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Head Guide (JB5907)

Northern Cape
Salary: R35 000.00 - R40 000.00 Per Month
Job Type: Permanent
Sectors: Hospitality Travel & Tourism Environmental
Reference: Head Guide (JB5907)

Apply before Mar 16 2026 | 14 Days left

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Vacancy Details

Employer: Kontak Recruitment

Head Guide (JB5907)

Live-In, Remote Wilderness Reserve

Location: Northern Cape

Salary: R40 000 per month, negotiable

Benefits include: Medical Aid, Pension, Accommodation, utilties and more.

Employment Type: Permanent, on-site at the reserve

This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the guiding experience within a vast, pristine wilderness while contributing meaningfully to a conservation mission that has been at the forefront of ecological restoration and research for more than 25 years.

As Head Guide, you will oversee and elevate all guiding operations, lead a skilled team of guides and trackers, and deliver world-class safari experiences that reflect the reserve’s commitment to authenticity, hospitality excellence, and conservation integrity. This is a live-in role that requires strong leadership, deep ecological knowledge, and the ability to create personalised, unforgettable experiences for guests from around the world.

You will be responsible for guiding excellence across game drives, bush walks, and interpretive activities. You will mentor and develop the guiding team, ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and serve as a key ambassador for the reserve’s brand and values. Working closely with camp management, you will align guest activities with operational plans while fostering an atmosphere of conservation awareness, storytelling, and exceptional guest engagement.

Minimum Requirements:

FGASA Level 2 or higher (or equivalent).

Valid PDP, First Aid Level 1+, and Rifle Competency Certificate.

Minimum 5 years of guiding experience, including 2+ years in a senior or leadership role.

Proven experience in a luxury safari or 5-star lodge environment.

Extensive knowledge of African flora, fauna, and conservation practices.

Strong communication skills, with additional languages as an advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

Guest Experience & Guiding Operations

Lead exceptional game drives, guided walks, and interpretive experiences.

Share expert knowledge of local wildlife, ecosystems, culture, and conservation.

Tailor experiences to individual guest interests and expectations.

Maintain outstanding communication, storytelling, and guest engagement.

Leadership & Team Management

Mentor and manage the guiding team, promoting high performance and growth.

Conduct skills assessments, training plans, and ongoing development sessions.

Schedule guiding activities to ensure full operational coverage.

Uphold professional standards in appearance, conduct, and guest interaction.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure adherence to safety, ethical guiding practices, and environmental regulations.

Lead safety briefings and ensure all guiding equipment is well maintained.

Stay updated on wildlife behaviour, reserve protocols, and first aid requirements.

Operational & Administrative Duties

Collaborate with camp management on guest itineraries and daily logistics.

Oversee guiding vehicles, radios, equipment, and operational readiness.

Maintain accurate guiding records, sightings data, and incident reports.

Support conservation initiatives, research activities, and community outreach.

Working Environment

Remote game reserve with early starts, weekends, and public holidays.

Physically demanding, outdoor-focused role.

Live-in position with daily engagement in a wilderness environment.

Please do not apply using scanned CVs; no supporting documentation is required at this point. This will be requested later.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer:

Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcome, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.

Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.

Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.

Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.

Candidate verification: Candidates selected by the client are verified. False info may disqualify or end employment with the client.

Offer clarity: The Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.

No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.

Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.

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About Kontak Recruitment

Kontak Recruitment is a Pastel Certified Recruiter which specializes in the recruitment of personnel on all career levels including the placement of temporary, contract as well as permanent staffing. We enjoy the personalized approach with regards to out candidates focusing on their needs and requirements as well as a personalized approach with our clients in delivering an excellent service.

Kontak Recruitment conducts business in an ethical and honest manner. We aim at building long term relationships that are to the mutual benefit of all parties. We offer a responsible and personalized service to clients and candidates. We encourage an employment environment that provides equal opportunities for all employees. All positions and applications remain confidential protecting the rights and interests of both the client and the candidates.

Our core focus is delivering a staffing solution in the niche fields of Pastel Consultants,finance as well as office support. As part of this service offering we include extensive reference and qualification checks as well as a criminal and credit check. Our focus is quality and we will present the most efficient and integrated ways of satisfying the skills need within the company.

Permanent staff placements – We strive to find the right fit and providing support to client and candidate during the first three months of the employment.

Temporary and Contract placements – We offer immediate access to staff on all levels on a flexible basis. Kontak Recruitment administers the payroll and all statutory returns.

Terms and Conditions Available on Request