The Role
Lead safe, educational walking safaris and multi-day trails in Big Five terrain; interpret the Karoo ecosystem; host luxury lodge guests; manage firearm safety, vehicles, equipment, and guest comfort; and coordinate routes with field operations, trackers, and anti-poaching teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
a premier 5-star luxury eco-tourism destination in the Little Karoo, is seeking an experienced, disciplined, and passionate Trails Guide. Famous for its massive wide-open arid landscapes and free-roaming Big 5 wildlife, Sanbona provides elite walking safaris. The successful candidate will safely lead interpretive foot safaris, track wildlife, and deliver world-class hospitality to international guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Trail Safaris: Lead safe, highly educational, and deeply engaging bush walks and multi-day primitive trails through active Big 5 terrain.
- Rifle Management: Maintain impeccable firearm safety protocols, regular cleaning schedules, and constant situational vigilance.
- Eco-Interpretation: Offer expert, insightful knowledge covering the specialized Karoo biome (fauna, flora, geology, and astronomy).
- Guest Hosting: Host luxury lodge dinners, conduct welcoming orientations, and consistently preserve guest safety and comfort.
- Asset Maintenance: Manage daily 4x4 vehicle checks, keep trail gear pristine, and proactively track environmental changes.
- Team Liaison: Partner directly with the field operations manager, tracker crews, and anti-poaching units to synchronize safe guest routes.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Qualifications: NQF2/4 (Specialist Field Guide) absolute minimum requirement.
- Trails Status: Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate is mandatory (VPDA / Advanced Trails is highly preferred).
- Firearm Compliance: Valid PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate (Business Purposes for a manually operated rifle).
- Registration: Current DEAT / NDT registration number and a valid, active Level 1 (or higher) First Aid certificate.
- Experience: Minimum 3–4 years of commercial guiding inside a Big 5 or high-end luxury reserve, with well-documented logged walking hours.
- Logistics: Valid Code 8 or Code 10 driver's license alongside a clean Public Transport PrDP endorsement.
- Compliance: Fully clean criminal record background history and valid South African citizenship or work visa.
- Soft Skills: Immaculate hosting manners, excellent storytelling abilities in English, and top-tier physical fitness levels.
Benefits
Package & Benefits
- Market-related basic salary reflecting logged trail hours and experience.
- Premium on-site live-in staff accommodation.
- All meals provided while on duty.
- Full uniform allocation, medical aid contribution, and a balanced, rotational lodge leave cycle.
Skills Required
- NQF2/4 Specialist Field Guide qualification
- Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate
- VPDA or Advanced Trails certification
- PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate for business purposes with a manually operated rifle
- Current DEAT/NDT registration number
- Valid, active Level 1 or higher First Aid certificate
- Three to four years of commercial guiding experience in a Big Five or high-end luxury reserve
- Documented logged walking hours
- Valid Code 8 or Code 10 driver’s license
- Clean Public Transport PrDP endorsement
- Clean criminal record
- Valid South African citizenship or work visa
- Excellent English storytelling and hosting skills
- Top-tier physical fitness
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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.
