Lodge Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge

SUMMARY:
eMkhuze - Are you a hands-on, operational leader who thrives in the heart of the bush and prides yourself on delivering an unforgettable guest experience? This is the perfect opportunity for a versatile professional with strong maintenance capabilities to manage a beautiful property independently.

POSITION INFO:
An established and reputable hospitality group operating premium, boutique safari lodges and luxury accommodation across premier South African wilderness and leisure destinations.

This is a permanent, live-in position based at a safari lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. The core focus of the role is highly operational and hands-on, combining day-to-day lodge management, staff supervision, and guest-facing hospitality with comprehensive property, fleet, and infrastructure maintenance. 

Key responsibilities

• Lodge & Guest Operations: Oversee all day-to-day operations, coordinate guest arrivals and departures, manage room allocations, and maintain consistently high service and presentation standards.
• Property & Infrastructure Maintenance: Manage farm activities, roads, fencing, water systems, vehicles, equipment, and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
• Environmental & Land Management: Coordinate bush clearing projects, oversee controlled burns in line with reserve regulations, and maintain accurate records of land management activities.
• Staff Supervision: Lead, train, and schedule all on-site lodge staff, including housekeeping, kitchen, administration, and field guides, as well as temporary labour and contractors.
• Head Office Coordination: Provide accurate daily operational updates, submit monthly Section Manager's reports, and communicate live-time updates regarding lodge capacity and maintenance constraints affecting bookings.
• On-Site Financial Controls: Manage localized operational expenses within approved budgets, monitor stock controls to prevent wastage, collect and fairly distribute staff tips, and process final guest payments via Speedpoint when required.

Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record as a Lodge Manager, Assistant Lodge Manager, or Maintenance Manager within a similar luxury game reserve or safari lodge environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong hands-on, practical maintenance abilities across electrical, plumbing, and general mechanical repairs.
• Licences: Valid South African driver’s licence and the ability to operate large vehicles and lodge machinery (Code 10 licence is highly advantageous).
• Logistics: Must possess a reliable personal vehicle (the lodge is located outside of walking distance from local shops/amenities).
• Qualifications (Preferred): A relevant trade qualification (e.g., electrician, plumber), mechanical certifications, or Health & Safety/First Aid certification.
• Living Arrangements: This is a live-in position suitable for a single individual (accommodation is unfurnished).

Attributes

• A proactive, self-motivated, and solutions-driven work ethic.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a polished and professional guest-facing presence.
• Physically fit, healthy, and agile, with the stamina required to handle a demanding, active bush role.
• Highly organised with strong administrative capabilities and attention to detail.
• Comfortable living and working independently within a remote wilderness environment.

Salary

• R20,000 per month (dependent on experience).
• On-site unfurnished accommodation included.
• Uniform provided.

***Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.***