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.
MORE Collection began on the banks of the Sabie River, where a family's commitment to protecting a remarkable wilderness laid the foundations for what would become MORE Collection. Nearly a century later, that same spirit continues to influence how we work, welcome guests and contribute to the places we call home.
Guy Aubrey Chalkley - 1933
Louise More and Madison More - 2021
Madison, Robert and Mackenzie More - 2025
Guy Aubrey Chalkley - 1933
Louise More and Madison More - 2021
Madison, Robert and Mackenzie More - 2025
Today, MORE Collection includes safari lodges, a boutique hotel and private villas across South Africa.
A history built on conservation, family and connection.
1933
Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchases Kingston Farm along the Sabie River, beginning the family's long connection to the wilderness.
1933
Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchases Kingston Farm along the Sabie River, beginning the family's long connection to the wilderness.
1938
Following Guy Aubrey Chalkley's death, custodianship of the property passes to his family, beginning a multi-generational commitment to protecting the land.
1938
Following Guy Aubrey Chalkley's death, custodianship of the property passes to his family, beginning a multi-generational commitment to protecting the land.
1948
Kingston Farm becomes a founding member of the newly established Sabi Sand Wildtuin, joining neighbouring landowners in a shared commitment to conservation.
1948
Kingston Farm becomes a founding member of the newly established Sabi Sand Wildtuin, joining neighbouring landowners in a shared commitment to conservation.
1948
From 1948 onwards, successive generations of the family continue to protect and care for the property, preserving the wilderness and values that would later shape MORE Collection.
1948
From 1948 onwards, successive generations of the family continue to protect and care for the property, preserving the wilderness and values that would later shape MORE Collection.
2001
Brothers Nick and Robert More open River Lodge under the Lion Sands brand, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family property.
2001
Brothers Nick and Robert More open River Lodge under the Lion Sands brand, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family property.
Four Generations of Conservation
Conservation has shaped MORE Collection from the very beginning.
1933
Guy Aubrey Chalkley
Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchased Kingston Farm along the Sabie River in 1933, establishing the family's long connection to the wilderness. His belief that extraordinary places were worth protecting laid the foundations for a conservation legacy that continues today.
Fifteen years later, Kingston Farm became a founding member of Sabi Sand Wildtuin, helping establish one of Africa's earliest private conservation areas.
1948 onwards
Dora and Irene Chalkley
Following Guy Aubrey Chalkley's death, responsibility for the family's conservation legacy passed to his son, Guy Anthony Chalkley. When he was killed during the Second World War, care of the property fell to his mother, Dora Chalkley, and later his wife, Irene Chalkley.
Through decades of change, they remained committed to protecting the land and preserving the wilderness that would later become the foundation of MORE Collection.
1978
Louise and John More
Louise More inherited both a deep connection to the wilderness and a strong sense of responsibility for its future. Building on the legacy of those before her, she continued the family's commitment to protecting the land and preserving the values that had shaped the family for generations.
Her deep love for the bush, generous spirit and belief in sharing special places with others helped shape the culture of hospitality that continues to define MORE Collection today.
2001
Nick, Robert and Britt More
Two of Louise's sons, Nick and Robert, helped transform the family's conservation legacy into what would become MORE Collection through the establishment and growth of Lion Sands. 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 collection's design philosophy and guest experience, particularly through Ivory Lodge. Her influence continues to shape the warmth, character and care that define MORE Collection hospitality today.
Today, under Robert More's leadership, MORE Collection continues to evolve while remaining grounded in 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
Bush stop lunch, 1940s. Tony and Guy Chalkley, daughter and son of Guy Aubrey Chalkley
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
Great People, Strong Connections
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
