Just 30 minutes from Zambia's capital, Lusaka, it is this proximity that gives the newly opened Lilayi its very special character.  It is so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that you feel as if you have been transported into the deepest African bush rather than being a stone throw from the city centre.

This impeccably run, 12 chalet hotel is breaking the mould for Lusaka, a city for which cutting edge luxury accommodation is an anomaly.  Lilayi offers travellers a chance to stay overnight at a lodge that doesn't compromise on style and comfort, gives an incredible game experience and yet is less than one hour from the international airport.

Lilayi is the creation of Chris Miller, a third generation Zambian whose family owns the 650 hectares of unspoiled grassland, which is inhabited by over 20 different species of mammal and more than 300 bird species.

Traditionally designed, Lilayi is constructed with locally sourced building materials like burnt handmade bricks and thatch emphasize environmental consciousness while accentuating the vast landscape.

The attention to detail continues in the bedrooms with their fine-cotton bed linen and goose-down duvets.  The 12 chalets have an open plan, en suite bedroom with a lovely furnished lounge. The bathrooms boast Victoria Albert Volcanic Limestone soaker baths and spacious showers, while the room's folding bay windows open up to a wooden deck and verandah.

The two family chalets consist of two double bedrooms, each en suite, and comfortably accommodates up to 4 people. Each chalet has a furnished lounge and Wi-Fi for those who cannot live without constant contact with the wider world.

The main building contains the restaurant and cocktail lounge.  The space opens out onto a wrap around verandah and sundowner deck which overlooks the sparkling swimming pool.

The tantalising marriage between African fusion and contemporary cuisine, Lilayi's restaurant ensures an unforgettable dining experience. The in-house chef prepares dishes using only the freshest products - tender meat from their game farm and organic vegetables and herbs straight from the garden.  Lilayi's experienced sommelier is able to guide guests through a wide variety of wine styles to find wines most suited to their individual tastes or hold group wine tastings in the cellar.

Lilayi is home to the Lilayi Elephant Nursery. Managed by Game Rangers International and established with ongoing critical support from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, the Nursery rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves who can be viewed daily from the viewing platform located near the lodge.

A game drive in an open vehicle is one of the most exciting ways to explore the area. A highly skilled guide will accompany safari goers, and inform them about the rare and beautiful animals viewed during the drive. Listed amongst these are the majestic Roan Antelope, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest and Tsessbe.

Guests have the option to explore the area on foot by means of a guided walk. A bush walk enables visitors to be close to nature and creates an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers to view myriad bird species.

For the more adventurous, Lilayi offers a horseback safari. From this elevated position visitors can expect to view an abundance of wild life including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope.

Prices start at $350 per chalet per night, B & B.

For further information, images please contact Julie Hedley at Small World Marketing
E: julie@smallworldmarketing.co.uk T: 0845 634 1460
www.lilayi.com