The Role
Leads safari guiding operations for a luxury lodge, including game drives, bush walks, guest experiences, guide development, rosters, conservation monitoring, vehicle and equipment oversight, safety compliance, and operational reporting. The role requires extensive luxury safari guiding experience, strong wildlife and ecology knowledge, leadership ability, guest-service excellence, and South African guiding, driving, firearms, first-aid, and regulatory credentials.
Summary Generated by Built In
WE ARE HIRING: HEAD GUIDE
Are you an elite safari professional with a passion for wilderness conservation and five-star hospitality? The Lodge is seeking a visionary Head Guide to lead our guiding department. In this role, you will inspire a team of professional guides, manage world-class safari operations, and deliver unforgettable, bespoke wilderness experiences to international luxury travellers.
Safari Operations & Guest Experience
- Lead daily game drives, bush walks, and specialized safari activities.
- Design tailored safari tracks based on wildlife movements and guest preferences.
- Host international guests, delivering deeply informative wildlife interpretation.
- Maintain five-star hospitality standards during all guest interactions.
- Resolve guest concerns quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
Leadership & Team Management
- Mentor, coach, and develop the guiding and tracking team.
- Manage guide rosters, daily activity allocations, and performance reviews.
- Oversee recruitment and onboarding for all new guiding staff.
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships across all lodge departments.
Conservation & Asset Management
- Record and log accurate wildlife sightings and animal behavior data.
- Support reserve conservation initiatives and environmental monitoring.
- Oversee the maintenance, safety, and daily inspection of the safari vehicle fleet.
- Manage field equipment including radios, spotlights, and first-aid kits.
Compliance & Administration
- Enforce strict adherence to reserve rules and environmental regulations.
- Conduct mandatory safety briefings before every field activity.
- Complete daily operational reports, vehicle logbooks, and incident logs.
Requirements
- Education: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
- Qualifications: NQF4 + Full Trails Guide status.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of guiding experience within a five-star luxury safari lodge environment.
- Licences: Valid SA Driver’s Licence + Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
- Certifications: Valid ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling), Rifle Competency, and current First Aid Certificate.
- Registration: Valid DEAT/NDT registration.
Skills & Attributes
- Expert Knowledge: Deep understanding of South African ecology, animal behavior, birding, and flora.
- Luxury Mindset: Proven track record of hosting high-net-worth international clients and families.
- Risk Management: Strong grasp of field safety procedures and health and safety legislation.
- Communication: Exceptional English verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
- What We Offer
- R 40 000.00
- Live-in accommodation and meals provided.
- Uniform allowance.
- An inspiring working environment dedicated to conservation
- R 40 000.00
Skills Required
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- NQF4 qualification
- Full Trails Guide status
- Minimum 5 years of guiding experience in a five-star luxury safari lodge environment
- Valid South African driver's licence
- Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
- Valid Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) certification
- Rifle Competency certification
- Current First Aid Certificate
- Valid DEAT/NDT registration
- Expert knowledge of South African ecology, animal behavior, birding, and flora
- Experience hosting high-net-worth international clients and families
- Knowledge of field safety procedures and health and safety legislation
- Exceptional English verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Bushwise is a Southern African training provider specializing in practical safari-guide and conservation education. It offers hands-on field-guide courses and practical conservation training, with programs aligned to professional certification and standards. Its courses prepare students for careers in guiding and conservation through immersive bushveld learning and experienced instruction, supporting ethical participation in safari, environmental, and wildlife stewardship sectors.
