South Africa: General Manager – Luxury Safari Lodge posted by Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment

About the Role

Our client, a renowned East African hospitality group, invites an exceptional General Manager to lead their luxury safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park region, Uganda. The successful candidate will oversee all lodge operations, drive sustainability initiatives, and deliver top-tier safari experiences while preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of this extraordinary location.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and streamline daily operations, ensuring seamless coordination across front desk, F&B, housekeeping, maintenance, and guiding teams.
• Develop operational strategies and long-term business plans to enhance profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Uphold exceptional service standards, managing guest expectations from arrival to departure.
• Address guest feedback proactively, ensuring seamless resolution and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, and mentor staff to foster high-performance, customer-focused service.
• Conduct performance reviews, schedule management, and enforce disciplinary procedures as needed.
• Prepare and manage budgets, financial reporting, and cost-control measures to drive profitability.
• Oversee inventory management, including F&B and operational supplies.
• Ensure the upkeep of all facilities, including guest rooms, public areas, and outdoor space, to the highest luxury and safety standards.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules and swiftly address any operational disruptions.
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities and conservation bodies.
• Integrate sustainable practices into lodge operations, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems.
• Collaborate on marketing and branding efforts to drive occupancy and build international visibility.
• Use revenue management strategies to optimize pricing, bookings, and RevPAR.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years in a senior operational or General Manager role within luxury safari lodges or remote hospitality environments.
• Education: A degree or diploma in Hospitality, Hotel Management, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational capabilities.
• Deep understanding of guest services and luxury safari operations.
• Financial savvy, including budgeting, P&L, and cost control expertise.
• Familiarity with standard tourism systems (PMS, reservations software).
• Desirable: Fluency in English; knowledge of local or regional languages is an advantage. Experience with sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive compensation package paid in US$ nett, including on-site accommodation, meals, and benefits. Annual Gratuity bonus, full payment of NSSF contributions covered by the company, cost of all visas and work permits covered by the company, annual leave, annual return Air tickets to point of origin congruent to leave cycle.

Application Process

Submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience in safari or luxury lodge operations, highlighting particularly your leadership, financial achievements, and community or conservation initiatives. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews as soon as profile alignment is confirmed.