Elephant Sands Lodge: A Family Legacy of Conservation

Elephant Sands began in 2002 as the dream of founder Ben Moller and his late wife, Marie—a vision sparked by their deep love for the African bush and its wildlife. Located on land Ben had owned for many years, the site was untouched wilderness with no human activity. Ben and Marie sought a place away from materialism to enjoy life simply—a vision born over quiet conversations and a spontaneous plan sketched on the back of a cigarette box. They embraced the challenge of creating a small lodge that honored nature, starting with just four chalets and a campsite in the heart of Botswana’s wild landscape.

The beginning was humble and arduous. Building materials came from miles away, and every Friday, Ben and Marie traveled to Francistown in an aging Land Cruiser to gather supplies. The locals watched with curiosity and hope as Ben worked with only a few wooden poles and an old vehicle, digging waterholes and building the first structures by hand. Despite doubts from others, the locals soon embraced the lodge as an important employer, now supporting around 40 local staff.

In its earliest days, Elephant Sands was welcomed by guests seeking a rare encounter with nature. One memorable visitor, a farmer from Durban, stumbled upon the lodge’s dirt road and was so captivated by the serene bush experience that he vowed never to reveal the hidden gem to friends, fearing it would be spoiled by popularity. From these word-of-mouth recommendations, the lodge rapidly grew, balancing visitors’ love for the ancient trees with a desire for hospitality. Marie playfully challenged Ben whether to prioritize the guests or the trees—and they chose to have both, forming the foundation of the lodge’s welcoming atmosphere.

Expansion came three years after opening, driven by growing demand and cautious optimism despite financial risk. Additional chalets were built, notable for their authentic integration into nature—open showers often visited by elephants became a beloved symbol of the lodge’s wild spirit. Guests treasured the simple, homey meals and the approachable hospitality, where the owners themselves could often be found chatting with visitors, sharing stories and drinks. Elephant Sands’ heart beats strongest in its dedication to elephant conservation—a passion first kindled by Marie and nurtured by Ben and their children. The family has invested heavily in sustaining waterholes critical to elephant survival through severe droughts, drilling numerous boreholes and pumping thousands of liters daily to keep elephants hydrated. The relationship between the lodge and the majestic elephants is intimate and ongoing—the elephants are seen as leaders of the land, shaping the lodge’s rhythms and priorities. Marie’s love for animals and the bush is deeply woven into the lodge’s culture. Notable are stories of her playful struggles with an elephant matriarch named Mary and nightly challenges from a mischievous leopard. Her spirit remains alive in the lodge’s traditions of simplicity, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality.

Looking to the future, the family aims to enhance guest comfort while prioritizing the elephants’ wellbeing by continuing and expanding water projects. With thousands of liters of water pumped daily and ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funds, Elephant Sands’ mission endures: protecting elephants, embracing nature, and welcoming visitors into a truly authentic African wilderness experience.

Elephant Sands is more than a lodge; it is a family’s heartfelt commitment to conservation and connection—an ever-evolving story that began with a simple plan on a cigarette box and has grown into a beloved refuge for wildlife and people alike. Visitors leave not just with memories of majestic elephants and untamed bush, but with the warmth and hospitality that define this extraordinary place.

Elephant Sands Lodge: A Family Legacy of Conservation

Elephant refugees - elephant sands documentary

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