76 Senior Guide jobs in South Africa

• Minimum of 2 years' experience as a field guide.
• All Guiding documentation (First Aid, FGASA, NDT, PDP, ARH, etc) must be fully up to date and valid.
• Possession of a valid drivers license & PDP is essential.
• Passion for the outdoors and client satisfaction.
• Commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
• Must be well-presented and well-spoken.

• Salary market-related, DOE.
• Private en-suite accommodation.
• Meals on duty and uniform included.
• Work cycle: 3 weeks on, 1 week off.

• Minimum 5 years guiding experience, including walking safaris in dangerous game areas
• Must have all guiding documentation up to date
• FGASA and Back-up Trails
• Possession of a valid drivers license & PDP is essential
• Must have valid ARH and Rifle Handling Competency
• First Aid Level 1
• Proven ability to manage risk and respond calmly in high-pressure situations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable living and working in remote environments

Job Description

A Field Guide is required to guide guests, on foot and by vehicle, providing a holistic safari experience, and actively assist the Safari Management with the administrative operation of departments and mentorship/leadership of the field guides.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Follow all procedures for maintaining the overall operation of the Guides and Safari department, including individual, family and kids safari experiences, safety, excellent guest and staff relations, hosting of guests, and all equipment, vehicles, and assets.
• Perform all Field Guide functions according to the standards of FGASA and the company Guiding culture, including guest introductory and safety orientations, guided game drives and interpretive bush walks, tracking, identification of spoor, delivering informative lectures on relevant ecological topics, and drinks stops and other bush events.
• Be available for all game drives, back-up drives, and stand-by duties as directed.
• Practice proficient and safe weapon handling as directed.
• Contribute to the lodge social media platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of relevant and appealing information with the broad aim of increasing knowledge of the wildlife and operating area.
• Assist with incident handling in the event of emergency / evacuation, including medical emergencies, fire, and flood.
• Ensure all guest information available is collected and communicated prior to arrival.
• Collect guest information while speaking to guests; inform the Management to record and act on guest preferences.
• Ensure all guest complaints are reported to your Head of Department/Management immediately.

REQUIREMENTS - QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• FGASA Nature Site Guide NQF4 and Trails Guide qualification
• ARH and Rifle Proficiency, First Aid Level 1, Drivers License and Pr-DP.
• Previous experience as Field Guide at a Luxury Safari Lodge
• Knowledge on the applicable / relevant property and company procedures for the department, according to the standards of FGASA and the company Guiding culture.

MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE COMPANY COLLECTION

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Guest focus philosophy, living the company brand and driving the company experience.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution seeking skills.
• Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
• Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
• Must work accurately under pressure.
• People skills tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly

• Grade 12 essential
• Must have FGASA Level 2 as a minimum (NQF2)
• FGASA Lead Trails
• Must have all guiding documentation up to date
• Possession of a valid drivers license & PDP is essential
• Must have valid ARH and Rifle Handling Competency
• Must have 2-3 years of experience conducting walks in a Big 5 Reserve
• An understanding of vehicle & lodge maintenance is an advantage
• Must be well presented, confident and well-spoken
• Must be passionate about conservation and guests
• Must reference incredibly well

Job Description
A Field Guide is required to guide guests, on foot and by vehicle, providing a holistic safari experience, and actively assist the Safari Management with the administrative operation of departments and mentorship/leadership of the field guides.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Follow all procedures for maintaining the overall operation of the Guides and Safari department, including individual, family and kids safari experiences, safety, excellent guest and staff relations, hosting of guests, and all equipment, vehicles, and assets.
• Perform all Field Guide functions according to the standards including guest introductory and safety orientations, guided game drives and interpretive bush walks, tracking, identification of spoor, delivering informative lectures on relevant ecological topics, and drinks stops and other bush events.
• Be available for all game drives, back-up drives, and stand-by duties as directed.
• Practice proficient and safe weapon handling as directed.
• Contribute to the lodge social media platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of relevant and appealing information with the broad aim of increasing knowledge of the wildlife and operating area.
• Assist with incident handling in the event of emergency / evacuation, including medical emergencies, fire, and flood.
• Ensure all guest information available is collected and communicated prior to arrival.
• Collect guest information while speaking to guests; inform the Management to record and act on guest preferences.
• Ensure all guest complaints are reported to your Head of Department/Management immediately.

REQUIREMENTS - QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• NQF4 Trails Guide Qualification
• ARH and Rifle Proficiency, First Aid Level 1, Drivers License and Pr-DP.
• Previous experience as Field Guide at a Luxury Safari Lodge
• Knowledge on the applicable / relevant property and company procedures for the department, according to the standards of FGASA

MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE TEAM

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution seeking skills.
• Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
• Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
• Must work accurately under pressure.
• People skills tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.

• NQF Level 4 FGASA qualification
• Full Lead Trails certification
• A valid First Aid certificate
• A PDP drivers license
• Minimum 3 years experience
• Minimum Tracker 1 certification
• PFTC Rifle proficiency
• SAPS Rifle Competency
• All other relevant qualifications

• Must have all guiding documents valid and up to date
• Must have Full Trails qualification
• Prior experience in a Head Guide position is essential
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English
• Strong leadership style with a preference for structure and discipline
• Experience in a military, paramilitary, or similarly disciplined environment is advantageous
• Sound understanding of ecology, reserve operations, and conservation practices
• Computer literate with good administrative and reporting skills
• Neat, professional appearance; someone who leads by example
• Photography skills and a portfolio are a bonus, but not essential
• A calm, focused personality with excellent guest interaction abilities

• Manage and mentor a team of 6 full-time guides and a pool of freelance guides
• Oversee the coordination and scheduling of a fleet of 12 game drive vehicles
• Step in to guide when needed, especially for trails (Trails Guide qualification required)
• Assist with ecological and reserve management, with a focus on conservation best practices
• Handle relevant administrative duties and maintain reporting systems
• Ensure all guiding staff uphold high standards of guest engagement, safety, and professionalism
• Represent the lodge in a polished and presentable manner at all times

• Competitive salary
• Stunning accommodation on a secure golf estate
• Medical aid contribution