Camp Manager- "Chef Experience"
First seen by Alion on Oct 31, 2026.
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