The Role
Lead and mentor the guiding and tracking team while delivering safe, exceptional Big Five game drives and bush walks. Manage daily field operations, scheduling, equipment inventories, and vehicle maintenance logs. Ensure compliance with conservation regulations and safety protocols, support reserve initiatives, and coordinate with lodge hospitality, front-of-house, and maintenance teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
Summary Generated by Built In
Nestled in the heart of a premier, malaria-free big five game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, our 5-star luxury lodge offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. We pride ourselves on delivering world-class hospitality, deeply rooted in conservation and authentic African safari experiences.
The Role:
We are seeking a highly passionate, professional, and experienced Head Guide to lead our dedicated field guiding and tracking team. As the Head Guide, you will be the driving force behind our guest wilderness experience, ensuring the highest standards of safety, hospitality, and environmental interpretation. You will manage daily field operations, mentor junior guides, and maintain strong synergy between the guiding team and lodge management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, manage, and inspire the guiding and tracking team. Conduct ongoing training, performance evaluations, and mentorship for junior guides.
- Guest Experience: Host high-profile international and local guests, conducting exceptional, informative, and safe Big Five game drives and bush walks.
- Operations Management: Oversee the daily scheduling of activities, vehicle maintenance logs, and guiding equipment inventories.
- Conservation & Safety: Ensure strict adherence to reserve regulations, environmental ethics, and safety protocols. Actively participate in reserve conservation initiatives.
- Lodge Integration: Work closely with hospitality, front of house, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless guest itineraries and host duties.
Requirements
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a qualified guide in a 5-star luxury Big Five establishment, with at least 2 years in a senior or head guiding role.
- Qualifications: NQF2 or 4
- Specialist Qualifications: Full Trails Guide certification (VPDA) - Will be a bonus
- Registrations: Valid DEAT/NDDT registration, valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), and a valid first aid certificate.
- Firearms: Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) competency.
- Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent organizational abilities.
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
- On-site accommodation and meals provided.
- Uniform allowance.
- The opportunity to work in a pristine wilderness environment with a dynamic, passionate team.
Skills Required
- Minimum five years of experience as a qualified guide in a five-star luxury Big Five establishment
- At least two years in a senior or head guiding role
- NQF2 or NQF4 qualification
- Full Trails Guide certification (VPDA)
- Valid DEAT/NDDT registration
- Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
- Valid first aid certificate
- Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) competency
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Excellent organizational abilities
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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.
