Head Guide

SUMMARY:
Job Summary
The Head Guide is responsible for leading the Guiding Department, ensuring exceptional guest safari experiences, maintaining the highest guiding and safety standards, and mentoring the guiding team. The role combines operational leadership, conservation, luxury hospitality, and staff development to deliver world-class Big Five safari experiences in line with the lodge's standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Guest Experience

• Conduct exceptional morning and afternoon game drives.
• Lead guided bush walks (where qualified).
• Deliver engaging and educational wildlife interpretation.
• Host guests throughout their stay, ensuring personalised service.
• Conduct guest safety briefings and orientation.
• Create memorable wildlife encounters while maintaining ethical wildlife viewing practices.
• Handle special guest requests and tailor safari experiences accordingly.
• Assist with guest arrivals, departures, and transfers when required.

• Lead, supervise and motivate all Field Guides and Trackers.
• Prepare guiding schedules, leave rosters and daily allocations.
• Ensure consistent service standards across all guiding activities.
• Conduct regular performance reviews.
• Mentor junior guides and support career development.
• Maintain discipline and professionalism within the department.

• Conduct ongoing guide training.
• Mentor guides towards higher FGASA qualifications.
• Ensure all certifications remain current.
• Facilitate wildlife identification, tracking and interpretive skills training.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development.

• Ensure guest safety during all activities.
• Enforce lodge safety policies and reserve regulations.
• Maintain firearm competency and safe handling procedures.
• Ensure compliance with FGASA, Department of Tourism, conservation authority and reserve requirements.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and incidents.

• Oversee maintenance of safari vehicles.
• Ensure daily vehicle inspections are completed.
• Monitor radios, rifles, first aid kits and guiding equipment.
• Report maintenance issues promptly.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of all safari vehicles.

• Promote ethical wildlife viewing.
• Support anti-poaching and conservation initiatives.
• Record wildlife sightings accurately.
• Educate guests on biodiversity and conservation.
• Encourage environmentally responsible tourism practices.

• Complete daily guiding reports.
• Prepare departmental reports.
• Monitor guide licences and certifications.
• Assist with departmental budgets.
• Maintain accurate training and incident records.
• Coordinate with other lodge departments regarding guest activities.

• Maintain excellent communication with lodge management.
• Foster teamwork across departments.
• Lead by example in professionalism and guest service.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications Grade 12 (Matric). FGASA Field Guide Level 2 (NQF 4) or higher. Valid FGASA membership. Registered with the relevant tourism authority (where applicable). Lead Trails Guide qualification (preferred or essential depending on lodge). Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH). Valid First Aid Level 2 Certificate. Valid South African Driver's Licence. Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). Firearm competency certification (SASSETA\/SAPS where required). Experience Minimum 5 years' guiding experience in a Big Five reserve. Minimum 2-3 years in a Senior Guide or Head Guide leadership role. Experience in a luxury 5-star safari lodge. Proven staff management and mentoring experience. Strong knowledge of Sabi Sands ecosystems and wildlife behaviour. Experience in luxury guest hosting.