Guide

Location: Hluhluwe

Job Summary

The Field Guide is responsible for delivering exceptional guided safari experiences to guests through informative, safe, and engaging game drives, bush walks, and wildlife activities. This role involves interpreting the natural environment, ensuring guest safety, enhancing conservation awareness, and representing the lodge or reserve with professionalism.
The Field Guide also assists with reserve duties, conservation support, and guest interaction while promoting ethical wildlife practices and hospitality excellence.

2.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience s Guiding

• Conduct high-quality game drives, bush walks, and wildlife
• Provide in-depth knowledge of flora, fauna, birdlife, tracking, and
• Interpret natural behaviour and share educational, engaging information with
• Tailor experiences to guest interests (e.g., photography, birding, family safaris).
• Maintain strong guest relations before, during, and after

B. Safety s Compliance

• Ensure the safety of all guests during drives and
• Adhere to FGASA, lodge, and reserve safety protocols at all
• Handle wildlife encounters confidently and
• Maintain up-to-date rifle competency and follow all weapon safety procedures (where required).

C. Conservation s Reserve Support

• Assist with conservation initiatives, research projects, and monitoring of
• Participate in invasive species control, road maintenance, anti-poaching support, and general reserve duties when
• Report ecological sightings, animal behaviour, injuries, or unusual

D. Vehicle, Equipment s Lodge Support

• Conduct pre- and post-drive checks on vehicles and ensure safari vehicles are clean, safe, and fully
• Maintain guiding equipment (rifles, radios, binoculars, spotlight, ).

• Assist with camp hosting, guest check-ins/outs, and general lodge duties when
• Ensure compliance with vehicle maintenance schedules and report mechanical

E. Professional Conduct s Brand Representation

• Uphold the lodge’s hospitality standards and
• Deliver friendly, respectful, and professional service at all
• Act as an ambassador for the lodge, promoting conservation and responsible

1. Qualifications

• FGASA Level 1, 2, or 3 (depending on lodge requirements).
• Valid Driver’s License + PDP (Professional Driving Permit).
• Registered with relevant guiding authorities (CATHSSETA, NDT/DEAT).
• Valid First Aid Level 1 or
• Rifle competency (SAPS) and ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling), if working in Big 5
• Tracker qualifications or FGASA Trails Guide qualification

Experience

• 1–3 years experience as a Field Guide (entry–mid level).
• Experience guiding in Big 5 reserves
• Knowledge of reserve management and conservation
• Experience working in a lodge environment and engaging with international

2. Key Skills s Competencies

• Strong knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation
• Excellent communication and storytelling
• Confident in guest interaction and hospitality
• Skilled in tracking, animal behaviour interpretation, and environmental
• Strong situational awareness and risk assessment
• Ability to remain calm in high-pressure wildlife
• Basic mechanical ability (advantageous for vehicle checks).
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors for extended

3. Personal Attributes

• Passionate about nature, wildlife, and
• Courteous, energetic, and guest-focused.
• Responsible, safety-conscious, and
• Team player with a positive
• Self-motivated with a strong work
• Adaptable and comfortable living in remote

4. Working Conditions

• Remote bush environment with long hours and split
• Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Exposure to wildlife, outdoor elements, and varying weather conditions.