John Gamuchirai Mhlanga
Bulawayo
Summary
I am a dynamic man with vast experience in hospitality, ecotourism, property management and sustainable development. My career objective is to become a universally indispensable, professional player in the hospitality industry and sustainable tourism issues through masterly and effective implementation of integrated and innovative cutting-edge approaches. It is my wish to work with an organization that demands high international standards and continuous improvement to broaden my skills base.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lodge Manager
Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge
Matobo Hills
12.2023 - Current
- Overseeing property maintenance activities to ensure timely repairs, preventative upkeep measures, and visually appealing surroundings for guests.
- Managing budgets, inventory control, and purchasing to optimize financial performance while maintaining quality standards.
- Improving guest satisfaction by implementing personalized services and addressing customer feedback.
- Optimizing staffing levels according to seasonal fluctuations, ensuring efficient resource allocation throughout the year.
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, maintaining a secure environment for guests and staff.
Lodge Manager & Guide
Kamakara Safaris
Nyamawani Pan (Mana Pools National Park),
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Camps operations coordination and management
- Attending and contributing in ZPWMA stakeholder meetings for Mana Pools National Park & Sapi Safari Area operations
- Hosting guests and ensuring they have exceptional service experiences during their stay
- Marketing company products and facilities
- Organizing guests transport logistics
- Collecting and capturing client data and feedback on company service offerings
- Liaising leisure activities for guests
- Staff training and motivation
- Food and beverage management cost control
- Environment standards are implemented and maintained.
Project Officer
Ntengwe for Community Development
Victoria Falls
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Accountability for the overall delivery of the project on time and within set budgets
- Providing project leadership and confirming needs within areas of responsibilities
- Developing and implementing project plans with the team
- Attending and contributing in ZPWMA stakeholder meetings for Hwange District operations
- Reporting ongoing status and feedback to the Executive Director and project funder
- Managing communications, including risk management and escalation of issues that cannot be resolved in the team
- Training, awareness, and research on Human-Wildlife Coexistence in communities
- Responsible for community development activities and maintaining good relations
- Observing and Monitoring performances for efficient operations
- Working in close collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the project activities
- Supervising and mentoring interns in the organization.
Relief Lodge Manager
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
Kariba Safari Lodge & Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Oversaw property maintenance activities to ensure timely repairs, preventative upkeep measures, and visually appealing surroundings for guests.
- Improved guest satisfaction by implementing personalized services and addressing customer feedback.
Lodge Manager & Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
Mana Pools Safari Lodge
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Developing and implementing conservation and tourism policies, procedures for the operation of the organization
- Management and training of lodge staff in line with company standards
- Field guiding: hosting local and international clients on interpreted guided safaris
- Observing and Monitoring performances for efficient operations
- Effective Human Resources Management including but not limited to attendance records
- Maintaining the highest standards of services and maintenance, ensuring that style and design is not eroded
- Attending and contributing in ZPWMA stakeholder meetings for Mana Pools National Park operations
- Effective financial management through the administration of orders and stock control
- Day to Day liaison with Reservations office for bookings
- Ensuring the sustainability operations of the lodge are maintained within environmental parameters of the lodge and park at large
- Managing operations for the Food & Beverage department to ensure that all elements are planned effectively
- Daily financial bookkeeping, cash ups and reconciliations.
Lodge Manager & Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge
10.2019 - 04.2022
- Field guiding: hosting local and international guests on interpreted guided safaris
- Observing and monitoring staff performance to ensure efficient operations
- Environmental and Property Management plans formulation and Site Maintenance
- Ensuring company standards for guests' service, housekeeping and food quality are met
- Developing and implementing policies, procedures for the operation of every lodge department
- Procurement management of lodge inventory and consumables in line with company financial, quality and delivery targets
- Maintaining and managing supplier relationships and good communication
- Daily financial bookkeeping, cash ups and reconciliations.
Assistant Environmental and Wildlife Manager
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
Chengeta and Pamuzinda Safari Lodges
08.2017 - 09.2019
- Wildlife Management, (monitoring, surveys, culling, mapping, water resources management)
- Performing the Safety, Health, Quality and Environmental Management function
- Environmental management plans formulation and Site Maintenance
- Field guiding: hosting local and international guests on interpreted guided safari tours
- Responsible for Implementing Community Based Natural Resources Initiatives and Environmental Awareness Campaigns
- Fire management and Habitat development / modification issues
- Responsible for wildlife database management
- Scouting and Anti-Poaching Unit, coordination, strategies development and training.
Wildlife and Society Intern Cum Field Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
Chengeta and Pamuzinda Safari Lodges
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Wildlife Management, (monitoring, surveys, culling, mapping, water resources management)
- Performing the Safety, Health, Quality and Environmental Management function
- Environmental management plans formulation and Site Maintenance
- Field guiding: hosting local and international guests on interpreted guided safari tours
- Responsible for Implementing Community Based Natural Resources Initiatives and Environmental Awareness Campaigns
- Fire management and Habitat development / modification issues
- Responsible for wildlife database management
- Scouting and Anti-Poaching Unit, coordination, strategies development and training.
Education
Master of Science - Ecotourism
National University of Science Education
Bulawayo06.2025
No Degree - Certificate in Tour Guiding & Guest Relations Mgt
University of Zimbabwe
Harare06.2021
Customer service, Grooming, Etiquette and Food and Beverages Services -
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree in Natural Resources Management -
Bindura University of Science Education
05.2018
Skills
- Guest Relations Management
- Property Management
- Customer service-focused
- Excellent communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proactive and highly adaptable
- Excellent marketing strategies
- Strong business acumen
- Attention to details and an investigative nature
- Collaboration and Interpersonal skills
- Creative and patient
- Excellent leadership and people skills
Maritalstatus
Single
Sex
Male
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/24/95
- Nationality: Zimbabwean
References
- Travis Mark Smith, General Manager, Kamakara Safaris, +263 784 291 719, kamakarasafaris@gmail.com
- Elisabeth Markham, Executive Director, Ntengwe for Community Development, +263 773 503 217, elisabeth.markham@ntengwe-dev.net
- Phil Dobinson, Managing Director, Zambezi Cruises and Safaris, +263 772 568 964, phil@zambezicruisesafaris.com
- Dollar Karingiramambo, Head Guide, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris, +263 774 663 910, guide@zambezicruisesafaris.com
- Dr Monica Mbiba, Former Lecturer, Bindura University of Science Education, +254 768 475 447, mambiba@gmail.com
Timeline
Lodge Manager
Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge
12.2023 - Current
Lodge Manager & Guide
Kamakara Safaris
04.2023 - 11.2023
Project Officer
Ntengwe for Community Development
12.2022 - 03.2023
Relief Lodge Manager
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
05.2022 - 12.2022
Lodge Manager & Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
05.2022 - 12.2022
Lodge Manager & Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
10.2019 - 04.2022
Assistant Environmental and Wildlife Manager
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
08.2017 - 09.2019
Wildlife and Society Intern Cum Field Guide
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris
08.2016 - 07.2017
Master of Science - Ecotourism
National University of Science Education
No Degree - Certificate in Tour Guiding & Guest Relations Mgt
University of Zimbabwe
Customer service, Grooming, Etiquette and Food and Beverages Services -
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree in Natural Resources Management -
Bindura University of Science Education