Assistant Head Guide

Minimum Qualifications

• FGASA Level 2 qualification (essential).
• Full Trails Guide qualification (Lead Trails Guide).
• Valid First Aid Certificate (Level 2 or higher preferred).
• Valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit).
• Valid South African driver's licence.
• Firearm competency (where required by reserve regulations).
• ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) certification is advantageous.

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Field Guide within a luxury safari lodge or private game reserve.
• Previous experience conducting guided walking safaris.
• Supervisory or leadership experience within a guiding team.
• Experience mentoring and training junior guides.
• Sound knowledge of wildlife behaviour, ecology, and conservation.

• Excellent guiding and interpretive skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Extensive knowledge of South African flora, fauna, birds, reptiles, and ecosystems.
• Excellent communication and guest interaction skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of safety awareness and emergency response capability.
• Vehicle operating and basic maintenance knowledge.
• Computer literacy for reports and guest communication.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

• Passion for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
• Professional, mature, and responsible.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Calm under pressure with sound judgement.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

• Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, and rotational shifts.
• Ability to live on-site if required.
• Excellent spoken and written English; additional languages are advantageous.
• Valid passport (advantageous for cross-border reserves).
• Clean disciplinary and driving record.

• Luxury lodge guiding experience.
• Experience with wildlife photography assistance.
• Knowledge of reserve management systems.
• Experience in conservation projects and wildlife monitoring.
• Ability to assist in lodge operations when required.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.