Chichele Presidential Lodge named to the Travel + Leisure 2026 It List of Best New Hotels

Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection and Chiawa Safaris are pleased to announce that Chichele Presidential has been named to the prestigious Travel + Leisure 2026 It List, the publication’s annual selection of the best new and reborn hotels around the world.

Elite recognition:
Only eight properties across Africa were selected, out of 100 worldwide.

Historic legacy:
Built in the 1970s as a retreat for Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, the lodge has been reimagined for modern luxury while preserving its heritage.

Immersive safari experience:
Located in South Luangwa National Park, guests enjoy panoramic views and access to some of Africa’s finest wildlife encounters—leopards, lions, elephants, and endemic species.

Refined transformation:
The renovation introduced elegant suites, elevated culinary programming, and conservation-led hospitality, blending design-forward sensibility with deep cultural roots.

Broader Impact
- Reinforces Zambia’s position as one of Africa’s most compelling safari destinations.
- Elevates the country’s profile on the global luxury travel stage, alongside other standout openings and reborn properties.
- Aligns with the growing trend of experiential travel, where design, service, and sustainability converge.

Jennifer Beattie, Director of Sales & Marketing, emphasized that this honor is a testament to the vision behind Chichele’s transformation and its commitment to delivering experiences that are both locally authentic and globally relevant.

This recognition places Chichele Presidential among the world’s most talked-about new lodges in 2026, blending history, conservation, and luxury.