Assistant Head Guide

Kendrick Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 284,356 - 340,603; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in: Accommodation and meals

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an Assistant Head Guide for a luxury safari lodge in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role supports the Head Guide, mentors junior guides, and delivers world-class guest experiences in a Big Five reserve. A calm, professional presence in a remote live-in environment is essential.

The ideal candidate holds FGASA NQF4 (Level 2), Full Lead Trails Guide, ARH, SAPS firearm competency, SASSETA, First Aid, PrDP and NDT, with 3–5 years' senior guide experience.

Qualifications

• FGASA NQF4 (Level 2) is essential.
• Full Lead Trails Guide qualification is essential.
• Advanced Rifle Handling is essential.
• SAPS Firearm Competency is essential.
• SASSETA registration is essential.
• First Aid certificate is required.
• PrDP is essential.
• NDT registration is essential.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Senior Guide in a luxury Big Five lodge.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior guides.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Guide in day-to-day guiding operations.
• Lead morning/evening game drives and guided bush walks.
• Deliver exceptional, personalised safari experiences.
• Uphold safety protocols and discipline.

Skills

FGASA NQF4 (Level 2)

Full Lead Trails Guide

Advanced Rifle Handling

SAPS Firearm Competency

SASSETA registration

First Aid certificate

PrDP

NDT registration

Senior Guide experience

Guest engagement & hosting

Job description

Assistant Head Guide - Luxury Safari Lodge - Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Gross Salary: Up to R28,000 per month (DOE)

Live-in: Accommodation and meals provided

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a skilled, experienced and guest-focused Assistant Head Guide for a luxury safari lodge set within a Big Five private game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

This is a senior guiding role with leadership responsibility - supporting the Head Guide in managing the guiding department, maintaining exceptional safari standards and delivering world-class experiences for discerning guests. We are looking for someone who leads confidently in the field, mentors junior guides with purpose and takes genuine pride in every guest interaction.

Minimum Requirements:

• FGASA NQF4 (Level 2) - essential and non-negotiable
• Full Lead Trails Guide qualification - essential and non-negotiable
• Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) - essential
• Valid SAPS Firearm Competency - essential
• SASSETA registration - essential
• Valid First Aid certificate
• Valid PrDP - essential
• NDT registration - essential
• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience as a Senior Guide in a luxury Big Five lodge environment - essential
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop junior guides and trackers
• Excellent guest engagement, hosting and interpretive skills
• Strong knowledge of bush ecology, tracking and wildlife behaviour
• Well-presented, professional and calm under pressure
• Comfortable living and working in a remote, live-in environment
• Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities:

Guiding & Guest Experience

• Support the Head Guide in the day-to-day management of the guiding department
• Lead morning and evening game drives and guided bush walks to the highest standard
• Deliver exceptional, personalised safari experiences consistently
• Uphold safety protocols and operational discipline at all times

Leadership & Training

• Assist with guide and tracker training, development and daily allocations
• Deputise for the Head Guide in their absence
• Contribute positively to the lodge's culture, team environment and guest experience

Operations

• Maintain vehicle, equipment and firearm standards across the department

Package:

• Gross Salary: Up to R28,000 per month (DOE)
• Live-in: Accommodation and meals provided