Assistant Head Guide - Luxury Safari Lodge - Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a skilled, experienced and guest-focused Assistant Head Guide for a luxury safari lodge set within a Big Five private game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

This is a senior guiding role with leadership responsibility - supporting the Head Guide in managing the guiding department, maintaining exceptional safari standards and delivering world-class experiences for discerning guests. We are looking for someone who leads confidently in the field, mentors junior guides with purpose and takes genuine pride in every guest interaction.

Minimum Requirements:

• FGASA NQF4 (Level 2) - essential and non-negotiable
  
• 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
  
• Valid PrDP - essential
  
• NDT registration - essential
  
• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience as a Senior Guide in a luxury Big Five lodge environment - essential
  
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop junior guides and trackers
  
• Excellent guest engagement, hosting and interpretive skills
  
• Strong knowledge of bush ecology, tracking and wildlife behaviour
  
• Well-presented, professional and calm under pressure
  
• Comfortable living and working in a remote, live-in environment
  
• Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references
  

Key Responsibilities:

Guiding & Guest Experience

• Support the Head Guide in the day-to-day management of the guiding department
  
• Lead morning and evening game drives and guided bush walks to the highest standard
  
• Deliver exceptional, personalised safari experiences consistently
  
• Uphold safety protocols and operational discipline at all times
  

Leadership & Training

• Assist with guide and tracker training, development and daily allocations
  
• Deputise for the Head Guide in their absence
  
• Contribute positively to the lodge's culture, team environment and guest experience
  

Operations

• Maintain vehicle, equipment and firearm standards across the department
  

Package:

• Gross Salary: Up to R28,000 per month (DOE)
  
• Live-in: Accommodation and meals provided
  

To Apply:

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.