Field Guide

Bushwise; Mkuze; On-site; ZAR 84,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Meals provided

Uniform allocations

Job summary

Bushwise in Mkuze, KwaZulu-Natal, invites passionate Field Guides to join a private Big 5 game reserve. Responsibilities include morning and evening drives, bush walks, guest safety, and sharing local fauna, flora and Zulu culture, with on-site accommodation and meals.

Applicants should hold NQF4 or higher, be willing to relocate, and have a valid SA driver’s license with PrDP and First Aid; prior luxury lodge guiding is a plus, with strong guest relations and safety focus.

Qualifications

• NQF4 or higher qualification preferred.
• Development intake: NQF2 guides considered.
• Experience in Big 5 or luxury lodge environment advantageous.
• Willing to relocate to northern KwaZulu-Natal.
• Valid South African driver's license with PrDP, DEAT/NDT registration, and First Aid certificate.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct morning and evening game drives for guests.
• Conduct educational and secure walking safaris.
• Ensure guest safety and adherence to emergency regulations.
• Share knowledge of local fauna, flora, conservation, and Zulu culture.
• Inspect and maintain guiding vehicles and gear to high standards.
• Work closely with a team of guides, hosts and trackers.

Skills

Public speaking

Storytelling

Guest safety

Teamwork

Education

NQF4

Job description

Mkuze, South Africa | Posted on 08/18/2026

An award-winning private Big 5 game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking passionate and guest-centric Field Guides to join our team. We value immersive guest storytelling, top-tier safety protocols, and a deep respect for conservation. We offer a progressive development environment where promising junior guides are mentored into elite roles. Guiding couples are welcome to apply.

Core Responsibilities

• Game Drives: Plan and conduct world-class, professional morning and evening game drives for international and local guests.
  
• Bush Walks: Conduct educational and highly secure walking safaris for guests (where trails qualification parameters allow).
  
• Guest Safety: Ensure uncompromising guest protection and adherence to emergency regulations at all times inside a Big 5 terrain.
  
• Cultural Interpretation: Seamlessly share accurate knowledge of local fauna, flora, conservation practices, and regional Zulu culture.
  
• Asset Care: Regularly inspect, wash, and maintain guiding vehicles and assigned bush equipment to pristine 5-star standards.
  
• Team Synergy: Operate in close harmony within an active team of professional field guides, hospitality hosts, and indigenous trackers.
  

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: NQF4 (Apprentice Trails Guide or higher preferred).
  
• Development Intake: NQF2 guides actively working towards their NQF4 will be considered.
  
• Experience: Prior experience guiding in a similar Big 5 or luxury lodge environment is a distinct advantage.
  
• Relocation: Must be currently based in, or fully willing to relocate to, the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal.
  
• Core Competency: Sound general knowledge of bush dynamics, strict ethical game viewing rules, and guest safety protocols.
  
• Soft Skills: Outstanding hosting etiquette, clear public speaking voice, and compelling storytelling abilities.
  
• Compliance: Valid South African driver's license with a current PrDP, active DEAT/NDT registration, and up-to-date First Aid certificate.
  
• Basic Salary: R7,500 to R15,000 per month (benchmarked against your verified qualifications and logged hours).
  
• Accommodation: Complete on-site, live-in staff housing provided.
  
• Meals & Gear: All daily meals provided while on duty along with full uniform allocations.
  
• Leave Cycle: A highly structured 29 days in / 10 days off roster cycle.