Head Guide.

Head Guide.

5* Game Lodge

Big 5 Reserve.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Mpumalanga

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and inspirational Head Guide to lead our guiding department and help shape the future of our safari operation.

Role Overview

This is far more than a guiding position. The Head Guide will be responsible for leading the guiding team, maintaining exceptional safari standards, mentoring guides and trackers.

The successful candidate will play an important role in staff development, operational planning and digital storytelling, helping showcase the incredible wildlife and experiences that make Arathusa unique.

Key Responsibilities

Safari Leadership & Guest Experience

• Lead by example through exceptional guiding standards and professionalism.
• Deliver world-class interpretive safari experiences.
• Ensure a consistently high standard of guest interaction and hosting.
• Maintain the highest standards of safety and operational discipline.
• Drive continuous improvement within the guiding department.

Guide & Tracker Training

• Develop and implement structured training programmes for guides and trackers.
• Mentor guides through practical and theoretical development.
• Conduct regular assessments and coaching sessions.
• Encourage continuous professional development.
• Promote a culture of learning, accountability and teamwork.

Wildlife & Conservation

• Promote ethical wildlife viewing practices.
• Ensure guides maintain accurate wildlife records where required.
• Foster respect for our traverse partners amongst the guiding team.

Operational Management

• Manage daily guide and tracker allocations.
• Oversee vehicle standards, maintenance and equipment readiness.
• Ensure radios, spotting equipment and safari vehicles remain operational.
• Coordinate guiding operations with neighbouring lodges where required.
• Assist management with departmental budgeting and planning.
• Maintain departmental SOPs and operational standards.

Digital Marketing & Content Creation

• Encourage guides and trackers to contribute regular wildlife stories, sightings and observations.
• Coordinate the collection of photographs, videos and safari content for use by the lodge’s marketing team.
• Work with management to create engaging content that showcases Arathusa’s safari experience.
• Assist with developing educational content that reflects the lodge’s conservation ethos.
• Promote a culture where every guide contributes to the lodge’s digital presence through authentic storytelling.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience as a Senior Guide or Head Guide within a luxury safari lodge.
• National Industry qualifications appropriate for a leadership role.
• Valid PDP and First Aid certification.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and guest engagement skills.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and ethical guiding.
• Ability to train, motivate and inspire guides and trackers.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Professional, approachable and calm leadership style.
• Strong understanding of luxury hospitality standards.
• Rifle Competency

Beneficial  Skills

• Wildlife photography and videography experience.
• Experience contributing to lodge marketing, blogs or social media.
• Experience conducting formal guide training.
• Knowledge of the Sabi Sand ecosystem.

Key Performance Indicators

• Guest satisfaction relating to safari experiences.
• Guide and tracker development and retention.
• Training implementation and staff progression.
• Vehicle and equipment standards.
• Safety and compliance.
• Contribution to marketing content and digital engagement.
• Departmental teamwork and operational efficiency.

Package

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Live-in accommodation.
• Meals.
• Uniform.
• 6 weeks on / 2 week off work cycle.

Apply for this position.

Please Note – While all applications are valuable, we’ll reach out directly to candidates who best meet the client’s requirements.