Leader, South Africa

Intrepid Travel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 210,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Intrepid Trip

Diverse departures

Travel included

Meals & accommodation

Training programs

Career opportunities

Travel discounts

Awards & global summit

Job summary

Intrepid Travel is seeking Tour Leaders to inspire travellers by sharing local culture across Southern Africa and beyond. You will host tours, ensure safety, and deliver memorable experiences.

The role is freelance with peak-season demand and requires FGASA or cultural guide qualification, driving qualification, a valid passport, and excellent English plus another local language. Training starts May 2026; itineraries include long trips.

Qualifications

• Recognised tour guiding qualification relevant to the region (FGASA or cultural guide).
• Proven ability to deliver outstanding customer service on tours.
• Valid passport for travel and ability to work across Southern Africa.

Responsibilities

• Provide amazing customer service and travel advice on tours.
• Ensure safety and well-being of travellers and handle difficult situations calmly.
• Host, lead and execute tours to budget and follow itineraries.
• Share passion for travel and culture with travellers.

Skills

Customer service

English fluency

Travel experience

First aid

Education

FGASA Nature Guide

Cultural/Tourist Guide qualification

Job description

Application Close Date: 1st December 2026

At Intrepid Travel we exist to inspire, create, share and lead the best travel experiences ever – for both people and the planet. We've been creating positive change through the joy of travel since 1989, and we’re proud to be a certified B Corp with 1000s of experiences in over 100 countries.

We are Intrepid

Do you dream of inspiring travellers and helping them fall in love with their destination by immersing them in your local culture and exposing them to real life experiences? Being a Tour Leader with Intrepid, you will do just that!

Every day will be different, but every day you will:

• Provide amazing customer service and travel advice – whether it's guiding a morning market exploration, organizing a hands-on craft workshop or arranging a home-cooked meal with a local family, you’ll create unforgettable moments that our travellers will never forget
• Ensure the safety and well-being of your travellers, at times you will have to assist in difficult situations whilst remaining calm and professional. A traveller may lose their passport, need medical attention, or there may be a clash of personalities, and you will be the first point of call
• Host, lead and execute tours to budget, following the itinerary and fulfil your administrative duties
• Be passionate about travel and share your love of it with our customers.

To be considered you must have:

• Recognised tour guiding qualification relevant to the region, such as an FGASA Nature Guide qualification and/or a Cultural/Tourist Guide qualification.
• Professional driving qualification would be advantageous.
• Valid passport for six months
• Excellent communication skills in English, with proficiency in at least one other local language—additional languages are a plus!
• Strong customer service skills, with experience in building rapport with a diverse range of travelers.
• Extensive travel experience across Southern Africa and a passion for sharing your region’s culture, history, and landscapes.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in email, Word, and Excel.

What you need to know:

• We are recruiting for Crew October, and training commences in May 2026.
• This is a freelance contract position, which will give you flexibility in when and how you work however, great availability across peak seasons (June to September) is a must-have
• You will need a valid first-aid certificate prior to starting with us
• With extended hours, lots of walking and activities, and engaging with travellers, so, it’s important that you are prepared both mentally and physically for the challenge!
• You’ll need the ability to travel and spend time away from home, as our leaders often travel for extensive periods at a time and some tours can span up to four weeks.
• You will be running tours through Southern Africa & beyond, you can check out some example itineraries here: www.intrepidtravel.com

Our people reflect the diversity of our customers and the communities we visit:

Intrepid is made up of 71 nationalities in over 30 countries, and werecognisethat diversity makes us a stronger business. We support a culture where people can be themselves and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Including First Nations People, LGBTQI+ people, those living with a disability, or from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all people from different ethnicities, races, and religions.

For our Tour Leaders, the work perks may vary from country to country, but some of the work perks we offer include:

• A free Intrepid Trip! Enjoy the chance to experience Intrepid as a customer once you'veled enough trips to qualify.
• Diverse departuresthroughthe year!Including hiking or biking adventures, festival, family, premium and foodie trips.
• Travel to where the trip starts (and home again) is included and covered by us
• Some meals and all accommodation included -Often where the guests are staying, such as hotels, camping, homestaysetc
• Access to learning and development programs, e-learning and comprehensive tour leader training before you even start
• Internal career opportunities to further your career in travel and beyond
• Amazing travel discounts for you to experience Intrepid as a passenger
• Recognition and celebration with awards nights and the chance for our top performers to travel to our yearly Global Summit!
• Opportunity to support not-for-profit Intrepid Foundations projects

We are Real. Together. Ambitious. Impactful. These are our values and to usthey'remore than just words, they are the pillars of our success and every dayit'sour people and the work they do thatbringthem to life.

We aim to ensurediversity, equity, and inclusion stay part of our recruitment process. If you require anyreasonableadjustmentto participate in therecruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail] your name, location, and theadjustmentsyourequire, we will then be in touch to support your application.

Application Close Date: 1st December 2026