Field Guide

Bushwise; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading safari team as a Field Guide in the Greater Kruger area. This role combines passion for wildlife with exceptional driving and snake handling skills, ensuring immersive and educational experiences for guests. With a focus on conservation and guest engagement, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment committed to ethical guiding standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years guiding experience in a luxury safari setting.
• Registered with the National Department of Tourism (NDT).
• Strong 4x4 driving ability and valid South African Code 8 Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored, high-impact safari experiences.
• Drive guests safely in varied terrain.
• Handle snake encounters with professionalism.

Skills

Driving skills

Snake handling

Storytelling

Communication

Environmental sensitivity

Education

CATHSSETA NQF2 or NQF4 Nature Site Guide accreditation

Valid Trails Guide Certificate

Valid First Aid Level 1

Job description

Our client is seeking a passionate and professional Field Guide to join their renowned team in the Greater Kruger area. This is more than just a guiding job; it's a call to purpose. You will be part of a tight-knit, values-driven safari team that delivers immersive educational and ethically grounded experiences in one of Africa's most biodiverse regions.

You will need more than field knowledge to thrive here. We are looking for someone with exceptional driving skills, particularly in off-road and challenging terrain, and a calm, confident approach to snake handling and managing high-adrenaline wildlife situations. Safety, professionalism, and environmental sensitivity are non-negotiable.

You will be central to creating authentic connections between guests and the natural world through storytelling, ethical interpretation, and a commitment to conservation that meets international guiding standards. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, possess humility and leadership in equal measure, and approach each day with a mindset of lifelong learning, this could be your next great chapter.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Deliver tailored, high-impact safari experiences that educate and inspire.
2. Drive guests safely and confidently in varied terrain, ensuring all vehicle operations meet top-tier standards.
3. Handle snake encounters and other wildlife interactions with professionalism, calmness, and care.
4. Represent the values through warm, attentive, and respectful guest engagement.
5. Maintain an environmentally conscious approach to guiding and bushcraft.
6. Communicate proactively with Front of House and lodge teams for a seamless guest journey.
7. Conduct daily vehicle checks and maintain all guiding gear to impeccable standards.
8. Complete all guiding-related admin promptly and accurately.
9. Mentor junior guides and contribute to a culture of ongoing professional development.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years guiding experience in a luxury safari setting.
• CATHSSETA NQF2 or NQF4 Nature Site Guide accreditation (theory and practical completed).
• Registered with the National Department of Tourism (NDT).
• Valid Trails Guide Certificate VPDA (View Potentially Dangerous Animals).
• SASSETA Firearms Proficiency Certificates if operating in rifle-required zones.
• Proven snake handling skills and comfort managing reptile encounters.
• Strong, confident 4x4 driving ability; must hold a valid South African Code 8 Driver's License and PDP.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills with a passion for conservation.
• Independent, self-driven, and solutions-oriented.
• Approachable, humble, and impeccably professional in both appearance and behavior.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a calm presence under pressure.
• A supportive team player with a genuine interest in mentoring and collaboration.

This is an opportunity to guide with integrity and purpose alongside one of South Africa's most respected lodge teams. If you're ready to inspire, lead, and grow within a world-class safari environment, we want to hear from you.

Field Guide (NQF2 or higher), valid First Aid Level 1, registered with DEAT/NDT, and possession of a valid PDP.

Education

CATHSSETA-Accredited Nature Site Guide (NQF Level 2), valid PDP, and First Aid Level 1. At least 5 years guiding experience, with 2+ years in a senior or leadership role. Exceptional knowledge of South African flora, fauna, and conservation challenges.

Key Skills

Note: The list includes unrelated skills such as Attorney At Law, Banking Operations, etc., which appear irrelevant to the role and should be omitted for clarity.

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : 3+ years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary: 8000 - 8000 ZAR