SUMMARY:
A luxury safari destination set in Limpopo is looking for a HEAD GUIDE to lead their guiding team.
POSITION INFO:
The Head Guide is to assume full responsibility for maintaining the overall operation and administration of the Guides and Safari department, including individual, family and children’s safari experiences, safety, excellent guest and staff relations, guest hosting, and all equipment, vehicles, and assets.
KEY FOCUS AREAS:
Oversee, train, and monitor all Field Guide functions according to FGASA standards and the established guiding culture. This includes guest introductions and safety orientations, guided game drives and interpretive bush walks, tracking, identification of spoor, delivery of informative lectures on relevant ecological topics, as well as drinks stops and other bush events.
Ensure efficient allocation for all game drives, back-up drives, and stand-by duties.
As the registered responsible person for company firearms, assume full responsibility for obtaining and maintaining valid departmental licenses, and for ensuring efficient and safe weapon handling and proficiency across the entire department.
Oversee the workshop function and vehicle maintenance.
Chair and record departmental meetings, and attend other meetings as required.
Assist in managing lodge social media platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of relevant and engaging content with the aim of increasing knowledge of the wildlife and operating area.
As one of the primary incident coordinators, ensure effective incident management in the event of emergencies or evacuations, including medical incidents, fire, and flood situations.
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT & MENTORSHIP:
Mentor, train, develop, motivate, and guide the team (including Field Guide College students and trainee field guides) toward achieving and maintaining required and higher qualifications.
Compile feedback and progress reports to the Field Guide College Head Trainer on placement guides.
Identify and develop individuals who show potential to grow into future positions within the wider collection.
Implement training and mentorship plans, facilitating the use of appointed internal and external trainers, and identifying potential mentors within the department.
As part of the broader collection, facilitate inter-property training opportunities for employees who would benefit from exposure at other properties.
Provide effective leadership through professional people management, motivation, and mediation when required.
Participate in and assist with organising regular Head Guide forums and mentorship workshops.
Drive and monitor the effective implementation and execution of performance management and succession planning processes.
Conduct regular, meaningful performance appraisals in a manner that encourages open, two-way communication. Follow up to ensure agreed action points and development plans are implemented.
CONSERVATION:
Work closely with the Reserve Conservation Team to support and promote conservation initiatives across the reserve. This role actively builds and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with conservation, management, and operational teams to ensure aligned objectives and shared knowledge.
Participate in regular meetings, contribute insights from guiding operations, and remain actively engaged in all factors influencing the guest experience — from conservation messaging and wildlife management to daily reserve activities. Through leadership, communication, and collaboration, ensure conservation values are meaningfully integrated into guest interactions and guiding standards.
GENERAL SERVICE & GUEST CARE:
Ensure all available guest information is collected and communicated prior to arrival.
Collect guest preferences and feedback during guest interactions and inform Management to ensure preferences are recorded and acted upon.
Ensure all guest complaints are reported to Management immediately.
REQUIREMENTS - CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Minimum FGASA Level 2 and Trails Guide (essential)
- Advanced Rifle Handling and Rifle Proficiency
- First Aid Level 2
- Valid Driver’s Licence and PDP
- Previous experience as an Assistant Head Guide or Head Guide
- Sound knowledge of planning, budgeting, and departmental administration
- Sound knowledge of applicable property and company procedures for the department, in line with FGASA standards and the established guiding culture
- Excellent attention to detail and strong hygiene principles
- Strong guest-focus philosophy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with honest and professional communication
- Team player with a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control
- Excellent time management, self-discipline, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Proactive, with initiative and creative flair when required
- Committed, loyal, adaptable, and flexible
- Ability to work accurately under pressure
- Strong people skills — tolerance, patience, and care
- Leadership ability with a passion for development and skills transfer
MAXIMISING YOUR IMPACT AS A MEMBER OF THE COLLECTION:
- Excellent attention to detail
- Guest-focused philosophy and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, practising honest communication
- Team player with a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control
- Excellent time management, self-discipline, interpersonal, and solution-seeking skills
- Proactive, using initiative and creative flair when required
- Committed, loyal, adaptable, and flexible
- Ability to work accurately under pressure
- Strong people skills — tolerance, patience, care, and the ability to receive constructive feedback openly
This is a live-in position.
