South Africa: Head Guide – Sj2610: Limpopo posted by Safari JOBS Ltd

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and charismatic Head Guide to join our luxury boutique lodge in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. As part of our team, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional game drives, mentoring junior guides, and ensuring guests have an engaging and memorable safari experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular game drives inside the Big 5 reserve, taking advantage of its low vehicle density, excellent sightings, and striking Waterberg landscapes.
• Lead guided bush walks inside a Big 5 reserve (where permitted) and on the lodge’s plains game property, as and when this activity is introduced.
• Deliver engaging, educational, enjoyable safari experiences that maintain strong safety awareness and ethical wildlife viewing.
• Provide warm, attentive hosting throughout the guest stay, including hosting guests at dinner and maintaining strong guide–guest 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.
• Identify guest needs, communicate them to FOH, and proactively engage 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, and 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.
• Stand in for the Farm Manager and manage farm workers when required.
• Mentor and support junior guides and field staff, assisting with training, assessments, and skills development.
• Maintain a positive, professional guiding culture aligned with lodge values.

Requirements

• Strong presence with a warm, confident manner.
• Charismatic, engaging, and able to keep guests entertained with insight, humour, and genuine personality.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong work ethic.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and the natural environment.
• Ability to thrive in a remote lodge setting and take pride in contributing to an exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications

• Valid FGASA Professional Field Guide certification.
• Valid First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s licence, PrDP & own transport suitable to travel gravel roads.
• SAPS rifle competency (Business purposes).
• Strong knowledge of Waterberg ecology, flora, and fauna.
• Maintenance and basic mechanical skills.

Salary & Benefits

• 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
• Self-service laundry facilities available 6 days off per calendar month (May change according to operational needs)
• 15 days leave days per annum