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Life at Matobo

Why People Stay

Working here is different. It's not for everyone — and that's the point. Here's what makes it worth it.

Direct Impact

No middle management. You report to the owner, your ideas get heard, and you'll see the results of your work the same day.

International Guests

You'll work with travellers from around the world — building genuine connections and learning from every interaction.

An Extraordinary Setting

Your daily commute is a walk through a national park. Rhinos, eagles, ancient rock art, and sunsets that never get old.

"

The bush teaches you things a hotel school never will. You learn to improvise, to solve problems with what you've got, and to see that hospitality isn't about luxury — it's about how you make people feel.

Team Member · Matobo Hills Lodge

Current Vacancies

All positions are live-in at Matobo Hills Lodge, Zimbabwe

Couples Welcome

Several roles are open to couples. If your partner has relevant hospitality, guiding, or maintenance skills, we can accommodate both of you on-site. Mention this in your cover note and we'll discuss options.

Now InterviewingCouples Welcome

Head Chef

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: ASAPReports to: Managing Director

You'll run the kitchen day-to-day — managing your team, controlling costs, and delivering consistently excellent food to international guests in one of the most beautiful settings in southern Africa. Menus are set by the managing director, but there's real scope to bring your creativity to seasonal variations and daily execution.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the kitchen team and manage all food production
  • Execute set menus to a high standard, with scope to contribute ideas and seasonal variations
  • Manage food costs, stock control, and supplier relationships
  • Handle dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, halal, kosher) with precision
  • Train and develop junior kitchen staff
  • Maintain food safety and hygiene standards
  • Coordinate with front-of-house to deliver seamless dining experiences

What We Offer

USD $600 – $700 /month
Based on experience
On-site accommodation
All meals included
Work in a UNESCO World Heritage national park

What We're Looking For

  • Proven experience running a kitchen (head chef, sous chef, or equivalent)
  • Creative with limited or seasonal ingredients — no Woolworths down the road
  • Strong on food cost control and stock management
  • Calm and decisive under pressure during busy service
  • Genuinely cares about food safety — not just ticking boxes
  • Comfortable with remote bush living

How to Apply

Applying takes two steps:

1
Email your CV and a short cover note to hr@matoposhillslodge.com
2
Complete the online kitchen assessment (35–50 minutes)
Start Kitchen Assessment

Both steps are required. Applications without a completed assessment will not be shortlisted.

Now Interviewing

Stores Clerk

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: ASAPReports to: Operations Manager

You're the person who makes sure nothing runs out and nothing goes missing. The kitchen, bar, housekeeping, and maintenance all depend on you. If you're the kind of person who notices when something is in the wrong place, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

  • Receive, check, and record all deliveries against orders
  • Manage stock levels across kitchen, bar, housekeeping, and maintenance stores
  • Issue stock to departments and maintain accurate records
  • Conduct regular stock counts and flag discrepancies
  • Coordinate with the kitchen on food orders and with management on procurement
  • Maintain proper storage — FIFO rotation, temperature monitoring, cleanliness
  • Track expiry dates and minimise waste

What We Offer

USD $200 – $280 /month
Based on experience
On-site accommodation
All meals included

What We're Looking For

  • Experience in stores, stock control, or inventory management
  • Honest, trustworthy, and detail-oriented — you'll have access to all lodge supplies
  • Comfortable with basic paperwork and record-keeping
  • Basic numeracy — you'll be counting, converting, and reconciling daily
  • Organised and methodical
  • Comfortable with remote bush living

How to Apply

Applying takes two steps:

1
Email your CV and a short cover note to hr@matoposhillslodge.com
2
Complete the online stores assessment (15–20 minutes)
Start Stores Assessment

Both steps are required. Applications without a completed assessment will not be shortlisted.

Now Interviewing

Waiter / Food & Beverage Staff

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: ASAPReports to: Operations Manager

You're the person our guests spend the most time with. You're not just carrying plates — you're creating the atmosphere. At a small lodge, the waiter who remembers a guest's favourite drink or notices they need a refill before they ask is the difference between a good stay and an unforgettable one.

What You'll Do

  • Serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and multi-course dinners
  • Set up and break down the dining room, bar, and bush dinner locations
  • Take and communicate drink orders, serve wine with confidence
  • Communicate guest dietary needs clearly to the kitchen
  • Maintain a clean, well-stocked bar
  • Assist with guest activities, sundowners, and special events

What We Offer

USD $180 – $280 /month
Based on experience. Tips from international guests are common.
On-site accommodation
All meals included

What We're Looking For

  • Previous restaurant, hotel, or lodge experience preferred — but attitude matters more than CV
  • Excellent English communication — you'll be serving international guests daily
  • Warm, attentive, and genuinely enjoys making people feel welcome
  • Basic wine and beverage knowledge (or willingness to learn quickly)
  • Can stay calm and professional when service gets busy
  • Comfortable with remote bush living

How to Apply

Applying takes two steps:

1
Email your CV and a short cover note to hr@matoposhillslodge.com
2
Complete the online service assessment (15–20 minutes)
Start Service Assessment

Both steps are required. Applications without a completed assessment will not be shortlisted.

Hiring

Safari Guide

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: Flexible

What You'll Do

  • Lead walking safaris and rhino tracking experiences
  • Conduct game drives and bird watching outings
  • Share knowledge of Matobo's geology, history, and rock art
  • Ensure guest safety at all times
  • Create memorable, authentic safari experiences

What We Offer

USD $180 – $400 /month
Junior to Head Guide, based on experience and qualifications
On-site accommodation
All meals included

What We're Looking For

  • FGASA or ZimParks guiding qualification (preferred but will train the right person)
  • Passion for wildlife and conservation
  • Excellent communication skills with international guests
  • Knowledge of Matobo Hills an advantage
  • Fit for walking safaris

How to Apply

Please include your CV, copies of guiding qualifications (if any), and a short cover note.

HiringCouples Welcome

Head Housekeeper

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: Flexible

What You'll Do

  • Lead and supervise the housekeeping team
  • Ensure all 17 chalets meet 5-star standards
  • Manage laundry operations
  • Control housekeeping supplies and stock
  • Train and develop housekeeping staff
  • Coordinate with reception on arrivals and departures

What We Offer

USD $400 – $500 /month
Based on experience
On-site accommodation
All meals included

What We're Looking For

  • Experience supervising a housekeeping team
  • High standards and attention to detail
  • Good at training and managing people
  • Organised and reliable
  • Hotel or lodge experience preferred

How to Apply

Please include your CV and a short cover note.

HiringCouples Welcome

Head of Maintenance

Matobo Hills Lodge (live-in)Start: Flexible

What You'll Do

  • Manage all lodge maintenance and repairs
  • Oversee solar power systems, water, and plumbing
  • Lead and supervise maintenance team
  • Preventative maintenance scheduling
  • Manage grounds and facilities upkeep
  • Coordinate with suppliers and contractors

What We Offer

USD $280 – $350 /month
Based on experience
On-site accommodation
All meals included

What We're Looking For

  • Hands-on experience with plumbing, electrical, and general repairs
  • Solar power system knowledge an advantage
  • Problem-solver who can fix things with limited resources
  • Organised and proactive
  • Comfortable with remote bush living

How to Apply

Please include your CV and a short cover note.

Common Questions

Everything you should know before applying

The lodge is inside Matobo National Park, about 40 minutes from the nearest town. You'll live on-site in staff accommodation with meals provided. There's Wi-Fi (satellite), electricity via solar, and a staff vehicle does town runs regularly. It's beautiful and peaceful — but if you need city life, this isn't the role for you.

If you're applying with a partner who also has relevant skills, we can often accommodate you both. You'd share staff housing and each hold your own role. Mention it in your cover note.

Staff work on a roster system with regular days off each week, plus annual leave per Zimbabwean labour law. The lodge operates year-round, so time off is staggered.

Yes. We welcome international applications, particularly for senior roles. Work permits and visa support will be discussed during the interview process.

The assessments help us understand how you think through real scenarios. They're practical, not academic — a preview of the decisions you'd make on the job. It also shows us you're serious.

Don't see the right role?

Register Your Interest

We're always looking for talented people. Tell us about yourself and we'll keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Upload your CV to Google Drive or Dropbox and paste the sharing link here

Required Question

"Describe a time you noticed something was wrong at work before anyone told you, and what you did about it. Be specific."

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We'll review your details and reach out if a suitable role opens up.

Thanks for your interest!

We've received your details and will keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Questions?

Get in touch at hr@matoposhillslodge.com or WhatsApp us