Head Chef – Luxury Safari Lodge – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

Introduction

Head Chef – Luxury Safari Lodge – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

A rare opportunity for an experienced and creative Head Chef to join a luxury safari lodge located in the heart of the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. Our client is seeking a culinary professional with strong leadership skills, a passion for refined bush cuisine, and the ability to deliver an exceptional dining experience in a remote, high-end lodge environment.

Description

Our client, a well-established luxury safari lodge, is looking for a Head Chef to oversee all aspects of the kitchen. The successful candidate will lead a small team, plan innovative and seasonal menus, maintain high hygiene standards, and manage kitchen operations, including stock control and cost management.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who thrives in nature, enjoys personalising guest experiences through food, and is committed to excellence. The lodge caters to discerning guests, and the culinary offering is an integral part of the overall experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead the kitchen team
• Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus
• Maintain consistently high food quality and presentation
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
• Manage food costing, stock levels, and kitchen budgeting
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff
• Collaborate with lodge management to meet guest expectations

Salary: R20,000 – R25,000 per month (live-in, depending on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Accommodation: Live-in, provided

If you’re a skilled chef with a flair for bush fine dining and ready for your next culinary adventure, we’d love to hear from you.

Profile

• Formal culinary qualification
• 3–5 years’ experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury lodge or boutique hospitality setting
• Strong leadership and kitchen management skills
• Passion for local ingredients and fine bush cuisine
• Excellent understanding of kitchen hygiene, safety, and food cost control
• Willingness to live and work in a remote bush environment
• Valid driver’s license advantageous

We offer

Live-in