Field and Trails Guide

Bushwise; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a luxury 5-star game lodge in South Africa as a Trails Guide, where you'll engage guests on thrilling bush walks and educate them on ecological conservation. This role combines your passion for wildlife and exceptional guest hosting in a Big 5 reserve, ensuring unforgettable experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified Full Trails Guide with advanced rifle handling.
• Minimum 3 years of guiding experience in a Big 5 environment.
• Strong presentation and passion for conservation.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe guided bush walks and walking safaris.
• Educate guests about wildlife and conservation.
• Conduct game drives and lodge activities as needed.

Skills

Guiding skills

Ecological education

Communication skills

Guest hosting

Situational awareness

Education

Full Trails Guide Qualification

Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)

NQF2 (or higher)

Job description

Our client is a luxury 5-star game lodge located within a Big 5 reserve in South Africa, offering exclusive safari experiences rooted in conservation, education, and ecological integrity. We are seeking a qualified and passionate Trails Guide to join our young team in a dynamic, conservation-driven environment. This position offers the unique opportunity to combine exceptional guest experiences with your passion for guiding and trails. The successful candidate will be a skilled naturalist and confident trail leader, capable of hosting guests in a luxury setting while upholding the highest safety and ecological standards.

• Lead engaging and safe guided bush walks and walking safaris in Big 5 territory
• Educate guests on wildlife, ecology, and conservation with insight and enthusiasm
• Assist in delivering game drives and lodge activities as required
• Maintain situational awareness of wildlife movements to ensure safe trail planning
• Enforce reserve and safety protocols during all guest interactions
• Act as a professional and welcoming host, ensuring each guest has a personalised and unforgettable safari experience

Requirements

• Full Trails Guide Qualification (Lead Trails)
• Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) with field experience
• Registered with DEAT / NDT and valid PDP (Public Driving Permit)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in guiding, with solid trails experience in a Big 5 environment
• Physically fit and capable of leading extended bush walks
• Strong guest hosting, interpretation, and communication skills
• Professional presentation and a genuine passion for conservation
• Preferred : Tracking qualifications or CyberTracker accreditation
• Interest or experience in birding, botany, reptiles or specialist wildlife topics
• Previous exposure to volunteer or conservation programme collaboration
• Experience working in a 5-star lodge setting

Requirements

NQF2 (or higher) Full Trails Guide Qualification (Lead Trails) Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) with field experience Valid First Aid Level 1 Registered with DEAT / NDT and valid PDP (Public Driving Permit) Minimum 3 years’ experience in guiding, with solid trails experience in a Big 5 environment Physically fit and capable of leading extended bush walks Strong guest hosting, interpretation, and communication skills Professional presentation and a genuine passion for conservation Preferred : Tracking qualifications or CyberTracker accreditation Interest or experience in birding, botany, reptiles or specialist wildlife topics Previous exposure to volunteer or conservation programme collaboration Experience working in a 5-star lodge setting