The Role
Lead the guiding and tracking team at a luxury Big Five safari lodge. Deliver safe, exceptional game drives and bush walks, host guests, mentor junior guides, manage daily field operations, maintain equipment and vehicle records, enforce conservation and safety standards, and coordinate with lodge teams to ensure 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 of experience 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
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 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.
