Mokolodi Nature Reserve is seeking a dedicated and customer-focused Reservations Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing reservations, ensuring excellent guest service, maintaining accurate booking records, and supporting financial administration related to reservations.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Manage accommodation, tour and activity bookings
- Respond professionally to guest enquiries via telephone, email and other channels
- Provide accurate information on rates, packages, facilities and services
- Prepare confirmations, invoices and receipts and maintain accurate booking records
- Process payments and assist with reservation-related financial record keeping
- Coordinate with operations and hospitality teams to ensure seamless guest experiences
Requirements
- Diploma in Tourism Management or a related field
- Certificate in Bookkeeping
- 2-5 years relevant experience in reservations, hospitality, tourism or customer service
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Strong numerical, administrative and organisational skills
- Excellent communication, customer service and attention to detail
How to Apply
Apply by email: vacancy@mokolodi.co.bw
About the Company
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private not-for-profit game reserve in southern Botswana. Founded in 1994 by The Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation, it is situated on 30 square kilometres (12 sq mi) of donated land, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of the capital Gaborone. The nature reserve is inhabited by a wide variety of indigenous African game, bird and reptile species, some of which are rare and vulnerable to the threat of extinction. The southern white rhinoceros herd at Mokolodi Nature Reserve is part of a national breeding programme, which contributes to the rebuilding of the national herd in Botswana.
Website: https://mokolodi.co.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Reservations Officer role at Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
A minimum of a Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) is usually required, with preference given to candidates holding a diploma or certificate in tourism, hospitality, or business administration from a Botswana-based institution like BOCODOL or UB. Relevant short courses in reservation systems (e.g., Opera or similar), customer service, or basic accounting from local training providers such as the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) or private hospitality academies are also valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Reservations Officer at a nature reserve like Mokolodi?
Daily tasks include managing incoming bookings via phone, email, and walk-ins; updating occupancy records on reservation software; coordinating with lodge staff and tour operators; and preparing daily reports for management. You’ll also handle guest inquiries about rates, availability, conservation rules, and nearby attractions — often requiring knowledge of local wildlife, park regulations, and basic Setswana for community interactions.
How does workplace culture in Botswana’s hospitality sector influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and strong interpersonal skills are highly valued, with supervisors often addressed formally and team decisions made collaboratively after consultation. In rural or semi-rural settings like Mokolodi, flexibility and willingness to assist across departments — such as guiding or front desk — are expected, reflecting Botswana’s communal work ethic (botho).
What career progression opportunities exist for a Reservations Officer in Botswana’s nature-based tourism sector?
With experience and further training, officers commonly progress to Senior Reservations Officer, Front Office Manager, or Operations Coordinator roles within larger reserves or lodges. Some pursue certification through the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) or cross-train in ecotourism guiding, opening pathways to supervisory or training positions — especially with support from employers participating in national skills development initiatives.
What standard employment benefits can I expect in this role, and how do they align with Botswana labour law?
Employers must comply with the Botswana Employment Act, providing at least 24 days of paid annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave as stipulated. Medical aid and pension contributions are common but not mandatory; many reputable reserves offer group medical schemes through local providers like Medshield Botswana and voluntary pension plans registered with the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA).
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are typically submitted via email or in person with a CV, certified copies of certificates, and a cover letter highlighting experience with reservation systems and knowledge of Botswana’s tourism landscape. Employers prioritise reliability, communication skills in English and Setswana, familiarity with local conservation ethics, and evidence of prior work in tourism or customer-facing roles — especially those involving rural or community-based operations.