TRAILS GUIDE

Bushwise; Montagu; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site live-in accommodation

All meals provided

Uniform allocation

Medical aid contribution

Rotational lodge leave cycle

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking an experienced Trails Guide for its premier luxury eco-tourism destination in the Little Karoo. The successful candidate will lead interpretive safaris, track wildlife, and deliver world-class hospitality to international guests.

Requirements include FGASA Full Trails Guide, NQF2/4 Specialist Field Guide, PFTC firearm proficiency, DEAT/NDT registration, First Aid Level 1+, and 3–4 years in Big 5 or high-end reserves. A Code 8/10 license with PrDP is essential.

Qualifications

• FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate is mandatory.
• NQF2/4 Specialist Field Guide qualification required.
• PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate required for rifle handling.
• DEAT / NDT registration and First Aid Level 1+ are mandatory.
• 3–4 years guiding experience in Big 5 or luxury reserves with logged hours.
• Code 8 or Code 10 driver’s license with a valid PrDP.
• Clean criminal record and South African citizenship or valid work visa.
• Immaculate hosting manners and fluent English storytelling are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe interpretive bush walks and multi-day trails through Big 5 terrain.
• Maintain firearm safety protocols and regular cleaning schedules.
• Provide expert eco-interpretation of the Karoo biome.
• Host luxury lodge dinners and guest orientations.
• Maintain daily 4x4 vehicle checks and gear upkeep.
• Coordinate with field operations manager, trackers, and anti-poaching units.

Skills

Hosting and storytelling

Storytelling in English

Physical fitness

Wildlife spotting

Education

NQF2/4 Specialist Field Guide

FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate

PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate

DEAT / NDT registration and First Aid Level 1+

Tools

Code 8/Code 10 driver's license

PrDP endorsement

Job description

a premier 5-star luxury eco-tourism destination in the Little Karoo, is seeking an experienced, disciplined, and passionate Trails Guide. Famous for its massive wide-open arid landscapes and free-roaming Big 5 wildlife, Sanbona provides elite walking safaris. The successful candidate will safely lead interpretive foot safaris, track wildlife, and deliver world-class hospitality to international guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Trail Safaris: Lead safe, highly educational, and deeply engaging bush walks and multi-day primitive trails through active Big 5 terrain.
• Rifle Management: Maintain impeccable firearm safety protocols, regular cleaning schedules, and constant situational vigilance.
• Eco-Interpretation: Offer expert, insightful knowledge covering the specialized Karoo biome (fauna, flora, geology, and astronomy).
• Guest Hosting: Host luxury lodge dinners, conduct welcoming orientations, and consistently preserve guest safety and comfort.
• Asset Maintenance: Manage daily 4x4 vehicle checks, keep trail gear pristine, and proactively track environmental changes.
• Team Liaison: Partner directly with the field operations manager, tracker crews, and anti-poaching units to synchronize safe guest routes.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: NQF2/4 (Specialist Field Guide) absolute minimum requirement.
• Trails Status: Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate is mandatory (VPDA / Advanced Trails is highly preferred).
• Firearm Compliance: Valid PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate (Business Purposes for a manually operated rifle).
• Registration: Current DEAT / NDT registration number and a valid, active Level 1 (or higher) First Aid certificate.
• Experience: Minimum 3–4 years of commercial guiding inside a Big 5 or high-end luxury reserve, with well-documented logged walking hours.
• Logistics: Valid Code 8 or Code 10 driver's license alongside a clean Public Transport PrDP endorsement.
• Compliance: Fully clean criminal record background history and valid South African citizenship or work visa.
• Soft Skills: Immaculate hosting manners, excellent storytelling abilities in English, and top-tier physical fitness levels.

Benefits

Package & Benefits

• Market-related basic salary reflecting logged trail hours and experience.
• Premium on-site live-in staff accommodation.
• All meals provided while on duty.
• Full uniform allocation, medical aid contribution, and a balanced, rotational lodge leave cycle.