Head Guide | Ls

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in position

Sabi Sand location

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Guide for a prestigious luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve. You will lead a guiding team, conduct drives and walks, and ensure outstanding guest experiences with safety and professionalism.

Ideal candidates have extensive Big 5 experience, FGASA Level 2 with Full Trails, and a proven leadership/mentoring track record in a luxury setting. This live-in, on-site role delivers world-class hospitality and conservation-aligned guiding.

Qualifications

• FGASA Level 2 qualification with Full Trails Guide certification.
• ARH and PDP licences; DEAT/NDT registration; First Aid Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years’ guiding experience in a Big 5 environment; luxury lodge experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the guiding team to deliver exceptional safari experiences.
• Conduct game drives, bush walks, and interpretive guiding with professionalism.
• Ensure guest safety and satisfaction at all times.
• Host international luxury guests and provide memorable wildlife encounters.
• Support conservation initiatives and uphold ethical guiding practices.
• Maintain accurate records of guiding activities and sightings.
• Assist with training, development, and performance management of junior guides.
• Collaborate with lodge management to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Uphold the lodge’s reputation for luxury hospitality and outstanding safari delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Guest interaction

Storytelling

Safety & risk management

Job description

Head Guide | Luxury Safari Lodge | Sabi Sand

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Guide to join a prestigious luxury safari lodge in the iconic Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This senior guiding role is ideal for a confident leader with extensive Big 5 experience, strong mentoring skills, and a commitment to delivering world‑class guest experiences.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: Depending on experience
• Location: Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga
• Live‑in position

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the guiding team to deliver exceptional safari experiences
• Conduct game drives, bush walks, and interpretive guiding with professionalism and confidence
• Ensure guest safety and satisfaction at all times
• Host international luxury guests and provide memorable wildlife encounters
• Support conservation initiatives and uphold ethical guiding practices
• Maintain accurate records of guiding activities and sightings
• Assist with training, development, and performance management of junior guides
• Collaborate with lodge management to ensure seamless guest experiences
• Uphold the lodge’s reputation for luxury hospitality and outstanding safari delivery

Minimum Requirements

• FGASA Level 2 qualification with Full Trails Guide certification
• Valid ARH and PDP licence
• DEAT/NDT registrationValid First Aid Certificate
• Minimum 5 years’ guiding experience in a Big 5 environment
• Previous experience in a luxury lodge setting essential
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and guest‑interaction skills
• Excellent communication and storytelling ability
• High integrity, professionalism, and passion for conservation

Ideal Candidate

A confident and professional Head Guide with strong leadership skills, exceptional bush knowledge, and the ability to inspire both guests and guiding teams while maintaining the highest standards of safety and luxury hospitality.