Head Guide - Pongola

HotelJobs; Pongola; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a passionate Head Guide for a Luxury Game Lodge near Pongola. You will lead the guiding department, deliver exceptional safari experiences, mentor guides, and ensure safety and luxury hospitality standards.

Responsibilities include daily game drives, guest engagement, wildlife interpretation, and conservation collaboration while maintaining 5-star service and compliance with lodge policies and legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' guiding experience within a luxury safari lodge.
• FGASA Level 2 + Full Trails; First Aid certificate.
• Valid SA Driver's Licence and PrDP.
• Experience hosting international luxury guests.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily game drives and bush walks, ensuring safety and professionalism.
• Deliver engaging wildlife interpretation and plan routes based on guest preferences.
• Mentor and develop guiding team, manage rosters, and recruitment.
• Record wildlife sightings and monitor animal behaviour for conservation.
• Maintain safari vehicles and equipment, ensuring safety standards.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and staff training.
• Complete daily safari reports and logbooks; incident reporting when required.
• Coordinate ongoing skills development for guiding staff.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Team management

Wildlife interpretation

Communication

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

FGASA Level 2 + Full Trails

First Aid Certificate

DEAT/NDT registration

Tools

Radios

Binoculars

Spotlights

First Aid Kits

Recovery equipment

Job description

Luxury Game Lodge based close to Pongola is looking for a passionate and experienced Head Guide responsible for leading the guiding department and delivering exceptional safari experiences that exceed the expectations of international luxury travellers. The role combines operational leadership, guest engagement, conservation stewardship ; and team development while ensuring that all safari activities are conducted safely; professionally ; and in accordance with lodge standards and legal requirements. The Head Guide is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of guiding ; mentoring and developing the guiding team, managing safari operations ; and ensuring that every guest interaction reflects the luxury hospitality standards .

Duties

Safari Operations

Lead and conduct daily game drives, bush walks, and other safari activities. Ensure all safari activities are conducted safely and professionally. Deliver informative and engaging wildlife interpretation. Plan daily game drive routes based on wildlife movements and guest preferences. Monitor weather conditions and operational risks. Ensure strict adherence to reserve rules and environmental regulations.

Guest Experience

Deliver exceptional guest service throughout every safari experience. Personally welcome guests and introduce safari programmes. Build meaningful relationships with guests through professional engagement. Cater safari experiences to guest interests, photographic opportunities, families, and special occasions. Handle guest concerns professionally and efficiently. Maintain 5* hospitality standards at all times.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead; mentor, coach, and develop the guiding team. Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions. Coordinate guide rosters and daily allocations. Ensure guides maintain professional standards and appearance. Assist with recruitment and onboarding of new guides. Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments.

Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation

Record wildlife sightings accurately. Monitor animal behaviour and movements. Assist with conservation initiatives and reserve management programmes. Report injured animals, poaching activity, fence damage, and environmental concerns. Promote responsible tourism and environmental awareness.

Vehicle & Equipment Management

Ensure safari vehicles are maintained in excellent condition. Conduct daily vehicle inspections. Report maintenance requirements immediately. Monitor fuel usage. Maintain guiding equipment including:

• Radios
• Binoculars
• Spotlights
• First Aid Kits
• Recovery equipment

Ensure all safety equipment is operational.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all health and safety procedures. Conduct safety briefings before each activity. Maintain valid first aid certification. Ensure emergency equipment is available during all activities. Participate in emergency response training. Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and reserve operating procedures.

Administration

Complete daily safari reports. Record wildlife sightings. Maintain vehicle logbooks. Complete maintenance reports. Submit incident reports where required. Maintain guide training records.

Training & Development

Conduct regular guide training sessions. Mentor junior guides and guide trainees. Keep the guiding team updated on wildlife knowledge, hospitality standards, and safety procedures. Coordinate ongoing skills development.

Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Relevant FGASA qualifications of Level 2 plus Full Trails Valid First Aid Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' guiding experience within a luxury safari lodge.
• Previous supervisory or Head Guide experience preferred.
• Experience hosting international luxury guests.
• Valid South African Driver's Licence.
• Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
• Valid FGASA qualification.
• Valid Rifle Competency (where required).
• DEAT/NDT registration (where applicable).