Sustainability at MORE Family Collection
Written by Zeldi Smulders
MORE Family Collection inspires visitors to rediscover the awe-inspiring joys of life found in nature while staying in classic lodges and hotels tucked away in some of the most pristine and breathtaking parts of Southern Africa. They believe exploring a destination while giving back creates a more meaningful journey. Read on to discover how this family-owned and -managed group makes this a reality.
Do More: Sustainable Action for the Future of Our Planet
MORE Family Collection is committed to empowering the communities they impact and preserving their environment for future generations. They understand that their actions today will determine the future, so they strive to ensure it is full of life and possibility. Recognising that all living things depend on each other, they are taking responsibility to do their part in protecting the planet, its inhabitants, and their collective future through regenerative tourism practices.
Unlocking the Benefits of Environment & Community: A Two-Fold Framework
MORE Family Collection has a two-fold framework covering all their hospitality operations, corporate investment projects, and conservation contributions.
They aim to minimise their impact and protect the environment through energy, water, waste, food, materials, and conservation initiatives. The MORE Field Guide College and Nakavango Conservation Programme actively contribute to safeguarding biodiversity and preserving the area's ecosystem through conservation projects. MORE Family Collection is also dedicated to advancing conservation through education and raising awareness.
The MORE Community Foundation fosters local communities through various initiatives and raises awareness through campaigns encouraging people to participate in philanthropic activities. They are also dedicated to treating their employees equitably by following best practices through local hires, fair remuneration, opportunities, diversity, inclusivity, and health and wellness support.
The More, The Better: The Power of Collaboration
Selected MORE Collections stays offer the opportunity to give back and gain a new perspective. Guests can use their skills to help make a positive impact in the local area by taking part in a ‘Get Your Hands Dirty’ program, deciding where they want to lend a hand, and then contributing to community efforts related to education, health, environment, and infrastructure. For many years, they have formed strong ties with neighbours in rural and urban settings. As a visitor, you will be invited to join community tours to observe their initiatives and gain insight into life in these areas.
Where MORE Family Collection Is Making an Impression
Marakele National Park
Marakele National Park, which translates to ‘place of sanctuary’ in Setswana, is a 21.000-ha private reserve home to unspoiled African landscapes and an array of wildlife. Wildlife is also abundant at the safari lodge in Marataba Game Reserve due to its location in a transition zone between the dry western and wetter eastern regions of South Africa.
Featured Stay:
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marataba Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari experience nestled between the Waterberg Mountains in Marakele National Park in South Africa. With only 15 en-suite luxury stilted tents right on nature's doorstep, the lodge offers untampered exclusivity to its guests. Meaning "Place of Sanctuary" in Setswana, the malaria-free reserve is home to the Big 5, which you can see on an evening or morning game drive or a guided bush walk. Enjoy sundowners on Marataba's 'Miss Mara' boat as it meanders down the tranquil Matlabas River.
Victoria Falls
Despite arduous conditions, the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve has been a massive success in protecting rhinos in this designated Rhino Intensive Protection Zone owing to the applaudable work of its Anti-poaching Unit. This area can be enjoyed at their charming stays — Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel and Ursula’s Homestead.
Cape Town
With the lively atmosphere of Kloof Street right outside the door, guests can experience the attentive hospitality and individually and stylishly decorated rooms of MORE’s historic hotel, the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. Its other stay, More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel, tucked away and secluded in the heart of the bustling suburb, has been individually designed to give you a chic yet comfortable living space with a retro edge.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve & Kruger National Park
Lion Sands is the only private sanctuary in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. The Sabie River is the only thing separating the two, allowing an abundance of varying wildlife to move freely between the two areas, enhancing their offer at the safari lodge.
Featured stay:
Ivory Lodge
In the Lion Sands Reserve lies Ivory Lodge, a modern stay inspired by nature. The interiors are simple yet warm, accentuated with natural, soft materials and subtle African designs. Ivory Lodge, as part of the MORE Family Collection, supports multiple community projects, with the aim of getting local long-term development, collaboration, and custodianship of the conservation of natural resources. At Ivory Lodge, guests can enjoy a bush getaway where absolutely everything – from carefully prepared drinks to freshly pressed laundry – is included.
At Viatu, we are delighted to work with partners like MORE Family Collection who are pursuing sustainable solutions. Learn more about how we choose our partners and explore our trips to create your customised adventure including must-visit places in Africa.
