South Africa: Head Guide – Ultra-Luxury Lodge – Karoo, Western Cape | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Lodge-Based Role: Head Guide – Ultra-Luxury Big 5 Game Reserve (Western Cape) Location: Private Big 5 Game Reserve, Ceres / Karoo region, Western Cape Salary: Highly negotiable (based on experience; potential for bonus buy-out for starts before end of 2025) Accommodation / Meals: Live-in (accommodation and meals provided) Work Cycle: 3 weeks on / 1 week off Role Overview A newly opening, exclusive ultra-luxury 5★ (Big 5) tented lodge in the Western Cape is seeking a Head Guide to join its leadership team. This is a flagship position for a seasoned luxury safari professional who combines technical guiding expertise with flawless guest hosting and refined presentation. The ideal candidate will have a track record of delivering world-class guest experiences within a five-star environment and the discipline to thrive in a remote, high-performance setting. This position requires a candidate with proven loyalty and consistency in their career journey. Preference will be given to guides who have demonstrated long-term commitment and progression within luxury safari environments. Key Requirements • FGASA NQF4 (Trails qualification advantageous but not mandatory). • Minimum 3 years’ Head or Senior Guide experience within a luxury lodge (5★ or higher). • Strong guest-hosting skills – confident, professional, warm and personable. • Excellent communication and team-leadership skills with discipline and integrity. • Good knowledge of vehicle and equipment maintenance, radio protocols and bush safety. • Immaculate presentation and a genuine passion for sharing knowledge of wildlife, ecology and conservation. Responsibilities • Lead game drives, bush walks and custom safari experiences in a Big 5 reserve. • Share in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem in an engaging, refined manner. • Host guests throughout their stay – including meals and special functions – to the highest standards of service. • Oversee vehicle and equipment maintenance, ensuring safety and professional presentation. • Manage the safari department and guiding team, providing leadership, training and mentorship. • Collaborate closely with lodge management to deliver a seamless, world-class guest journey. What’s on Offer • Live-in luxury lodge environment with meals and accommodation provided. • 3 weeks on / 1 week off rotation for a balanced bush lifestyle. • Highly negotiable salary reflecting your experience and five-star background. • Optional bonus buy-out for candidates able to start before December 2025 (with proof of existing bonus agreement). • Opportunity to help shape an exceptional new luxury safari operation in the Western Cape. TO APPLY: Submit your updated CV with contactable references and a recent head & shoulders photograph ASAP. Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.