TRAILS GUIDE

Zohorecruit; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoedspruit, South Africa — A luxury 5-star safari lodge seeks a Trails Guide to lead world-class walking safaris and game drives for international guests. The role emphasizes safety, hosting excellence, and deep bush knowledge. You will maintain vehicles and equipment while supporting conservation efforts.

Requirements include a Professional Trails Guide qualification, ARH firearms certification with PFTC, and current DEAT/NDDT/PrDP plus First Aid. 2–3 years Big 5 guiding experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• NQF2 or NQF4 with Professional Trails Guide qualification.
• ARH firearms certificate with PFTC unit standards.
• DEAT/NDDT registration, PrDP and First Aid certification.
• 2–3 years guiding walks in a Big 5 environment.
• Excellent communication and hosting skills; knowledge of fauna, flora, tracking, and astronomy.

Responsibilities

• Guest Experiences: Conduct professional, informative walking safaris and game drives.
• Safety First: Ensure guest safety during encounters with dangerous game and follow safety protocols.
• Hosting Duties: Interact with guests during meals, hosting hours and orientations, delivering 5-star service.
• Vehicle & Equipment Care: Maintain safari vehicles, firearms, and bush walk gear in good condition.
• Conservation Advocacy: Promote environmental awareness and support reserve management duties.

Skills

Excellent communication

Hosting skills

Fauna knowledge

Flora knowledge

Tracking

Astronomy

Education

NQF2 or NQF4 with Professional Trails Guide

Job description

Hoedspruit, South Africa | Posted on 10/02/2026

A luxury 5-star safari lodge is seeking a highly professional, passionate, and experienced Trails Guide to join our elite field operations team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for delivering world-class, safe, and deeply immersive walking safaris and game drives for international and domestic high-net-worth guests. You will showcase the intricate nuances of the African bush while maintaining the highest standards of safety and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Experiences: Conduct professional, informative, and thrilling walking safaris (trails) and game drives.
• Safety First: Ensure the absolute safety of guests at all times during encounters with dangerous game, strictly adhering to conservation and safety protocols.
• Hosting Duties: Interact with guests during meals, standard hosting hours, and orientations, delivering exceptional 5-star service.
• Vehicle & Equipment Care: Maintain the lodge's safari vehicles, firearms, and bush walk equipment in pristine, working condition.
• Conservation Advocacy: Promote environmental awareness, track wildlife, and assist the conservation team with reserve management duties when required.
  

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications

• NQF2 Or 4 with a valid Professional Trails Guide qualification.
• Firearms: Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) certificate with valid PFTC unit standards.
• Registrations: Valid DEAT/NDDT registration, PrDP (Public Transport Character), and valid First Aid certificate.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience guiding walks in a Big 5 environment.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills, a refined hosting manner, and a deep knowledge of fauna, flora, tracking, and astronomy.

Benefits & Package

• Competitive salary of R15 000 – R18 000 pm.