Camp Manager- \"Chef Experience\"

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

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Discount on Meals

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking a Camp Manager with Chef Experience to oversee daily lodge operations while designing and plating exceptional meals. The role combines guest hosting, front-of-house management, and hands-on culinary leadership in a remote bush lodge near Musina, Limpopo.

You will lead a small local team, maintain four-star standards, and ensure eco-friendly practices, with live-in accommodation and meals discounted as part of the package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years hospitality experience in a dual Camp Manager/Head Chef type role.
• Formal culinary arts degree or diploma is highly advantageous; hospitality mgmt qualification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute creative menus showcasing local South African flavours with a modern twist.
• Personally handle cooking and plating with attention to dietary needs and presentation.
• Serve as primary host: greet guests, conduct lodge orientations, manage check-ins/outs, ensure guest comfort.
• Oversee daily lodge operations: front-of-house, bar, housekeeping, and maintenance coordination.
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen and housekeeping staff; manage daily admin and guest billing.

Skills

Guest hosting

Culinary preparation

Menu design

Staff leadership

Front-of-house management

Budgeting/stock control

Education

Culinary arts degree or diploma

Hospitality management qualification (plus)

Job description

Messina, South Africa | Posted on 08/25/2026

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.

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