Permanent
Trails Guide
Unknown, Unknown
unknown
Closing date not listed
About this role
Logistics - Contractor
Timbavati
FULL TIME
Job Summary
The lodge is situated within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the role requires a strong focus on guest safety, conservation ethics, and immersive interpretive guiding, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and hospitality.
Candidate Responsibilities:
* Lead guided bush walks and game drives in a Big 5, unfenced wilderness environment.
* Ensure guest safety at all times, particularly during walking safaris.
* Deliver engaging, informative interpretations of wildlife behaviour, tracking, ecology, and conservation.
* Adapt guiding style to suit guest interests, experience levels, and expectations.
* Create memorable, personalised safari experiences with a strong focus on guest satisfaction.
* Conduct walking safaris confidently and professionally, demonstrating strong situational awareness.
* Apply advanced tracking skills and bush knowledge during trails.
* Maintain calm, decisive leadership in close-proximity wildlife encounters.
* Act as a role model for ethical wilderness conduct and low-impact tourism.
* Uphold and promote conservation values and responsible tourism principles.
* Adhere strictly to reserve rules, safety protocols, and wildlife viewing ethics.
* Support conservation initiatives, data collection, and environmental awareness where required.
* Ensure all activities comply with lodge SOPs, reserve regulations, and legal requirements.
* Maintain clear and professional radio communication at all times.
* Conduct pre-activity safety briefings and equipment checks.
* Respond effectively to emergencies or wildlife-related incidents.
* Care for guiding equipment, firearms (where applicable), radios, and vehicles.
* Participate in daily briefings, sightings updates, and debriefings.
* Work collaboratively with fellow guides, trackers, and lodge departments.
* Maintain professional appearance and conduct in line with lodge standards.
Core Criteria:
* FGASA Professional Field Guide qualification (minimum Level 2).
* Valid Trails Guide qualification.
* Valid PDP and driver’s licence.
* First Aid Level 2 (minimum).
* Proven experience guiding in a Big 5 reserve.
* Clear criminal record.
* Strong Big 5 and trails guiding skills
* Advanced tracking and bush awareness
* Calm, confident decision-making under pressure
* Excellent communication and storytelling ability
* High ethical and conservation-driven mindset
* Professional, guest-focused approach
This is a live-in position.
Wild Dreams Hospitality
Recruiter