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 Pr

DP - 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.