HEAD GUIDE

Bushwise; Pongola; On-site; ZAR 379,000 - 513,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals provided

Job summary

Bushwise in Pongola, South Africa, seeks a Head Guide to lead our guiding department and deliver bespoke wilderness experiences for international luxury travellers.

The role requires 5+ years of guiding within a five-star lodge, SAFARI operations management, and strong English communication. Live-in accommodation and meals are provided as part of an inspiring conservation-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
• Qualifications: NQF4 + Full Trails Guide status.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of guiding experience within a five-star luxury safari lodge environment.
• Licences: Valid SA Driver’s Licence + Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
• Certifications: Valid ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling), Rifle Competency, and current First Aid Certificate.
• Registration: Valid DEAT/NDT registration.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily game drives, bush walks, and specialized safari activities.
• Design tailored safari tracks based on wildlife movements and guest preferences.
• Host international guests, delivering informative wildlife interpretation.
• Maintain five-star hospitality standards during all guest interactions.
• Resolve guest concerns quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
• Mentor, coach, and develop the guiding and tracking team.
• Manage guide rosters, daily activity allocations, and performance reviews.
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding for guiding staff.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships across lodge departments.
• Record wildlife sightings and behavior data.
• Support reserve conservation initiatives and environmental monitoring.
• Oversee maintenance and safety of safari vehicle fleet.
• Manage field equipment including radios and first-aid kits.
• Enforce reserve rules and environmental regulations.
• Conduct safety briefings before every field activity.
• Complete daily operational reports, vehicle logbooks, and incident logs.

Skills

Deep knowledge of SA ecology

Luxury guest service

Risk management

Communication

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

NQF4 + Full Trails Guide status

Job description

Pongola, South Africa | Posted on 08/05/2026

Are you an elite safari professional with a passion for wilderness conservation and five-star hospitality? The Lodge is seeking a visionary Head Guide to lead our guiding department. In this role, you will inspire a team of professional guides, manage world-class safari operations, and deliver unforgettable, bespoke wilderness experiences to international luxury travellers.

Safari Operations & Guest Experience

• Lead daily game drives, bush walks, and specialized safari activities.
  
• Design tailored safari tracks based on wildlife movements and guest preferences.
  
• Host international guests, delivering deeply informative wildlife interpretation.
  
• Maintain five-star hospitality standards during all guest interactions.
  
• Resolve guest concerns quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Mentor, coach, and develop the guiding and tracking team.
  
• Manage guide rosters, daily activity allocations, and performance reviews.
  
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding for all new guiding staff.
  
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships across all lodge departments.
  

Conservation & Asset Management

• Record and log accurate wildlife sightings and animal behavior data.
  
• Support reserve conservation initiatives and environmental monitoring.
  
• Oversee the maintenance, safety, and daily inspection of the safari vehicle fleet.
  
• Manage field equipment including radios, spotlights, and first-aid kits.
  

Compliance & Administration

• Enforce strict adherence to reserve rules and environmental regulations.
  
• Conduct mandatory safety briefings before every field activity.
  
• Complete daily operational reports, vehicle logbooks, and incident logs.
  

Requirements

• Education: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
  
• Qualifications:NQF4 + Full Trails Guide status.
  
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of guiding experience within a five-star luxury safari lodge environment.
  
• Licences: Valid SA Driver’s Licence + Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
  
• Certifications: Valid ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling), Rifle Competency, and current First Aid Certificate.
  
• Registration: Valid DEAT/NDT registration.
  

Skills & Attributes

• Expert Knowledge: Deep understanding of South African ecology, animal behavior, birding, and flora.
  
• Luxury Mindset: Proven track record of hosting high-net-worth international clients and families.
  
• Risk Management: Strong grasp of field safety procedures and health and safety legislation.
  
• Communication: Exceptional English verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  

What We Offer

• R 40 000.00
  
• Live-in accommodation and meals provided.
  
• An inspiring working environment dedicated to conservation