HEAD GUIDE

Bushwise; Vaalwater; On-site; ZAR 203,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals provided on-site

Job summary

Bushwise in Vaalwater, Limpopo, seeks a Head Guide to lead our guiding team, delivering world-class guest experiences while upholding safety and conservation standards. You will mentor field guides, conduct outstanding game drives and bush walks, and host international guests to ensure an unforgettable safari.

Responsibilities include fleet and gear operations, admin leadership, and collaboration with reserve management to ensure ethical guiding and habitat preservation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of active guiding in a Big 5 environment, with 1–2 years in a senior/head role.
• Valid DEAT/NDDT registration and PrDP.
• First Aid certificate.
• NQF 2/4 qualification.
• Excellent communication and hosting skills; strong leadership; proactive problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Mentor: Manage, schedule, and inspire a team of field guides and trackers, driving training and development.
• Guest Excellence: Conduct game drives and bush walks, hosting international guests for a memorable safari.
• Fleet & Gear Operations: Oversee maintenance and safety of the guiding fleet and equipment.
• Environmental Stewardship: Collaborate with reserve management on ethical guiding and habitat preservation.
• Admin Leadership: Handle reporting, rosters, and budget controls for the guiding team.

Skills

Communication

Hosting

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

NQF 2/4

Job description

Vaalwater, South Africa

An established, luxury game lodge in the Limpopo Province is seeking a passionate, highly professional, and experienced Head Guide to lead our passionate guiding team.

If you are an elite field guide who thrives on mentoring a team, delivering world-class guest experiences, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and conservation, we want you to lead our field operations.

What You Will Do:

• Lead & Mentor: Manage, schedule, and inspire a dedicated team of field guides and trackers, driving continuous training and skill development.
  
• Guest Excellence: Conduct exceptional, informative game drives and bush walks, and host international guests, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
  
• Fleet & Gear Operations: Oversee the daily maintenance and safety compliance of the game-viewing fleet, rifles, and guiding equipment.
  
• Environmental Stewardship: Work closely with reserve management to ensure ethical guiding, sustainable traversing practices, and habitat preservation.
  
• Admin Leadership: Handle departmental reporting, roster management, and budget controls for the guiding team.
  

Requirements

What We Are Looking For:

• Qualifications:NQF 2 OR 4
  
• Registrations: Valid DEAT/NDDT registration, valid PrDP
  
• First Aid: First Aid certificate.
  
• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of active guiding in a Big 5 environment, with at least 1–2 years of experience in a senior or head guide role.
  
• Skills: Exceptional communication and hosting skills, strong leadership capabilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary of R20,000 per month.
  
• Comfortable live-in accommodation and meals provided on-site.