View more
2 days ago
The Waiter/Waitress is primarily responsible to provide fast, efficient and polite food and beverage service to the satisfaction of the guest in accordance with lodge’s standards and procedures.
Job Summary
- Employer: CHobe Game Lodge
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-10-04
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare all food and beverage outlets, including all necessary mise-n-place. Serve guests in a professional, efficient and courteous manner.
- Clean F and B outlets and keep high standard of hygiene.
- Change table linen (placemats/serviettes) as required and ensure dirty or damaged linen is counted and exchanged for clean usable ones.
- Must have a thorough knowledge of all the Restaurant Menus, Beverage and Wine List.
- Must notify Food and Beverage supervisor immediately of any guest complaints and take corrective action where possible.
- Must liaise with the F and B supervisor regarding any special items available or any possible items that may be out of stock.
- Attend pre-service briefings. Ensure that mealtimes are taken at prescribed times. Double check orders before placing them.
- Control loss, abuse and breakage of operating equipment and ensure all equipment is correctly handled and stored. Report any breakages to the supervisor or follow breakage procedure in place.
- Circulate regularly throughout the dining area, maintaining a high profile with guests, ensuring that guests do not wait for service.
- Ensure that all side stations storerooms are correctly stocked and always clean. Maintain effective communication with guests/team members and management.
Requirements
- Formal qualifications in Hospitality and Tourism, Hotel Management i.e. a Certificate, Diploma, Degree or an equivalent qualification.
- At least 3 to 5 years’ work-experience in a 4- or 5-star hospitality environment, internationally and nationally.
- Active listening skills, good memory, sales skills, training skills, ability to multi-task, Operational knowledge, decision making, strong organisational and planning, Problem solving skills, good customer service skills, strong communication and people’s skills, ability to work under pressure and pay attention to details.
- Be fully computer literate – good working knowledge of the Microsoft Productivity Tools, inter alia Outlook, Word, Excel and Planner, Ulti-sales and pastel.
How to Apply
Apply by email: info@chobegamelodge.com
About the Company
Chobe Game Lodge operates within Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. Established in 1972, it holds distinction as the country's first permanent safari lodge and remains the only property located inside the park boundaries. The lodge employs an all-female guiding team, a notable initiative in Botswana's male-dominated safari industry. It offers game drives and boat safaris focused on the region's substantial elephant population, alongside lion, leopard, and buffalo sightings. The property is managed by Desert & Delta Safaris, a Botswana-based hospitality group, and maintains eco-certification through its solar power systems and water treatment facilities.
Botswana's first eco-lodge, pioneering sustainable safari experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a waiter/waitress at a lodge in Botswana?
Most lodges require a minimum of BGCSE or equivalent, though some accept Form 3 with relevant experience. A certificate in Food and Beverage Service from institutions like Botswana College of Agriculture or local hospitality training centers strengthens your application. First aid certification and a valid driver's license are often preferred in remote lodge locations.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a waiter/waitress at a game lodge?
You will set up dining areas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, take orders from local and international guests, and serve food and beverages with attention to presentation standards. Additional duties include clearing tables, restocking service stations, and sometimes assisting with bush dinners or sundowner setups. You may also help with room service and special dietary requests from guests.
What is the work culture like at Botswana lodges, and what expectations should I be prepared for?
Lodge work demands flexibility, as you often work split shifts including early mornings and late evenings when guests dine. Employers expect punctuality, immaculate personal presentation, and respectful communication with diverse international guests. Living on-site in staff quarters is common, requiring adaptability to remote locations and extended time away from family.
What career progression opportunities exist for waiters/waitresses in Botswana's hospitality sector?
With experience, you can advance to Head Waiter, Restaurant Supervisor, or Food and Beverage Manager within the lodge or hotel group. Some professionals transition to training roles or move into lodge management positions after gaining additional qualifications. The growing tourism sector in Botswana also creates opportunities to join international hotel chains or open independent establishments.
What benefits are typically offered to hospitality staff in Botswana lodges?
Most established lodges provide accommodation and meals during your work rotation, as well as transport to and from the nearest town. Benefits vary by employer but may include medical aid contributions, pension schemes through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private arrangements, and annual leave typically ranging from 15 to 21 days. Gratuities from guests can supplement base income significantly in upscale properties.
How do I apply for waiter/waitress positions at lodges like Chobe Game Lodge, and what do employers look for?
Submit your CV and cover letter directly to lodge human resources departments or through Botswana tourism job portals and recruitment agencies like CEDA or local hospitality networks. Employers prioritize candidates with prior customer service experience, fluency in English and Setswana, and demonstrated reliability through references. A professional photograph and evidence of any hospitality training strengthen your application considerably.
