South Africa: Head Guide – Sj2610: Limpopo posted by HotelJobs

Nestled within the scenic UNESCO-recognised Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, this exclusive luxury boutique lodge is preparing for its highly anticipated reopening in 2026. The property is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment, including the construction of new guest suites and the complete rebuild of the main lodge. The redesigned facilities will feature a modern, thoughtfully curated layout, including a new kitchen, bar, dining area, and elegant guest spaces, all designed to support an elevated lodge experience blending refined hospitality, warm personalised service, and authentic safari moments. The lodge will accommodate up to twenty international guests, offering exclusive seven-night fixed-stay safari experiences arranged through its established European ownership and agency network. This structured model allows for a well-paced and predictable operational environment, enabling staff to deliver consistently high standards of personalised service. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and dynamic management team who place strong emphasis on professionalism, innovation, and a positive working environment. The leadership encourages initiative, values efficiency through the use of modern systems, and is committed to fostering a supportive and enjoyable workplace culture. Our client is seeking mature, self-motivated individuals who demonstrate strong work ethic, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion for hospitality and the natural environment. The ideal candidate will thrive in a remote lodge setting and take pride in contributing to an exceptional guest experience. ???? ???????? This is a senior guiding role responsible for delivering highquality game drives and bush walks, mentoring of junior guides, and ensuring guests enjoy an engaging, memorable safari experience. The lodge borders one of South Africas most exclusive Big 5 wilderness areas. The Head Guide will conduct regular game drives inside the Big 5 reserve, taking advantage of its low vehicle density, excellent sightings, and the striking Waterberg landscapes. The role may also include walks and naturebased activities on the lodges own plainsgame property, with the possibility of future guided walks inside the Big 5 reserve. The ideal candidate has a strong presence with a warm, confident manner. They should be charismatic, engaging, and able to keep guests entertained with insight, humour, and genuine personality, creating relaxed and memorable experiences throughout the safari. The Head Guide must also be able to upsell additional game drives and activities, host guests at dinner, lead creative experiences (stargazing, kids tracking sessions, storytelling, bush talks), and accompany guests on offsite activities with packed lunches and drinks. Maintenance and basic mechanical skills are highly valued due to the remote environment. ??????? ???????????? ??? ???????????? Clear criminal record Excellent employment track record references will be verified Excellent English fluency (written & verbal) – non-negotiable Highly presentable / take pride in your appearance Fluency in either Afrikaans, Dutch or Flemish (??????????) Valid drivers licence, PrDP & own transport suitable to travel gravel roads (??????????) FGASA Field Guide CATHSSETA NDT Valid First Aid certification Relevant experience guiding & / walking in a Big 5 reserve ????????? FGASA Professional Field Guide SAPS rifle competency (Business purposes) Own rifle Strong knowledge of Waterberg ecology, flora, and fauna Maintenance and basic mechanical skills ??? ???????????????? Conduct high quality Big 5 game drives inside a Big 5 reserve. Lead guided bush walks inside a Big 5 reserve (where permitted) and on the lodges plains game property, as and when this activity is introduced. Deliver engaging, educational, enjoyable safari experiences. Maintain strong safety awareness and ethical wildlife viewing. Provide warm, attentive hosting throughout the guest stay. Host guests at dinner and maintain strong guideguest relationships. Upsell additional game drives and guest activities confidently. Fully responsible for clean and tidy upkeep, ordering and maintenance of stock relating to all guide activities. The guide acts as a host and key member of the central guest facing team, ensuring an optimal seven day stay. He identifies guest needs, communicates them to FOH, and proactively engages guests by initiating additional activities to elevate their experience. Lead and execute additional guest experiences such as (Stargazing sessions, Kids track seminars, Storytelling round the fire, Bush presentations or talks, Short walks or birding outings, Sundowner setups, Photographic assistance) Accompany guests from and to the airport and on off-site activities including organizing and packing lunches, snacks, and drinks. Support special occasions, private dinners, and unique guest requests. Conduct safety briefings, risk assessments, and environmental checks. Maintain rifles, radios, safety & guiding equipment to legal and operational standards. Uphold all reserve protocols, including sightings etiquette and off road policies. Must be able to stand in for the Farm Manager and manage farm workers when required. Mentor and support junior guides and field staff. Assist with training, assessments, and skills development. Maintain a positive, professional guiding culture aligned with lodge values. Oversee daily vehicle checks, cleanliness, and maintenance reporting. Participate in reserve activities such as fence checks, road maintenance, and conservation projects. Assist with basic mechanical troubleshooting and minor maintenance tasks. Support general lodge maintenance when required. ???????????? / ??????? / ???? ????? Gross monthly salary – negotiable DOE, qualifications & if you have your own rifle etc. (Please advise your gross salary expectation within your application) Gratuities – Guides are the only staff permitted to receive and keep direct individual tips from guests and as such will not participate in the general staff gratuity pool. Lunch and dinner provided during rostered on duty period Private room in senior staff quarters, with own bathroom and kitchenette Water and electricity included Uniform provided, excluding footwear Selfservice laundry facilities available 6 days off per calendar month (May change according to operational needs) + 15 days leave days per annum. ????? ?? ???? The lodge is located within approximately 30km of Vaalwater, reached via a mostly rugged gravel road – successful candidates must be able to arrange their own transport for days off and personal errands. This is a remote, onsite living position with single accommodation; candidates must be comfortable living in a quiet, rural environment. Due to the nature of the accommodation and operational requirements: family, children and pets cannot be accommodated. Must have access to Whatsapp video / Zoom / Microsoft Teams for initial interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an inperson interview at the property. Must be willing to potentially complete a personality and character assessment during the interview process. Must be willing to potentially undergo a criminal record check and polygraph examination prior to final appointment. Only South African citizens or applicants with full valid work permits may apply (not ZEP) ??????????? ??????? Please submit your up-to-date 2026 CV ; a recent head-and-shoulders photograph, copies of relevant qualifications / certificates ; and contactable references for your last three roles, educators, or practical experience supervisors. Written reference letters to be included if available. We sincerely value every application submitted. While only shortlisted candidates who meet the role requirements will be contacted, you are most welcome to follow our advertising & social media platforms for future opportunities that may better align with your profile.