SUMMARY:
Senior, Guide
POSITION INFO:
Job Title Senior Guide (Must be qualified)
Reports to Safari Manager
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
ï‚· Conduct professional, informative, and engaging game drives and
bush walks (where permitted).
ï‚· Ensure guest safety at all times in an unfenced Big 5
environment.
ï‚· Deliver memorable wildlife encounters while maintaining ethical
viewing practices.
ï‚· Provide accurate interpretation of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and
conservation principles.
ï‚· Respond professionally to guest feedback and adapt guiding style
to guest expectations.
Conservation & Ethical Guiding
ï‚· Uphold and promote the lodge’s conservation values and
responsible tourism principles.
ï‚· Ensure strict adherence to reserve rules, wildlife interaction
protocols, and carrying capacities.
ï‚· Act as a role model for ethical guiding behaviour and
environmental stewardship.
ï‚· Support conservation initiatives, data collection, and reporting
where required.
Safety, Protocols & Compliance
ï‚· Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with lodge
SOPs, reserve rules, and legal requirements.
ï‚· Maintain clear radio communication and situational awareness at
all times.
ï‚· Respond effectively to emergencies, incidents, or wildlife-related
risks.
ï‚· Ensure guiding vehicles and equipment are checked and fit for
use before each activity.
Leadership & Mentorship
ï‚· Mentor, coach, and support junior guides and trainee guides.
ï‚· Assist with assessments, training sessions, and on-the-job
development.
ï‚· Lead by example in professionalism, guest interaction, safety, and
conservation ethics.
ï‚· Support the Safari Manager with team coordination when
required.
Operational Support
ï‚· Assist with vehicle, equipment, and resource care and reporting of
maintenance issues.
ï‚· Participate in daily briefings, debriefings, and operational
planning.
ï‚· Support special activities, photographic safaris, walking safaris,
and private drives where qualified.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
ï‚· FGASA Professional Field Guide qualification (minimum Level 2
recommended).
ï‚· Valid Trails Guide qualification (advantageous, if applicable to
operations).
ï‚· Valid PDP and driver’s licence (Code B / C1 as applicable).
ï‚· First Aid Level 2 (minimum).
ï‚· Minimum 3–5 years’ guiding experience in a Big 5 reserve.
ï‚· Clear criminal record.
Core Competencies ï‚· Strong Big 5 guiding and tracking skills
ï‚· Excellent wildlife knowledge and interpretive ability
ï‚· Strong leadership and mentoring capability
ï‚· Calm, decisive decision-making under pressure
ï‚· Excellent communication and guest service skills
ï‚· High ethical and conservation-driven mindset
Working
Environment
ï‚· Remote Big 5 lodge environment
ï‚· Flexible working hours including early mornings, weekends, and
public holidays
ï‚· Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
Email CVS to
