Senior Guide & General Manager Couple

SUMMARY:
An intimate, conservation-led safari lodge set within a private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is looking for a capable couple to take on two connected roles: a GENERAL MANAGER and a SENIOR FIELD GUIDE.

POSITION INFO:
This is a wonderful opportunity for a pair who between them bring strong operational leadership and top-tier guiding experience to a small property where guest immersion in the wild and genuine conservation values sit at the heart of everything. Role 1 | General Manager Core Criteria: Proven senior management experience in luxury hospitality or lodge operations Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget control and revenue management Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build, mentor, and retain a team Track record of raising guest satisfaction and service standards Solid operational knowledge across Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Maintenance, and Guest Experience High emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability in a remote, fast-changing environment Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills Genuine commitment to sustainability, conservation, and community values Candidate Responsibilities: Deliver a seamless, high-touch guest journey in line with luxury hospitality standards Act as a visible host and ambassador for the lodge, building authentic guest relationships Continuously look for ways to improve and elevate service delivery Oversee daily operations across all departments Put systems in place for efficiency, cost control, and quality assurance Maintain consistency in presentation, housekeeping, and food and beverage standards Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting Optimise revenue streams and track key performance indicators Align day-to-day operations with the lodge's longer-term business goals Lead, coach, and develop the management team and wider staff Drive succession planning and staff training initiatives Build and protect a positive, stable workplace culture Oversee property maintenance and asset care Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards Uphold the lodge's conservation and sustainability principles Role 2 | Senior Guide Core Criteria: Minimum 3-5 years' experience guiding in a luxury safari lodge environment FGASA Level 2 (NQF 4) qualification FGASA Assessor\/Mentor strongly beneficial DEAT \/ NDT registration Valid First Aid certificate Valid PDP license Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) qualification Strong birding knowledge and interpretive guiding ability Proven off-road driving and vehicle management experience Clear criminal record, with all legal requirements in place Candidate Responsibilities: Conduct twice-daily game drives and\/or guided walks tailored to guest interests Deliver engaging, interpretive experiences covering the Big 5, large predators, general game, and the reserve's 400+ bird species Share knowledge on endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah, and pangolin Bring strong storytelling and interpretive skills to every guest interaction Host guests during meals and lodge activities at a luxury standard Maintain strict adherence to guest safety and guiding protocols Work closely with lodge management and the farm manager to keep daily operations running smoothly Maintain safari vehicles, equipment, and guiding standards Assist with basic lodge and farm maintenance when needed Support collaboration across departments and help uphold service standards Oversee day-to-day lodge operations and staff coordination Ensure a consistently strong guest experience across every touchpoint Act as the primary on-site host and problem solver Handle guest queries, special requests, and service recovery Supervise housekeeping, maintenance, and guiding teams Assist with basic admin, stock control, and operational reporting Maintain a calm, professional leadership presence at all times This is a live-in position