SUMMARY:
Country Inn based close to Mkuze is looking for an experienced, passionate and highly organised SAFARI & EXPERIENCES MANAGER to lead and grow the property’s safari and experiential offering.
This role is responsible for overseeing all safari, boat and guest experience operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high operational and safety standards, managing safari assets and guides, and developing authentic experiences aligned with the brand.
The role also plays an important part in supporting the property’s sustainability, conservation and community initiatives.
This is not purely a guiding role. It is a senior operational leadership position forming part of the hotel management team.
POSITION INFO:
Duties:
Guest Experience & Service Excellence:
Ensure consistently exceptional safari and guest experiences across all activities
Maintain high standards of guiding, hosting, storytelling and guest engagement
Coordinate personalised experiences for all guests.
Work closely with the Concierge to ensure seamless guest itineraries and activity scheduling
Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements where required
Handle guest concerns and service recovery related to safari and activity experiences
Safari & Activity Operations:
Oversee the daily operation of all safaris and guest activities including:
- Game Drives
- Boat Cruises
- Scenic Drives
- Cultural Experiences
- Guided Experiences
- Outsourced Activities
Manage guide schedules and operational planning
Ensure effective communication and coordination between departments
Monitor safari profitability, utilisation and operational costs
Ensure all permits, licences and compliance requirements are maintained
Support the continued growth and development of the hotel’s experience offering
Boat & Fleet Management: Oversee the operation, presentation and maintenance of safari vehicles and boats
Ensure all safari and marine operations meet safety and operational standards
Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are implemented
Monitor vehicle and boat condition, fuel usage, servicing and operational readiness
Ensure safari equipment and guest amenities are professionally maintained and presented
Team Leadership & Training Lead, mentor and develop the safari and experiences team
Foster a positive, professional and guest focused team culture
Conduct regular training focused on:
- Guiding Standards
- Hospitality Service
- Guest Engagement
- Storytelling
- Safety Procedures
- Conservation Knowledge
Manage staffing schedules, leave planning and operational staffing requirements
Experience Development & Innovation: Identify opportunities to expand and improve the reserves experience offering
Develop authentic experiences aligned with the property’s positioning and location within Zululand
Explore opportunities for:
- Conservation based experiences
- Wellness & Nature experiences
- Family experiences
- Birding & Photography experiences
- Cultural & Community experiences
- Premium & Private Safari offerings
Collaborate with marketing on experience content, photography opportunities and promotional initiatives
Community, Sustainability & Conservation: Support and coordinate sustainability and Fair-Trade Tourism commitments
Assist in managing the hotel’s community and conservation initiatives
Support and coordinate community upliftment projects with a focus on early childhood development initiatives
Build and maintain positive relationships with local schools, community leaders and project partners
Coordinate meaningful and respectful guest interactions with community projects where appropriate
Ensure safari and experience operations are environmentally responsible and aligned with conservation principles
Assist with sustainability reporting, Fair Trade Tourism compliance and related initiatives
Promote responsible tourism practices throughout the safari and experiences division
Reserve & Conservation Partner Relations: Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- Isimangaliso Wetland Park
- Local reserve management teams
- Conservation stakeholders
- Tourism Partners & Local Communities
Represent the property professionally within the regional tourism and conservation industry
Coordinate reserve access, permits and operational relationships
Identify partnership opportunities that strengthen the guest experience and positioning of the property
Maintain awareness of regional tourism and conservation developments impacting safari operations
Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure all safari and guest activity operations comply with safety regulations and company standards
Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments
Maintain emergency procedures and incident reporting protocols
Ensure guest and staff safety at all times
Reporting & Administration: Prepare operational reports and departmental updates for management
Assist with forecasting, budgeting and planning for safari operations and fleet requirements
Monitor activity participation trends and identify opportunities for improvement
Ensure accurate operational administration and record keeping
Requirements: Previous experience managing safari, lodge or experiential tourism operations
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent organisational and communication abilities
Passion for
hospitality, conservation and guest experience
Experience managing safari vehicles and operational assets
Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
Valid driver’s licence with PDP
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and public holidays
Valid skipper’s licence and boating experience
FGASA qualification or similar guiding background
Experience operating and managing guest boat experiences
Hospitality management experience within boutique or experiential properties
Knowledge of Zululand reserves and regional tourism offerings
First Aid qualification
Experience developing and selling guest experiences
Warm and guest focused personality
Calm and professional under pressure
Hands on and operationally minded
Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills
Passionate about conservation, responsible tourism and community engagement
Strong attention to detail
Self-motivated, proactive and solutions driven
Commercially aware while maintaining a guest first mindset
Package on offer: R25 – 30K DOE
Housing, lights and water
7% company contribution to Momentum Provident Fund which is compulsory. Effective after completion of probationary period.
50% company contribution to Momentum
medical aid should you wish you join. Effective after completion of probationary period.
