Head Guide: Luxury Safari Leadership & Guest Experience

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

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.