Camp Manager- \"Chef Experience\"

Bushwise; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals discount

Job summary

Bushwise invites applications for a Camp Manager / Chef Experience at our luxury lodge near Musina, Limpopo. This live‑in role blends high‑end guest relations with hands‑on kitchen leadership, overseeing daily front‑of‑house, housekeeping, and hosting duties while crafting memorable meals.

You will lead a small local team, maintain four‑star standards, and ensure eco‑friendly practices. A culinary arts degree and hospitality experience are highly valued, with a driver’s licence required and bold

Qualifications

• Formal culinary arts degree/diploma is highly advantageous.
• Hospitality management qualification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Menu design and high-quality meal preparation with dietary accommodation.
• Oversee guest relations, check-ins/outs, and lodge hosting duties.
• Lead kitchen and housekeeping staff; foster a positive, efficient work environment.
• Handle daily administration, guest billing, and communications with reservations.

Skills

Culinary skills

Guest hosting

Front-of-house management

Budgeting & stock control

Team leadership

Driver's licence

Education

Culinary arts degree/diploma

Hospitality management qualification

Job description

Job Description

a luxury four-star lodge located near Musina , Limpopo, is seeking a versatile, high-energy, and hands‑on Camp Manager with Chef Experience to oversee daily lodge operations and elevate our guest culinary journey.

This live‑in role is ideal for a hospitality professional who excels at both high‑level guest relations and intimate, top‑tier culinary preparation.

Position Overview

The Camp Manager / Chef Experience is responsible for creating a seamless, warm, and unforgettable stay for our international and local guests. You will split your expertise between managing the daily front‑of‑house, housekeeping, and hosting duties, and personally designing, prepping, and plating exceptional, high‑quality meals. You will lead a small, dedicated local team, ensuring the lodge maintains its four‑star standards, high ratings, and eco‑friendly practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culinary & Kitchen Management (\"Chef Experience\")

• Menu Design: Plan and execute creative, high‑quality menus that showcase local South African flavours with a modern, international twist (boma dinners, bush breakfasts, and plated dinners).
• Food Preparation: Personally handle the cooking and plating of meals, ensuring exceptional presentation, taste, and dietary accommodation (vegan, gluten‑free, etc.). If and when Required.

2. Camp Management & Guest Hosting

• Guest Relations: Act as the primary host, welcoming guests upon arrival, conducting lodge orientations, managing check‑ins/check‑outs, and looking after guest comfort throughout their stay.
• Daily Operations: Oversee the daily upkeep of the lodge, including front‑of‑house, bar management, house‑keeping standards, and basic maintenance coordination.
• Staff Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate the kitchen and housekeeping staff, fostering a positive and efficient working environment.
• Administration: Handle basic daily administration, guest billing, cash ups, and clear communication with the reserve management and reservations team.

Requirements

• Requirements & Qualifications
  • Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of hospitality experience in a similar dual role (Assistant Camp Manager, Hosting Chef, or Head Chef with strong front‑of‑house experience) within a 4 or 5‑star safari lodge environment.
  • Qualifications: Formal culinary arts degree or diploma from a recognised institution is highly advantageous. A hospitality management qualification is a plus.
  • Skills: Exceptional cooking skills across diverse cuisines, strong financial literacy (stock control/budgeting), and natural, charismatic guest hosting abilities.
  • Licences: Valid South African driver's licence is essential.
  • Attributes: Resilient, flexible, and fully adapted to the remote bush lifestyle. Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on \"lead by example\" work ethic.

Benefits

Job Title: Camp Manager / Chef Experience

Salary Range: R15,000 – R25,000 per month (Negotiable based on experience)

Benefits: Live‑in accommodation, Discount on Meals- Meals not included