While the collection has evolved far beyond its original riverside beginnings, the philosophy behind it has remained consistent: great people, strong connections, and a deep respect for the landscapes, communities and experiences that define every stay. Across all our properties, those relationships continue to influence how we work, welcome guests and contribute to the places we call home.
MORE Collection began on the banks of the Sabie River, where generations of the More family developed a deep connection to the wilderness and a belief that extraordinary places are worth protecting and sharing.
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Today, MORE Collection includes safari lodges, a boutique hotel and private villas across South Africa.
A history built on conservation, family and connection.
1933
Great-grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchases Kingston farm along the Sabie River, grounding the family's connection to conservation from the very beginning.
1933
Great-grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchases Kingston farm along the Sabie River, grounding the family's connection to conservation from the very beginning.
1948
Guy Aubrey Chalkley becomes a founding member of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve – one of Africa's first private conservation areas.
1948
Guy Aubrey Chalkley becomes a founding member of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve – one of Africa's first private conservation areas.
1978
Louise More welcomes the first guests to River Lodge, opening the family's connection to the wilderness to travellers for the first time.
"Lion Sands", "1933"Caption
1978
Louise More welcomes the first guests to River Lodge, opening the family's connection to the wilderness to travellers for the first time.
"Lion Sands", "1933"Caption
2001
Brothers Nick and Robert More, inspired by the Chalkley vision, establish Lion Sands Game Reserve and begin expanding the original family vision into a modern safari business.
2001
Brothers Nick and Robert More, inspired by the Chalkley vision, establish Lion Sands Game Reserve and begin expanding the original family vision into a modern safari business.
Four Generations of Conservation
Conservation has shaped MORE Collection from the very beginning.
1933
Guy Aubrey Chalkley
Guy Aubrey Chalkley, Louise More’s grandfather, purchased Kingston farm along the Sabie River in 1933 - not for profit, but for protection. Fifteen years later, he became a founding member of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, helping establish one of Africa’s earliest private conservation areas.
1978
Louise More
In 1978, Louise More welcomed the first guests to River Lodge, helping transform conservation into something that could be shared and experienced. Her warmth, generosity and deep connection to the wilderness helped shape the foundations of MORE Collection hospitality.
2001
Nick, Robert and Britt More
Two of Louise’s sons, Nick and Robert, expanded the family vision through the growth of Lion Sands Game Reserve. Nick’s passion for conservation, wildlife and field guiding helped shape the reserve’s safari philosophy and continues today through MORE Field Guide College and the generations of field guides it supports.
Alongside them, Britt More played an instrumental role in shaping the guest experience and design philosophy of the collection. Her eye for detail and considered approach to design - particularly through Ivory Lodge - left a lasting influence on the warmth, character and care that continue to define MORE Collection hospitality today.
today
robert more
Today, MORE Collection continues to evolve under the leadership of Robert More as a fourth-generation family business grounded in conservation, hospitality and a deep respect for the landscapes that first inspired it.
a bigger family
Across our lodges, boutique hotel, villas and support teams are people who care deeply about hospitality, conservation and the experiences they help create - from field guides and chefs to housekeepers, reservation teams and conservation staff.
Many have been part of the MORE Collection story for years. Others are just beginning their journey. Together, they help create the stays, relationships and moments guests remember long after they leave.
Nick More's sons, Ant, Matt, Jono and Jack, with field guides at Lion Sands Game Reserve
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We value individuality, different perspectives and the strengths people bring to the business. Across our properties and communities, those combined efforts continue to build strong connections and lasting impact.
our purpose
We believe hospitality is defined by people and the relationships they build.
Across MORE Collection, those connections influence everything we do - between our teams, guests, trade partners, suppliers, communities and the places we call home. Those relationships are at the heart of how we work, how we grow and how we create experiences grounded in care, connection and place.
Our Values
- Our values guide how we work, support one another and approach hospitality across MORE Collection.
We are stronger together
- We believe great experiences are created through teamwork, respect and genuine human connection. Ubuntu - “I am because we are” - continues to shape how we work, support one another and welcome our guests.
we take pride in what we do
- We care deeply about quality, accountability and continual improvement. From the smallest details to the bigger picture, we aim to approach our work with professionalism, honesty and care.
We look, listen and make it better
- We stay curious, pay attention and look for opportunities to improve the experience around us - for our guests, our teams and the places we operate in.
The People Behind Every Stay
Every stay is shaped by people whose care, dedication and experience continue to define MORE Collection hospitality.
TRAVEL PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES
