Head Guide

Kendrick Recruitment; Middelpos; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary negotiable

Live-in position

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Guide to lead a luxury lodge in the Western Cape. This live-in role requires strong leadership, wildlife expertise and a guest-centric approach to deliver unforgettable safari experiences.

You will oversee the ranger team, plan guided drives and walks, ensure safety and conservation standards, and coordinate with lodge management to optimise guest satisfaction in a remote, premium setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Ranger or senior ranger in a luxury lodge or safari setting.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of local flora and fauna, conservation practices and wildlife safety.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations calmly.
• Guest-focused, professional and proactive approach.
• Willingness to live and work in a remote lodge environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all ranger operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and high-quality guest experiences
• Supervise, mentor, and train ranger staff, promoting professional development and teamwork
• Plan and conduct guided game drives, bush walks, and other wildlife activities with expert knowledge and professionalism
• Ensure adherence to conservation practices, safety protocols, and environmental regulations
• Coordinate with lodge management to optimise operational efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Maintain and manage equipment, vehicles, and other resources to ensure readiness and safety
• Handle guest enquiries, requests, and feedback professionally and courteously
• Support strategic planning and contribute to the development of wildlife and conservation programmes

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Wildlife knowledge

Guest-focused

Resilience

Job description

Head Guide – Luxury Lodge | Ceres, Western Cape

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and professional Head Guide to join a luxury lodge in Ceres, Western Cape. This live-in role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead the lodge’s ranger team, oversee wildlife operations, and ensure outstanding guest experiences in a high-end safari environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage all ranger operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and high-quality guest experiences

Supervise, mentor, and train ranger staff, promoting professional development and teamwork

Plan and conduct guided game drives, bush walks, and other wildlife activities with expert knowledge and professionalism

Ensure adherence to conservation practices, safety protocols, and environmental regulations

Coordinate with lodge management to optimise operational efficiency and guest satisfaction

Maintain and manage equipment, vehicles, and other resources to ensure readiness and safety

Handle guest enquiries, requests, and feedback professionally and courteously

Support strategic planning and contribute to the development of wildlife and conservation programmes

Requirements:

Proven experience as a Head Ranger or senior ranger within a luxury lodge or safari environment

Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills

In-depth knowledge of local flora and fauna, conservation practices, and wildlife safety

Ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations calmly

Professional, proactive, and guest-focused approach

Willingness to live and work in a remote lodge environment

Package:

• Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
• Live-in position

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Head Ranger to lead a high-performing team, delivering memorable wildlife experiences in a luxury lodge setting.