MORE Family Collection introduces Rhino Conservation Experience at Marataba Luxury Lodges

MORE Family Collection introduces a Rhino Conservation Experience at Marataba Luxury Lodges from April 2024. This experience in the incredible Marakele National Park allows guests to actively participate in the care of endangered rhinos.

JOHANNESBURG, 5 February 2024 – MORE Family Collection is introducing a new offering called the Rhino Conservation Experience at Marataba Luxury Lodges from April this year.

This exclusive experience will give guests the exceptional opportunity to take part in the veterinary care of endangered rhinos at Marataba, a 23,000-hectare privately managed section within the malaria free Marakele National Park.

“We are committed to wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like the Rhino Conservation Experience, we aim to inspire our guests to become active participants in the protection of our natural heritage.” says Robert More, custodian and CEO of the MORE Family Collection.

From April to September, guests at Marataba can join conservationists in a rhino veterinary intervention, directly supporting efforts to safeguard the species. Each intervention offers a hands-on experience with a single rhino, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once the rhino is located and sedated, guests will actively participate in the activity, involving tasks that may include fitting tracking collars, ear-notching, collecting blood and tissue samples, and micro-chipping of horns. This experience does not include dehorning interventions.

Marataba is a sanctuary of conservation excellence. Founded on the vision of former President Nelson Mandela and Dutch philanthropist Paul van Vlissingen, Marataba stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in safeguarding South Africa’s wilderness. Since its establishment in 2000, Marataba has spearheaded numerous conservation initiatives, playing a pivotal role in the restoration of native species, and serving as a vital hub for the replenishment of neighbouring parks and reserves. Both white rhino and black rhino are found at Marataba, the latter is critically endangered with their remaining numbers estimated at around 6000.

“Given the sensitive conservation status of rhinos and the ever-present threat of poaching, every intervention at Marataba Luxury Lodges underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations,” says More.

With a limited number of activities available throughout the year, interested guests are encouraged to book early to secure their place in this extraordinary conservation journey. Guests have a choice of two luxury lodges – Marataba Safari Lodge with 15 Luxury Tents available (this includes four family tents) and Marataba Mountain lodge with five private Luxury Rooms set in the mountain.

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For more information about MORE Family Collection visit our website: https://www.more.co.za/ | https://www.more.co.za/marataba

Please feel free to reach out to Brenda Walters at brenda@bigambitions.co.za for any media queries.

About MORE Family Collection

MORE Family Collection is a diversified private business, specialising in the Southern African tourism industry. Our 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 (opening in 2024)).

Our non-profit arms through which we deliver our corporate social and environmental responsibilities are More Community Foundation (operating within communities surrounding our properties and Support Office in South Africa and Zimbabwe), and Nakavango Conservation Programme (based at Stanley & Livingstone in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe).

Additional information:

MORE Family Collection owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa and Zimbabwe offering seamless itineraries between our properties. Led by custodian and CEO Robert More, ours is a fourth-generation family business – our origin dates to 1933 when our great grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchased the land that Lion Sands Game Reserve was later established on. We now have four luxury lodges at Lion Sands.

Our footprint is in four unique safari reserves – Sabi Sand, Kruger, Thornybush, and Victoria Falls – and our hotels in the vicinity of two Natural Wonders of the World, namely Table Mountain and Victoria Falls. Our properties include Lion Sands Game Reserve (Mpumulanga), Marataba Luxury Lodges and Monwana Game Lodge (Limpopo), Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel and More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel (Cape Town), Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel and Ursula’s Homestead (Victoria Falls). We are committed to protecting the environment, community development, sustainability principles, and delivering on our purpose of creating life-enriching experiences for our guests.