General Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge

SUMMARY:
eMkhuze - Are you a passionate hospitality leader who thrives on creating unforgettable guest experiences in the heart of the African bush? We are seeking a dedicated, hands-on General Manager to step into a premier live-in role and lead a beautiful safari lodge to operational excellence.

POSITION INFO:
Our client operates a boutique, high-end safari lodge within a premier South African game reserve, dedicated to providing guests with an authentic, luxury wilderness experience.

The Lodge General Manager takes full, independent responsibility for the day-to-day operations, guest journey, and staff leadership at the lodge. This live-in position requires a versatile leader who balances exceptional guest hosting with smooth operational management, working in close coordination with a centralised Head Office.

Key responsibilities

• Lodge Operations & Guest Experience: Oversee the complete guest journey from arrival to departure, hosting guests and ensuring world-class service standards.
• Food & Beverage Oversight: Manage kitchen operations, including meal planning, stock control, and assisting with meal service to maintain a personalised dining experience.
• Head Office Coordination: Support HQ with on-site execution of bookings, room allocations, accurate daily reporting, and budget inputs.
• Property & Environmental Oversight: Monitor overall property infrastructure, manage maintenance schedules, and coordinate land management activities (such as bush clearing and controlled burns) in line with reserve regulations.
• Staff Leadership: Lead, train, and manage the on-site team, including housekeeping, kitchen staff, administration, and rangers.
• Financial & Compliance Reporting: Manage on-site operational expenses within budget, control wastage, and compile monthly operational and Section Manager reports.

• Proven experience as a Lodge Manager or General Manager within a safari lodge or reserve environment.
• Strong culinary ability and confidence in the kitchen with an eye for food presentation and quality.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage operations in a remote environment.
• A valid South African driver’s licence (Code 10 is highly advantageous).
• A relevant hospitality or lodge management qualification is preferred.
• First Aid certification and a basic understanding of lodge maintenance systems are advantageous.

• Confident, reliable, and highly adaptable.
• Guest-focused with a warm, welcoming, and professional demeanour.
• A proactive, hands-on, and solutions-driven approach to challenges.
• Well-presented with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable living and working in a remote bush environment.