Head guide

Kendrick Recruitment; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury forest reserve near Grahamstown is seeking a Head Guide to lead its guiding team. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in luxury hospitality, exceptional knowledge of local wildlife, and strong leadership skills. This live-in position offers competitive, negotiable salary and includes accommodation and medical benefits. Candidates must be willing to work in a remote environment.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Medical benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Guide or Senior Field Guide in luxury hospitality.
• Exceptional knowledge of local wildlife and ecology.
• Fluent English speaker; other languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the guiding team.
• Deliver exceptional guest nature experiences.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership skills

Guest service mindset

Knowledge of flora and fauna

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work remotely

Job description

Head Guide – Luxury Forest Reserve | Grahamstown

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Guide to lead the guiding team at a luxury forest reserve near Grahamstown. This live-in role requires a highly skilled and knowledgeable individual capable of delivering exceptional 5-star guest experiences in a remote lodge environment.

Position Overview

The Head Guide is responsible for overseeing all guiding activities, ensuring guests receive personalised, professional, and memorable nature experiences. The role involves managing and mentoring guides, maintaining operational standards, and upholding the highest levels of service and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the guiding team, providing mentorship, support, and training.
• Deliver guided nature experiences with exceptional attention to detail, knowledge, and guest engagement.
• Ensure all activities adhere to safety protocols and operational standards.
• Maintain effective communication with lodge management regarding guest needs, guiding operations, and staff performance.
• Schedule and coordinate guiding activities, ensuring smooth operations and high guest satisfaction.
• Foster a team culture focused on excellence, professionalism, and 5-star service delivery.
• Monitor and maintain guiding equipment and vehicles to lodge standards.
• Provide input into guest experience planning, including itineraries and personalised activities.

Requirements & Competencies

• Proven experience as a Head Guide or Senior Field Guide in a luxury hospitality or lodge environment.
• Exceptional knowledge of flora, fauna, ecology, and local wildlife.
• Ability to speak and understand English fluently; additional languages an advantage.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and team management skills.
• Exceptional guest service and interpersonal skills, with a 5-star service mindset.
• Ability to work in a remote environment and handle the physical demands of guiding.
• Live-in required, with medical benefits included.

Working Schedule & Conditions

11 days on, 3 days off roster.

Lodge-based with live-in accommodation provided.

Remote forest reserve location with limited access to town facilities.

Package

• Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.
• Accommodation: Live-in provided with medical benefits.