Head Field Guide at Kontak Recruitment

• This role leads and manages the guiding department within a high-end safari lodge environment, combining hands-on field guiding with leadership, training, and operational oversight. The position is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety, conservation, and professional guiding conduct. Acting as a senior ambassador in the field, the role ensures that guiding operations align with established standards, reserve regulations, and ethical wildlife practices, while supporting lodge management in day-to-day coordination and long-term guiding excellence

Minimum Requirements:

• FGASA Level 2 qualification or higher (Lead Trails preferred)
• Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) and driver’s license
• Valid First Aid certification (minimum Level 2)
• Minimum of 5 years’ guiding experience in a Big 5 environment
• Previous leadership or senior guide experience
• Willingness to live remotely on a reserve
• Ability to work irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct professional, engaging, and informative game drives and bush walks
• Deliver consistent five-star guiding experiences in line with lodge standards
• Ensure all guest interactions are warm, professional, and service-driven
• Handle guest feedback and resolve guiding-related concerns efficiently
• Lead, mentor, and supervise field guides and trackers
• Conduct regular performance reviews, training sessions, and assessments
• Ensure all guides maintain required qualifications, PDP hours, and first aid compliance
• Set daily guiding schedules and allocate vehicles and guiding staff
• Enforce strict adherence to FGASA standards, internal SOPs, and reserve regulations
• Maintain safety standards for all guiding activities, including drives, walks, and sightings
• Conduct regular checks on vehicles, radios, and guiding equipment
• Ensure accurate incident reporting and adherence to emergency protocols
• Promote ethical wildlife practices and responsible tourism principles
• Monitor environmental impact and guiding conduct in the field
• Support conservation initiatives, anti-poaching efforts, and research projects
• Manage guiding rosters, leave planning, and disciplinary processes
• Maintain guiding logs, sighting records, and guest activity documentation
• Coordinate with reservations and lodge management regarding guest preferences
• Assist with budgeting related to guiding equipment and vehicle maintenance