Overview
Reservations Manager Jobs in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, South Africa at Kruger Gate Hotel
Title: Reservations Manager
Company: Kruger Gate Hotel
Location: Skukuza, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Company Description Kruger Gate Hotel offers a world-class Big 5 Kruger safari experience combined with a luxury, lodge-style 4-star hotel stay characterized by modern comforts, upscale dining, and warm South African hospitality. The hotel serves international and local guests, including individuals, couples, families, and groups seeking an authentic safari alongside premium accommodation. Located less than a minute’s drive from the Paul Kruger Gate, the property provides quick access to the game-rich southern region of Kruger National Park and a range of guided open-vehicle safaris, including morning, full-day, afternoon, and night drives. Set in picturesque woodland on the banks of the Sabie River, the hotel offers tranquil views into Kruger, luxury rooms with modern amenities, a scenic Pool Bar & Viewing Deck, fireside dining at the Lapa Restaurant, private dining options, and an African-inspired spa.
Role Description The Reservations Manager is a full-time, on-site role based at Kruger Gate Hotel in Skukuza. This role is responsible for overseeing all reservation activities, including managing room and package bookings, maintaining accurate availability and rate information, and ensuring seamless coordination with front office, sales, and operations teams. Day-to-day tasks include handling reservation enquiries via phone, email, and online platforms; confirming and modifying bookings; optimizing occupancy and revenue; and monitoring reservation systems to minimize errors and overbookings. The Reservations Manager will provide exceptional customer service, address guest queries and special requests, prepare reservation reports and forecasts, and support the development and implementation of reservation policies and procedures. The role also involves mentoring and training reservations staff, maintaining high service standards, and collaborating with sales and marketing to support promotional campaigns and group bookings.
Qualifications
- Strong reservations and booking management skills, including experience with hotel or lodge reservation systems and channel managers.
- Excellent customer service and guest relations skills with a focus on responsiveness, professionalism, and problem-solving.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact confidently with guests, teams, and external partners.
- Sales and upselling abilities, including experience supporting rate strategies, promotions, and converting enquiries into confirmed bookings.
- Training and team leadership skills to support onboarding, coaching, and performance development of reservations staff.
- Relevant experience in hospitality, preferably in a hotel or safari lodge environment; prior reservations or front office management experience is highly beneficial.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with MS Office and hotel PMS tools.
- Ability to work on-site in Skukuza, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Formal qualification in
