Lodge Anchor & Field Guide Couple

SUMMARY:
An intimate, owner-run safari lodge on a private Big Five game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal is looking for an established couple to fill two key roles: a LODGE ANCHOR and an experienced FIELD GUIDE.

POSITION INFO:
This is a small, hands-on operation where the General Manager relies heavily on both partners to keep standards high and guests well looked after. It suits a couple who genuinely want to live and work together in a remote reserve setting, who take pride in the details, and who are happy to pitch in wherever the lodge needs them.

Role 1 | Lodge Anchor 

Core Criteria:

• Proven experience in an intimate lodge or similarly high-touch hospitality environment
• Highly organised and dependable, with the ability to juggle several operational details at once
• Strong written and verbal communication, comfortable managing guest queries by email and WhatsApp
• Confident enough to run daily operations but collaborative and respectful of the General Manager's authority
• Naturally warm with guests and staff, with good judgement under pressure

• Welcome and host guests from arrival to departure, including post-drive welcomes and meal service
• Coordinate rooming lists, menus, dietary requirements and activity arrangements
• Oversee Front of House, Housekeeping & Administration
• Maintain consistently high standards across rooms, public areas and staff presentation
• Provide direction to staff and report performance or disciplinary matters to the General Manager
• Handle invoicing, filing, rosters, overtime calculations and general lodge administration
• Support stocktakes, curio shop stock control and supplier communication
• Assist with functions, weddings and catering during busy periods
• Take charge of daily operations during the General Manager's off days, within delegated authority

• Proven guiding experience on a Big Five reserve or comparable safari environment
• Current, valid guiding qualifications, registrations, driving permit and first aid certification
• Safe, responsible driver with good vehicle awareness
• Comfortable working with international guests and contributing outside guiding duties
• Calm, mature and team-oriented, with strong equipment care

• Conduct guided game drives and interpret wildlife, ecosystems and conservation for guests
• Maintain guest safety and a consistently high standard of guiding
• Check and maintain game-drive vehicles, radios, spotlights and first-aid kits, reporting any faults promptly
• Provide clear handovers to the General Manager and wider team
• Assist with guest hosting, braais, functions and special activities when needed
• Support basic maintenance and grounds work when not guiding
• Build strong working relationships with lodge colleagues and neighbouring properties

• Live-in position: private one-bedroom house with kitchen, lounge, bathroom and own garden
• Work cycle: 3 weeks on/1 week off