Trails Guide

Location: Hluhluwe

Job Summary
The Trails Guide is responsible for conducting safe, educational, and memorable walking safaris and trails in a Big 5 environment. The role requires expert knowledge of wildlife, ecology, tracking, and safety procedures, ensuring guests experience the bush intimately while upholding the highest standards of conservation and ethical guiding.

Duties and Responsibilities
Walking Safari & Trail Guiding

• Lead walking safaris, bush walks, and trails safely in an unfenced Big 5 environment.
• Ensure guest safety at all times, maintaining vigilance for wildlife, terrain hazards, and environmental risks.
• Provide engaging and educational interpretation of wildlife behaviour, tracking techniques, ecology, and conservation principles.
• Adapt the pace and content of walks according to guest preferences, fitness levels, and experience.

Conservation & Ethical Guiding

• Uphold and model conservation ethics and responsible bush conduct.
• Ensure strict adherence to reserve rules, wildlife protocols, and bush ethics.
• Promote environmental awareness and respect for wildlife and natural habitats.
• Support conservation programmes and data collection initiatives as required.

Safety, Risk Management & Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments before every walk and maintain constant situational awareness.
• Carry and maintain emergency equipment, first aid kits, and communication devices.
• Ensure walks are conducted in accordance with lodge SOPs and safety protocols.
• Respond promptly and calmly to emergencies, wildlife encounters, or medical incidents.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Provide warm, professional, and memorable guest interactions during trails.
• Share stories, tracking knowledge, and educational content to enhance the guest experience.

• Ensure guests feel safe, informed, and connected to the environment.

Equipment & Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain personal and lodge-provided bushcraft equipment, GPS devices, and radios.
• Conduct pre-walk checks on gear and safety equipment.
• Report any operational, safety, or wildlife concerns to the Safari Manager or Senior Guide.

Mentorship & Team Support

• Assist in the training and mentorship of junior guides and trainee trails guides.
• Support the Safari Manager and guiding team in daily operations and briefings.
• Foster teamwork and maintain high professional standards within the guiding team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• FGASA Trails Guide qualification (minimum Level 1; Level 2 or higher preferred).
• FGASA Field Guide qualification advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence and PDP (where applicable).
• Minimum First Aid Level 2 (mandatory).
• Proven experience leading walking safaris in a Big 5 or unfenced reserve environment.
• Strong wildlife tracking and identification skills.
• Clear criminal record and child-safety clearance if involved with family guests.

Core Competencies

· Expert wildlife and tracking knowledge

· Bushcraft, navigation, and survival skills

· Strong conservation ethics and environmental awareness

· Excellent guest communication and storytelling abilities

· Calm, decisive, and confident under pressure

· Teamwork and mentoring skills

Working Environment

· Remote Big 5 lodge environment

· Flexible working hours including early mornings, weekends, and public holidays

· Outdoor work in varying weather conditions