FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johannesburg, 6 December 2024 – Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, located in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, has temporarily suspended operations following a fire incident that occurred on the evening of December 5, 2024. The fire, which was triggered by severe weather conditions – an unusually strong wind and an electrical storm – has affected several main areas of the lodge including the kitchen, dining room, bar, and office facilities.
All guests and staff were safely evacuated following emergency protocols, and no injuries were reported. Thanks to the swift response of the lodge’s trained staff, local emergency services, and neighbouring properties, the fire was quickly contained. Guest rooms, the spa, fitness centre, and reception areas were unaffected by the incident.
The lodge will remain closed while a full damage assessment is conducted, and necessary repairs are completed. The neighbouring Lion Sands River Lodge continues to operate normally.
“We are incredibly grateful for the immediate response and support from the Bushbuckridge Fire Department and our neighbouring lodges during this incident,” said Robert More, Custodian and CEO of MORE Family Collection. “Our priority now is to complete a thorough assessment and begin the restoration process to ensure we can welcome guests back to the exceptional standard they expect from Lion Sands Ivory Lodge.”
The lodge’s reservations team is making alternative arrangements for affected guests.
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For more information about MORE Family Collection visit: https://www.more.co.za/
About MORE Family Collection
MORE Family Collection is a diversified private business, specialising in the Southern African tourism industry. Reach within the industry spans the hospitality sector (MORE Lodges, Hotels and Residences); the travel service sector (MORE Family Collection Concierge); and the training/human development sector (MORE Campus, MORE Field Guide College and the MORE Hospitality College).
MORE Family Collection owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa. Now a fourth-generation family business led by custodian and CEO Robert More, with an origin dating back to 1933 when his great grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchased the land that Lion Sands Game Reserve was later established on.
MORE Family Collection’s properties include Lion Sands Game Reserve (Mpumalanga), Marataba Game Lodges and Monwana Game Lodge (Limpopo), Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel and More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel (Cape Town).
MORE Family Collection is committed to protecting the environment, community development, sustainability principles, and creating life-enriching experiences for our guests.
Contact:
Big Ambitions:
Brenda Walters
Email: brenda@bigambitions.co.za
Cell: +27 76 061 3114
