Senior Field Guide

Bushwise; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

On-duty meals

Laundry services

Uniforms provided

Structured leave cycle (6 weeks on / 2

UIF

Provincial fund allocation (optional)

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking a highly professional Senior Field Guide in Hoedspruit to lead luxury walking safaris and interpretive game drives. The role blends hospitality with conservation, mentorship, and environmental storytelling for discerning guests.

Requirements include Lead Trails Guide, ARH with SAPS competency, DEAT/NDT registration, First Aid Level 1, and a valid PrDP. Live-in accommodation and meals are provided, along with uniforms and structured leave.

Qualifications

• Lead Trails Guide certification is required.
• ARH certification with SAPS competency.
• DEAT/NDT registration must be current.
• First Aid Level 1 or higher.
• Valid SA Driver’s License with PrDP.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safe, engaging game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.
• Deliver educational interpretive commentary on fauna, flora, tracking, geology, and astronomy.
• Provide guest hosting during bush breakfasts, boma dinners, and fireside storytelling.
• Maintain situational awareness and conduct risk assessments on foot and in vehicles.
• Follow firearm handling protocols and safety policies.
• Maintain safety gear: field radios, first aid kits, and firearms.

Skills

Guiding experience

English fluency

Storytelling

Guest hosting

Physical fitness

4x4 driving

Education

Lead Trails Guide

ARH certification

DEAT/NDT registration

First Aid Level 1+

PrDP (Professional Driving Permit)

Job description

Hoedspruit, South Africa | Posted on 11/05/2026

We are seeking a highly professional, safety-conscious Senior FieldGuide. The successful candidate will specialized in walking safaris and interpretive game drives, seamlessly blending top-tier luxury hospitality with a deep-seated passion for conservation, environmental storytelling, and mentorship.

Field Operations & Guest Experience

• Conduct safe, engaging, and highly informative game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.
  
• Deliver dynamic, educational interpretive commentary covering regional fauna, flora, tracking, geology, and stellar astronomy.
  
• Provide flawless guest hosting during traditional bush breakfasts, boma dinners, and fireside storytelling sessions.
  

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain absolute situational awareness and execute continuous risk assessments on foot and on vehicles.
  
• Adhere strictly to national firearm handling protocols, company safety policies, and legal standards.
  
• Manage and maintain critical safety gear, including field radios, first aid kits, and corporate firearms.
  

Requirements

Required Certifications

• Full Lead Trails Guide certification.
  
• Valid Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) certification with active South African Police Service (SAPS) competency.
  
• Current DEAT / National Department of Tourism (NDT) registration.
  
• Valid, up-to‑date First Aid Level 1 (or higher) certificate.
  
• Valid South African Driver’s License with a current Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
  

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3–5 years of guiding experience within a luxury 4 or 5-star Big 5 safari lodge.
  
• Proven track record of logging required tracking and walking encounter hours in potentially dangerous game zones.
  
• Exceptional English fluency alongside advanced, guest-centric storytelling capabilities.
  
• Strong physical fitness, sharp tracking abilities, and comfort working long hours outdoors in a remote ecosystem.
  

Requirements

• Competitive industry-related salary based on experience and certifications.
  
• Full live-in accommodation, shared on‑duty meals, and laundry services.
  
• Corporate uniforms provided.
  
• Structured leave cycle (e.g., 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off).
  
• Statutory benefits, including Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and optional provincial fund allocatio