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

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and charismatic Senior/Head Guide to join our luxury boutique lodge in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. As a key member of our guest-facing team, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional game drives, bush walks, and safari experiences that showcase the beauty and wildlife of this exclusive Big 5 wilderness area. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, innovation, and a positive working environment, we are looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality, nature, and providing unforgettable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality 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 the 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.
• Maintain clean and tidy upkeep, ordering and maintenance of stock relating to all guide activities.
• Act as a host and key member of the central guest-facing team, identifying guest needs, communicating them to FOH, and proactively engaging guests by initiating additional activities to elevate their experience.

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 a strong work ethic.
• Mature, self-motivated individual who demonstrates a genuine passion for hospitality and the natural environment.
• Valid driver’s licence, PrDP & own transport suitable to travel gravel roads.
• FGASA Field Guide CATHSSETA NDT Valid First Aid certification.
• Relevant experience guiding and walking in a Big 5 reserve.
• Strong knowledge of Waterberg ecology, flora, and fauna.
• Maintenance and basic mechanical skills.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications: None mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

• Gross monthly salary – negotiable DOE, qualifications & if you have your own rifle etc.
• 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.

Note

Due to the nature of the accommodation and operational requirements: family, children, and pets cannot be accommodated. Candidates must be comfortable living in a quiet, rural environment. Access to Whatsapp video / Zoom / Microsoft Teams for initial interviews is required. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview at the property. A personality and character assessment may be completed during the interview process. Only South African citizens or applicants with full valid work permits may apply (not ZEP).