HEAD GUIDE

Bushwise; Musina; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Discount on meals

Job summary

Bushwise, a luxury lodge near Musina, Limpopo, South Africa, seeks a Head Guide to lead the guiding department, oversee the vehicle fleet, and deliver world-class safaris for local and international guests.

The role requires FGASA qualifications, 3–5 years of guiding experience, leadership ability, safety compliance, and hands-on field excellence, with live-in accommodation and meals discount included.

Qualifications

• FGASA / CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 (Level 2) qualification is required (FGASA Level 3/Professional Field Guide highly preferred).
• Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide (or Professional Trails Guide) status with valid Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) is essential.
• Minimum 3–5 years of active guiding experience in big game areas, with at least 1–2 years in a senior or lead guiding capacity within a 4- or 5-star lodge environment.
• Valid DEAT/NDT registration, valid PrDP (Public Transport Driver’s Permit), and a valid SASSETA firearm proficiency certificate.
• Exceptional communication skills in English (additional languages are a plus), strong leadership capabilities, a sober habit, and a deep love for remote bushveld living.

Responsibilities

• Field Guiding & Guest Experience: Conduct professional game drives, interpretive bush walks, and specialized excursions with deep knowledge of local fauna, flora, geology, and culture.
• Guest Hosting: Act as a key host for the lodge, dining with guests when required, managing daily activity schedules, and tailoring safaris to meet diverse guest fitness levels and interests.
• Safety Excellence: Ensure the absolute safety and comfort of guests by adhering to dangerous game protocols and bush safety regulations.
• Team Management: Manage, schedule, and motivate the guiding team, ensuring high morale and professional conduct.
• Training & Mentorship: Implement ongoing training programs for junior guides and trackers to elevate their skills.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure all guiding activities comply with environmental legislation and ethical wildlife viewing practices to minimize ecological impact.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

English fluency

Team management

Education

FGASA / CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 (Level 2)

FGASA Level 3/Professional Field Guide

Tools

Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)

DEAT/NDT registration

PrDP

SASSETA firearm proficiency

Job description

a luxury four-star lodge located near Musina, Limpopo, is seeking a highly experienced, passionate, and professional Head Guide to lead our guiding department and deliver world-class wilderness experiences.

This live-in role is ideal for a dedicated conservationist and mentor who can manage a guiding team while providing unforgettable, educational, and safe safaris for our local and international guests.

Position Overview

The Head Guide is responsible for the overall management of the guiding department, vehicle fleet, and guest activities. You will lead by example in the field, conducting exceptional game drives, bush walks, and specialized tours (such as trips to the nearby Mapungubwe National Park or local rock art sites). Beyond hosting, you will mentor junior guides, ensure strict safety protocols, and maintain all tracking and game-viewing equipment to the highest standards.

1. Field Guiding & Guest Experience

• Safari Operations: Conduct professional game drives, interpretive bush walks, and specialized excursions, delivering deep knowledge of local fauna, flora, geology, and cultural history.
• Guest Hosting: Act as a key host for the lodge, dining with guests when required, managing daily activity schedules, and tailoring safaris to meet diverse guest fitness levels and interests.
• Safety Excellence: Ensure the absolute safety and comfort of guests at all times by adhering strictly to dangerous game protocols and bush safety regulations.
• Team Management: Manage, schedule, and motivate the guiding team, ensuring high morale and professional conduct.
• Training & Mentorship: Implement ongoing training programs for junior guides and trackers to elevate their tracking, birding, botany, and guest relation skills.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure all guiding activities comply with environmental legislation and ethical ethical wildlife viewing practices to minimize ecological impact.

3. Fleet, Equipment & Administration

• Vehicle Maintenance: Oversee the daily checks, cleaning, service schedules, and general upkeep of all open 4x4 safari vehicles.
• Equipment Control: Manage the maintenance and inventory of guiding equipment, including firearms, ammunition, spotlights, first aid kits, and reference books.
• Admin Duties: Handle daily activity logs, fuel reconciliations, incidence reporting, and coordinate closely with the Lodge Manager regarding guest schedules.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: FGASA / CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 (Level 2) qualification is required (FGASA Level 3/Professional Field Guide highly preferred).
• Specialist Qualifications: Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide (or Professional Trails Guide) status with valid Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) is essential.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of active guiding experience in big game areas, with at least 1–2 years in a senior or lead guiding capacity within a 4- or 5-star lodge environment.
• Registrations & Licences: Valid DEAT/NDT registration, valid PrDP (Public Transport Driver’s Permit), and a valid SASSETA firearm proficiency certificate.
• Attributes: Exceptional communication skills in English (additional languages are a plus), strong leadership capabilities, a sober habit, and a deep love for remote bushveld living.

Location

Musina (Messina), Limpopo, South Africa

Salary Range

R15,000 – R25,000 per month (Negotiable based on qualifications and experience)

Benefits

• Live-in accommodation
• discount on Meals- Meals not included