Head Guide - Luxury Private Reserve - Sabi Sand | Sl

Head Guide - Ultra-Luxury Private Game Reserve - Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger

Kendrick Recruitment is conducting a search for an exceptional, experienced and administratively strong Head Guide for one of the oldest, most celebrated and most iconic ultra-luxury private game reserves in South Africa - a legendary Big Five destination in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, consistently ranked among the finest safari operations in the world.

This is a senior leadership appointment of real significance. With no Safari Manager in place, the Head Guide carries the full weight of the guiding department - overseeing four camps, a team of 29 guides and two trainees, managing all departmental administration, fleet maintenance and scheduling, as well as maintaining an active guiding presence in the field. This is not a desk role disguised as a guiding position, nor a guiding role that happens to have some admin. It is both - simultaneously.

Minimum Requirements:

• FGASA NQF4 (Level 2) - essential and non-negotiable, FGASA Professional Field Guide preferred

• Full Lead Trails Guide qualification - essential and non-negotiable

• Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) - essential

• Valid SAPS Firearm Competency - essential

• SASSETA registration - essential

• Valid First Aid certificate (Wilderness First Aid preferred)

• Valid PrDP - essential

• NDT registration - essential

• Proven experience as a Head Guide or Senior Assistant Head Guide within a luxury Big Five safari environment - essential

• Prior experience managing a large guiding team across multiple camps or lodges - essential

• Strong administrative ability including roster management, departmental reporting and record keeping

• Fleet management experience - preferred

• Knowledge of the Sabi Sand ecosystem, traverse protocols and reserve regulations - highly advantageous

• Outstanding guest engagement, interpretive and hosting skills

• Excellent written and verbal English communication - additional languages advantageous

• Calm, decisive and professional under pressure

• Comfortable living and working in a remote, live-in bush environment

• Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities:

Guiding Leadership & Guest Experience

• Maintain an active guiding presence in the field across game drives and guided bush walks

• Deliver world-class, interpretive safari experiences befitting an ultra-luxury international guest profile

• Set, uphold and continuously improve the guiding department's standards across all four camps

• Act as the primary reference point for guiding quality, conduct and guest experience across the reserve

Team Management & Development

• Lead, manage and develop a team of 29 guides and 2 trainees across four camps

• Manage all guide and tracker allocations, back-up drives and standby duties

• Conduct regular performance assessments, coaching sessions and in-field mentorship

• Oversee onboarding and training for all new guiding staff

• Handle disciplinary procedures where required in line with the reserve's HR policies

Administration & Operations

• Manage all guiding department administrative functions including rosters, scheduling and reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date departmental records across all four camps

• Liaise with camp management teams across the reserve to ensure seamless daily guiding operations

• Coordinate with neighbouring lodges and reserve management on traverse and sightings protocols

Fleet Management

• Oversee the logistics for maintenance, servicing and operational readiness of the guiding fleet across all camps

• Ensure all vehicles, equipment and firearms meet required safety and operational standards at all times

• Manage service schedules and liaise with maintenance teams on fleet requirements

Conservation & Safety

• Champion ethical wildlife viewing and responsible guiding practices across the entire team

• Ensure full compliance with reserve safety protocols and emergency procedures

• Actively support the reserve's conservation objectives and messaging

Package:

• Highly attractive, competitive salary - Dependent on experience & qualifications

• Live-in: Accommodation and meals provided

Should you feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply with your updated CV, contactable references and a recent head and shoulders photo ASAP!

Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.