The Head Guide is responsible for overseeing all guest experiences related to safari and nature activities, ensuring that game drives, bush walks, and other wildlife excursions are conducted at the highest level of professionalism, safety, and guest satisfaction. The Head Guide will lead a team of guides and trackers, ensuring they maintain the lodge's 5-star service standards, while fostering an enriching, informative, and immersive wildlife experience for guests. Key Responsibilities: Guest Experience : Conduct guided game drives, bush walks, and other wildlife excursions, providing in-depth knowledge about the local ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and conservation efforts. Ensure each safari experience is personalized to guest preferences, balancing excitement with safety. Provide guests with exceptional service, making their stay memorable through personalized attention and detailed wildlife interpretation. Team Leadership : Supervise, train, and mentor the guiding and tracking team, ensuring that they are well-prepared, knowledgeable, and motivated to deliver world-class guiding experiences. Create staff rosters and manage the daily schedules for all guides and trackers. Conduct regular training sessions to keep the team updated on new techniques, information about the area, animal behavior, and best practices in guest interaction. Safari Logistics & Equipment : Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of safari vehicles, equipment, and gear, ensuring that all items are in top condition and ready for guest use. Coordinate with lodge management for timely vehicle servicing, repairs, and fuel management. Maintain the lodge's safari equipment, including radios, binoculars, spotlights, and first-aid kits. Wildlife & Environmental Knowledge : Keep up-to-date with information about the local environment, wildlife, plant life, and conservation efforts, sharing this knowledge with both guests and staff. Lead by example in understanding and interpreting animal behavior, ecological systems, and the lodge's commitment to wildlife conservation. Assist in wildlife monitoring projects, which may involve data collection, anti-poaching patrols, and reporting any unusual animal activity or environmental issues to relevant authorities. Health & Safety : Ensure all game drives, walks, and excursions adhere to strict safety protocols, prioritizing the safety of guests and staff at all times. Ensure that all guides are trained in first aid and emergency response. Be prepared to handle emergencies and know how to respond to wildlife encounters or other unpredictable situations during safaris. Guest Interaction & Feedback : Engage with guests before and after game drives to ensure their expectations are met and to answer any questions they may have. Handle any guest complaints or concerns with professionalism, ensuring a quick resolution to maintain guest satisfaction. Collect and review guest feedback to continuously improve the safari experience. Collaboration with Other Departments : Coordinate closely with the lodges management, reservations, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless communication regarding safari schedules and guest preferences. Work alongside the kitchen and housekeeping teams to create unique bush experiences like bush dinners, sundowners, or star-gazing sessions. Qualifications : FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) Level 2 or 3 certification (or equivalent). Valid PDP (Professional Driving Permit). First Aid certification (Level 2 minimum). DEAT/THETA guiding certification. ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) certification. Experience : At least 5 years of guiding experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or head guide role, preferably at a 5-star lodge. Extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and birdlife, as well as animal behavior and conservation efforts. Skills : Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on guest interaction. Ability to work well under pressure and in remote, sometimes challenging environments. Proficient in handling and maintaining safari vehicles and equipment. Strong understanding of safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Personal Attributes: Passionate about wildlife and conservation. Energetic, enthusiastic, and adaptable. Strong attention to detail. High level of professionalism and integrity. A strong sense of responsibility for the guest experience and staff performance. Additional Skills: Birding expertise and photographic guiding experience would be a plus. Proficiency in multiple languages is an advantage. Knowledge of local cultures and traditions to enrich the guest experience. Benefits: Competitive salary package. Accommodation and meals provided. Access to ongoing professional development and certifications. Opportunity to work in a pristine natural environment with a focus on conservation. Uniform and use of safari vehicles for guiding purposes.
