HEAD GUIDE

Bushwise; uMnambithi; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Meals provided

Job summary

Zohorecruit seeks a highly experienced Head Guide to lead our field guiding and tracking team at a premier, malaria-free luxury lodge in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive guest safety, hospitality and environmental interpretation while mentoring junior guides and aligning with lodge management.

With 5+ years in a 5-star Big Five setting and senior leadership experience, you will hold VPDA Trails certification and DEAT/NDDT, PrDP, and First Aid credentials.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a guide in a 5-star Big Five lodge.
• Senior or head guiding experience for at least 2 years.
• NQF2 or NQF4 qualification and VPDA Trails certification preferred.
• Valid DEAT/NDDT registration, PrDP, and first aid certificate.
• Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) competency.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor the guiding and tracking team.
• Host high-profile guests with safe Big Five drives and bush walks.
• Oversee daily activity scheduling, vehicle logs and equipment inventories.
• Ensure adherence to reserve rules, safety and environmental ethics.
• Collaborate with hospitality and maintenance teams for guest itineraries.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Guest Experience

Operations Management

Conservation & Safety

Communication

Team Leadership

Education

NQF2 or 4

Full Trails Guide certification (VPDA)

DEAT/NDDT registration

PrDP

First aid certificate

Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)

Tools

ARH

Job description

Ladysmith, South Africa

Nestled in the heart of a premier, malaria-free big five game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, our 5-star luxury lodge offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. We pride ourselves on delivering world-class hospitality, deeply rooted in conservation and authentic African safari experiences.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly passionate, professional, and experienced Head Guide to lead our dedicated field guiding and tracking team. As the Head Guide, you will be the driving force behind our guest wilderness experience, ensuring the highest standards of safety, hospitality, and environmental interpretation. You will manage daily field operations, mentor junior guides, and maintain strong synergy between the guiding team and lodge management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, manage, and inspire the guiding and tracking team. Conduct ongoing training, performance evaluations, and mentorship for junior guides.
• Guest Experience: Host high-profile international and local guests, conducting exceptional, informative, and safe Big Five game drives and bush walks.
• Operations Management: Oversee the daily scheduling of activities, vehicle maintenance logs, and guiding equipment inventories.
• Conservation & Safety: Ensure strict adherence to reserve regulations, environmental ethics, and safety protocols. Actively participate in reserve conservation initiatives.
• Lodge Integration: Work closely with hospitality, front of house, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless guest itineraries and host duties.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a qualified guide in a 5-star luxury Big Five establishment, with at least 2 years in a senior or head guiding role.
• Qualifications: NQF2 or 4
• Specialist Qualifications: Full Trails Guide certification (VPDA) - Will be a bonus
• Registrations: Valid DEAT/NDDT registration, valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), and a valid first aid certificate.
• Firearms: Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) competency.
• Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent organizational abilities.

Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.

On-site accommodation and meals provided.

The opportunity to work in a pristine wilderness environment with a dynamic, passionate team.