Episode Number: 8
Property / Guest Name:
Fred Phiri — Puku Ridge & Chichele Presidential, Zambia Luxury Lodges Collection
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, I continue our Zambia Luxury Lodges Collection series with Fred Phiri, who manages Puku Ridge and works across Chichele Presidential in South Luangwa.
Born and raised in Mfuwe, Fred has spent 27 years in the safari industry, working his way up from the bottom to lodge management. His connection to South Luangwa is both personal and professional, and that comes through strongly in the way he talks about the region, its wildlife and the guest experience.
We explore the differences between Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential, from Puku’s tented bush-camp feel and closeness to nature to Chichele’s more traditional luxury-lodge experience and panoramic position above the landscape.
Fred also shares what makes South Luangwa such a remarkable safari destination, including its reputation as the Valley of the Leopard, its special wildlife species and one extraordinary encounter involving a leopard, an impala and a pack of wild dogs.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Fred’s journey from growing up in Mfuwe to a 27-year career in the safari industry
- The geographical and experiential differences between Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential
- What guests can expect from Puku Ridge’s tented rooms, star beds and plunge pools
- Why South Luangwa is known as the Valley of the Leopard
- The special wildlife found in the region, including Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest
- Fred’s unforgettable leopard and wild-dog encounter, and why some safari moments are better experienced than photographed
Guest Information:
Fred Phiri is based in South Luangwa and manages Puku Ridge while also working across Chichele Presidential. Born and raised in Mfuwe, close to South Luangwa National Park, he has spent 27 years in the safari industry and brings extensive practical experience of lodge operations, guiding, wildlife and guest service.
Key Takeaways:
- Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential offer distinctly different safari experiences, making the right choice dependent on the traveller rather than simply the property.
- South Luangwa combines exceptional predator viewing with distinctive regional species that add real depth to the safari experience.
- Some of the most memorable safari moments happen unexpectedly, and Fred’s story is a reminder to experience what is happening rather than focusing only on capturing the perfect photograph.
Contact Information:
Website: https://www.keeptravelling.africa
Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa
Blog:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/pukuridge
