Field Guide

Mkuze, South Africa | Posted on 08/18/2026

An award-winning private Big 5 game reserve in northern Kwa Zulu-Natal, is seeking passionate and guest-centric Field Guides to join our team. We value immersive guest storytelling, top-tier safety protocols, and a deep respect for conservation. We offer a progressive development environment where promising junior guides are mentored into elite roles. Guiding couples are welcome to apply.

Core Responsibilities

• Game Drives: Plan and conduct world-class, professional morning and evening game drives for international and local guests.
• Bush Walks: Conduct educational and highly secure walking safaris for guests (where trails qualification parameters allow).
• Guest Safety: Ensure uncompromising guest protection and adherence to emergency regulations at all times inside a Big 5 terrain.
• Cultural Interpretation: Seamlessly share accurate knowledge of local fauna, flora, conservation practices, and regional Zulu culture.
• Asset Care: Regularly inspect, wash, and maintain guiding vehicles and assigned bush equipment to pristine 5-star standards.
• Team Synergy: Operate in close harmony within an active team of professional field guides, hospitality hosts, and indigenous trackers.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: NQF4 (Apprentice Trails Guide or higher preferred).
• Development Intake: NQF2 guides actively working towards their NQF4 will be considered.
• Experience: Prior experience guiding in a similar Big 5 or luxury lodge environment is a distinct advantage.
• Relocation: Must be currently based in, or fully willing to relocate to, the northern region of Kwa Zulu-Natal.
• Core
  
  Competency:
  
  Sound general knowledge of bush dynamics, strict ethical game viewing rules, and guest safety protocols.
• Soft Skills: Outstanding hosting etiquette, clear public speaking voice, and compelling storytelling abilities.
• Compliance: Valid South African driver's license with a current PrDP, active DEAT/NDT registration, and up-to-date First Aid certificate.
• Basic Salary: R7,500 to R15,000 per month (benchmarked against your verified qualifications and logged hours).
• Accommodation: Complete on-site, live-in staff housing provided.
• Meals & Gear: All daily meals provided while on duty along with full uniform allocations.
• Leave Cycle: A highly structured 29 days in / 10 days off roster cycle.