HEAD GUIDE

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

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meal discount

Job summary

Bushwise in Musina, Limpopo, South Africa seeks a highly experienced Head Guide to lead our guiding department and deliver world-class wilderness experiences. This live-in role mentors junior guides and ensures safety, quality, and guest satisfaction during game drives, bush walks, and specialist tours.

You will manage vehicle fleet and equipment, train staff, and uphold environmental stewardship, with FGASA qualifications and ARH proficiency preferred.

Qualifications

• FGASA / CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 (Level 2) is required.
• FGASA Level 3/Professional Field Guide status is highly preferred.
• Valid DEAT/NDT registration, PrDP, SASSETA firearm proficiency certificate are required.

Responsibilities

• Field Guiding & Guest Experience: profesional game drives, bush walks, and specialist excursions with deep fauna, flora, geology, and cultural history.
• Guest Hosting: host lodge guests, manage daily activity schedules, tailor safaris to guest fitness and interests.
• Safety Excellence: enforce dangerous game protocols and bush safety regulations for guest safety.
• Team Management: schedule, motivate, and maintain high morale of the guiding team.
• Training & Mentorship: run ongoing training for junior guides and trackers to improve tracking, birding, botany, and guest relations.
• Environmental Stewardship: ensure guiding activities comply with environmental laws and ethical wildlife viewing.

Skills

Leadership

Field guiding

Safety protocols

Team management

Training & mentorship

Guest hosting

English communication

Education

FGASA / CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 (Level 2)

FGASA Level 3 / Professional Field Guide

Tools

Firearms proficiency

Job description

Messina, South Africa | Posted on 08/25/2026

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

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