on the other side!
As we made our way through the bush towards the lodge, we experienced our first puku sighting, the indigenous antelope not too dissimilar from our impala, although they are a little larger and darker. We were also introduced to a myriad of wonderful bird life - for which the southern Luangwa National Park is well known.
Finally we arrived at the elegant, Victorian-styled Chichele Presidential Lodge, perched on a hillside, where we were handed our welcome drinks as we stepped into a spacious open-air reception area. The front veranda of the lodge looks out over the vast and rugged valley and river, with some really amazing views.
The lodge, once the private retreat of President Kenneth Kaunda, fell into disrepair when he was voted out of power in 1991. However, Chichele has now been restored to its former glory by Star of Africa and is now considered to be the grandest lodge in south Luangwe, Zambia.
Ten Victorian style lodges have been built along the edge of the hillside, all of which are spacious and offer panoramic views. We occupied Suite No 1, which was of particular significance because Queen Elizabeth II had also slept in this suite on her visit in 1979 whilst attending a Commonwealth Heads of State summit. (I guess we can safely admit that for a short period in time - we shared the same throne as the Queen!)
Meal times are 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. Meal venues are varied from the luxurious in-door dining room to the scenic verandahs and boma area outside. Port and cigars are served after dinner.
However, Chichele offers special bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners along with guided bush walks and picnics. With the town of Mfuwe being so close they also offer guided village tours and visits to local craft markets as well as the local animal sanctuary/rehabilitation centre. Due to their policy of flexibility at Star of Africa they are also able to offer private meals on the balconies of the rooms for couples or in a private environment for conference groups. They offer full conference facilities and provide flip charts, video projector and a DVD player.
One of my favourite Chichele memories will be the evening we had our sundowner drinks on the banks of the Luangwa River 'a la Gatsby' style. The rangers had set up tables and chairs with lanterns before the guests arrived by Landrovers. Sipping daintily in style we sat and leisurely watched the dozens of hippo and the odd crocodile socialising in the river below, while the last rays of the sun set on yet another perfect day in Africa!
For information on Chichele Presidental Lodge, contact Star Of Africa tel: +260-97-790726 email: es1@starofafrica.co.zm or visit their website www.starofafrica.com.
Zambian Airways can be contacted on +26 01 271177 - email reservations@zambianairways.com
or visit their website www.zambianairways.com.
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