Job DescriptionThe Head Guide is responsible for leading the guiding team and ensuring that all guest activities—including game drives, bush walks, and wilderness experiences—are conducted safely, professionally, and to the highest hospitality and conservation standards. This role oversees the daily operations of the guiding department, manages guiding staff, maintains equipment and vehicles, ensures legal compliance with FGASA and reserve regulations, and delivers an exceptional, educational, and memorable guest experience. The Head Guide acts as the primary link between lodge management, conservation teams, and guiding staff. Key ResponsibilitiesLead, manage, and mentor the full guiding team.Conduct high-quality guided experiences: game drives, bush walks, stargazing, conservation activities, etc.Ensure guest safety and strict compliance with reserve and wildlife protocols.Conduct daily briefings, activity planning, and staff scheduling.Ensure all guiding activities reflect the lodge’s brand, service standards, and conservation ethics.Maintain vehicles, rifles, radios, and guiding equipment; ensure readiness and safety standards.Oversee vehicle checks, rifle competency, ammunition logs, and reserve permit compliance.Communicate with anti-poaching, conservation, maintenance, and hospitality teams regarding wildlife movements, operational needs, and guest activities.Provide training, development, and assessments for junior guides and trackers.Handle guest queries, special requests, and manage expectations professionally.Complete incident reports, sighting logs, vehicle checklists, and activity reporting.Uphold and enforce guiding SOPs, reserve rules, and safety procedures at all times.

Qualifications

• FGASA Level 2 or Level 3 preferred (minimum FGASA Level 1 required).
• Full Trails Guide qualification highly advantageous (or working toward it).
• Valid PDP (Professional Driving Permit).
• Valid First Aid Level 1 or higher.
• DEAT/LEDET/DFFE registration as a Field Guide (current).
• Rifle competency and SAPS proficiency certification.

Experience

• 3–5+ years of experience as a Field Guide in a Big 5 reserve.
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior guides preferred.
• Strong track record of excellent guest service and guiding performance.

Skills & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of wildlife, tracking, ecology, botany, birding, and conservation practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and storytelling ability.
• Strong situational awareness and risk assessment capability.
• High professionalism and guest engagement skills.
• Vehicle and 4x4 off-road driving competence.
• Ability to train, guide, and motivate a team.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about nature, conservation, and guest experience.
• Confident, calm under pressure, and safety-focused.
• Friendly, engaging, and able to connect well with guests from diverse backgrounds.
• Physically fit and able to conduct long walks and outdoor activities.
• Professional, ethical, and responsible.