Senior Guide

SUMMARY:
Job Summary
The Senior Guide is responsible for delivering exceptional, safe, and educational safari experiences while supporting the leadership, mentoring, and development of junior guides. The role upholds the lodge’s conservation ethos, ensures compliance with reserve protocols, and contributes to a consistently high standard of guiding within a Big 5 environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Guiding & Guest Experience

• Conduct professional, informative, and engaging game drives and bush walks (where permitted).
• Ensure guest safety at all times in an unfenced Big 5 environment.
• Deliver memorable wildlife encounters while maintaining ethical viewing practices.
• Provide accurate interpretation of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and conservation principles.
• Respond professionally to guest feedback and adapt guiding style to guest expectations.

• Uphold and promote the lodge’s conservation values and responsible tourism principles.
• Ensure strict adherence to reserve rules, wildlife interaction protocols, and carrying capacities.
• Act as a role model for ethical guiding behaviour and environmental stewardship.
• Support conservation initiatives, data collection, and reporting where required.

• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with lodge SOPs, reserve rules, and legal requirements.
• Maintain clear radio communication and situational awareness at all times.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, incidents, or wildlife-related risks.
• Ensure guiding vehicles and equipment are checked and fit for use before each activity.

• Mentor, coach, and support junior guides and trainee guides.
• Assist with assessments, training sessions, and on-the-job development.
• Lead by example in professionalism, guest interaction, safety, and conservation ethics.
• Support the Safari Manager with team coordination when required.

• Assist with vehicle, equipment, and resource care and reporting of maintenance issues.
• Participate in daily briefings, debriefings, and operational planning.
• Support special activities, photographic safaris, walking safaris, and private drives where qualified.

POSITION INFO:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• FGASA Professional Field Guide qualification (minimum Level 2 recommended).
• Valid Trails Guide qualification (advantageous, if applicable to operations).
• Valid PDP and driver’s licence (Code B / C1 as applicable).
• First Aid Level 2 (minimum).
• Minimum 3–5 years’ guiding experience in a Big 5 reserve.
• Clear criminal record.