The Role
Lead safari guiding operations at a luxury eco-focused camp, including guide scheduling, team mentoring, game drives, walking safaris, guest hosting, safety oversight, equipment management, and daily logistics. The role requires strong wilderness interpretation, local ecology knowledge, leadership, communication, and hospitality skills. The successful candidate will hold full trails guide certification, first aid and rifle proficiency credentials, active DEAT/CATHSSETA registration, and a South African driver’s licence with PrDP.
Summary Generated by Built In
POSITION: HEAD GUIDE
LOCATION: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga
ABOUT THE PROPERTY:
We are an established, eco-focused safari camp located within an unfenced 3,500-hectare premier property in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Operating with a deep commitment to low environmental impact, we specialize in authentic, immersive wilderness encounters—including traditional vehicle safaris, specialized interpretive bush walks, and bushcraft demonstrations. We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced leader to manage our safari operations and elevate our guest experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Departmental Leadership: Manage and schedule guiding and tracking rosters; mentor and upskill junior field guides.
- Guest Experience: Lead exceptional game drives and walking safaris for local and international guests, ensuring a world-class interpretive experience.
- Operations & Safety: Maintain supreme standards of safety on foot and on vehicles, monitor equipment/assets, and oversee daily department logistics.
- Hosting: Act as a primary host during guest meals and evening boma gatherings, maintaining a warm and professional hospitality presence.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Qualifications: NQF2 /4 with Full Trails Guide certification.
- Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of active guiding experience in a luxury or high-end safari establishment, with previous supervisory or senior guide experience preferred.
- Certifications: Valid First Aid Certificate, Rifle Proficiency/SAPS Competency, and active DEAT/CATHSSETA registration.
- Licences: Valid South African Driver’s Licence with a current Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
- Skills: Exceptional hosting and communication skills, solid knowledge of local ecology, and a hands-on, team-oriented leadership approach.
Benefits
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS:
- Basic Salary: ± R15,500 per month (Excludes Sunday and Public Holiday pay)
- Accommodation: Fully inclusive live-in accommodation provided on-site.
- Meals: Daily meals provided directly from the camp kitchen.
- Work Cycle: 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation.
Skills Required
- NQF2 or NQF4 qualification with Full Trails Guide certification
- 3–5 years of active guiding experience in a luxury or high-end safari establishment
- Previous supervisory or senior guide experience
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Rifle Proficiency or SAPS Competency
- Active DEAT/CATHSSETA registration
- Valid South African Driver’s Licence
- Current Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
- Exceptional hosting and communication skills
- Solid knowledge of local ecology
- Hands-on, team-oriented leadership approach
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The Company
What We Do
Bushwise provides practical field-guide and conservation career training in Southern Africa, with safari-guide courses lasting from three days to 12 months and conservation training from two weeks to one year. It is the exclusive Southern African training provider for International Field Guide Association certification and standards. Founded to address the need for professional, qualified safari guides, Bushwise aims to help ethically sustain the natural environment.
