Pongola: Senior Guide

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 lodges 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 lodges 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 drivers licence (Code B / C1 as applicable). ï‚· First Aid Level 2 (minimum). ï‚· Minimum 35 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