Job Summary Country Inn based close to Mkuze is looking for an experienced, passionate and highly organised Safari & Experiences Manager to lead and grow the property’s safari and experiential offering. This role is responsible for overseeing all safari, boat and guest experience operations; ensuring exceptional guest experiences; maintaining high operational and safety standards; managing safari assets and guides; and developing authentic experiences aligned with the brand. The role also plays an important part in supporting the property’s sustainability, conservation and community initiatives. This is not purely a guiding role – it is a senior operational leadership position forming part of the hotel management team. Responsibilities Guest Experience & Service Excellence:Ensure consistently exceptional safari and guest experiences across all activitiesMaintain high standards of guiding, hosting, storytelling and guest engagementCoordinate personalised experiences for all guests, working closely with the Concierge to ensure seamless itineraries and activity schedulingMonitor guest feedback and implement improvements where requiredHandle guest concerns and service recovery related to safari and activity experiences Safari & Activity Operations:Oversee the daily operation of all safaris and guest activities including:  • Game Drives  • Boat Cruises  • Scenic Drives  • Cultural Experiences  • Guided Experiences  • Outsourced ActivitiesManage guide schedules and operational planningEnsure effective communication and coordination between departmentsMonitor safari profitability, utilisation and operational costsEnsure all permits, licences and compliance requirements are maintainedSupport the continued growth and development of the hotel’s experience offering Boat & Fleet Management:Oversee the operation, presentation and maintenance of safari vehicles and boatsEnsure all safari and marine operations meet safety and operational standardsEnsure preventative maintenance schedules are implementedMonitor vehicle and boat condition, fuel usage, servicing and operational readinessEnsure safari equipment and guest amenities are professionally maintained and presented Team Leadership & Training:Lead, mentor and develop the safari and experiences teamFoster a positive, professional and guest‑focused team cultureConduct regular training focused on:  • Guiding Standards  • Hospitality Service  • Guest Engagement  • Storytelling /  • Safety Procedures  • Conservation KnowledgeManage staffing schedules, leave planning and operational staffing requirements Experience Development & Innovation:Identify opportunities to expand and improve the reserves experience offeringDevelop authentic experiences aligned with the property’s positioning and location within ZululandExplore opportunities for:  • Conservation based experiences  • Wellness & Nature experiences  • Family experiences  • Birding & Photography experiences  • Cultural & Community experiences  • Premium & Private Safari offeringsCollaborate with marketing on experience content, photography opportunities and promotional initiatives Community, Sustainability & Conservation:Support and coordinate sustainability and Fair‑Trade Tourism commitmentsAssist in managing the hotel’s community and conservation initiativesSupport and coordinate community upliftment projects with a focus on early childhood development initiativesBuild and maintain positive relationships with local schools, community leaders and project partnersCoordinate meaningful and respectful guest interactions with community projects where appropriateEnsure safari and experience operations are environmentally responsible and aligned with conservation principlesAssist with sustainability reporting, Fair Trade Tourism compliance and related initiativesPromote responsible tourism practices throughout the safari and experience division Reserve & Conservation Partner Relations:Build and maintain strong working relationships with:  • Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife  • Isimangaliso Wetland Park  • Local reserve management teams  • Conservation stakeholders  • Tourism Partners & Local CommunitiesRepresent the property professionally within the regional tourism and conservation industryCoordinate reserve access, permits and operational relationshipsIdentify partnership opportunities that strengthen the guest experience and positioning of the propertyMaintain awareness of regional tourism and conservation developments impacting safari operations Health, Safety & Compliance:Ensure all safari and guest activity operations comply with safety regulations and company standardsConduct regular safety checks and risk assessmentsMaintain emergency procedures and incident reporting protocolsEnsure guest and staff safety at all times Reporting & Administration:Prepare operational reports and departmental updates for managementAssist with forecasting, budgeting and planning for safari operations and fleet requirementsMonitor activity participation trends and identify opportunities for improvementEnsure accurate operational administration and record keeping Qualifications Previous experience managing safari, lodge or experiential tourism operationsStrong leadership and team management skillsExcellent organisational and communication abilitiesPassion for hospitality, conservation and guest experienceExperience managing safari vehicles and operational assetsStrong problem solving and decision‑making skillsValid driver’s licence with PDPAbility to work flexible hours including weekends and public holidaysValid skipper’s licence and boating experienceFGASA qualification or similar guiding backgroundExperience operating and managing guest boat experiencesHospitality management experience within boutique or experiential propertiesKnowledge of Zululand reserves and regional tourism offeringsFirst Aid qualification /  • Experience developing and selling guest experiences /  • Warm and guest focused personality /  • Calm and professional under pressure /  • Hands on and operationally minded /  • Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills /  • Passionate about conservation, responsible tourism and community engagement /  • Strong attention to detail /  • Self‑motivated; proactive and solutions driven /  • Commercially aware while maintaining a guest first mindset Package on Offer R25 – 30K DOEHousing; lights and water7% company contribution to Momentum Provident Fund (compulsory; effective after completion of probationary period)50% company contribution to Momentum medical aid (effective after completion of probationary period) #J-18808-Ljbffr