TRAILS GUIDE
a premier 5-star luxury eco-tourism destination in the Little Karoo, is seeking an experienced, disciplined, and passionate Trails Guide. Famous for its massive wide-open arid landscapes and free-roaming Big 5 wildlife, Sanbona provides elite walking safaris. The successful candidate will safely lead interpretive foot safaris, track wildlife, and deliver world-class hospitality to international guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Trail Safaris: Lead safe, highly educational, and deeply engaging bush walks and multi-day primitive trails through active Big 5 terrain.
- Rifle Management: Maintain impeccable firearm safety protocols, regular cleaning schedules, and constant situational vigilance.
- Eco-Interpretation: Offer expert, insightful knowledge covering the specialized Karoo biome (fauna, flora, geology, and astronomy).
- Guest Hosting: Host luxury lodge dinners, conduct welcoming orientations, and consistently preserve guest safety and comfort.
- Asset Maintenance: Manage daily 4x4 vehicle checks, keep trail gear pristine, and proactively track environmental changes.
- Team Liaison: Partner directly with the field operations manager, tracker crews, and anti-poaching units to synchronize safe guest routes.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Qualifications: NQF2/4 (Specialist Field Guide) absolute minimum requirement.
- Trails Status: Valid FGASA Full Trails Guide certificate is mandatory (VPDA / Advanced Trails is highly preferred).
- Firearm Compliance: Valid PFTC Firearm Proficiency Certificate (Business Purposes for a manually operated rifle).
- Registration: Current DEAT / NDT registration number and a valid, active Level 1 (or higher) First Aid certificate.
- Experience: Minimum 3–4 years of commercial guiding inside a Big 5 or high-end luxury reserve, with well-documented logged walking hours.
- Logistics: Valid Code 8 or Code 10 driver's license alongside a clean Public Transport PrDP endorsement.
- Compliance: Fully clean criminal record background history and valid South African citizenship or work visa.
- Soft Skills: Immaculate hosting manners, excellent storytelling abilities in English, and top-tier physical fitness levels.
Benefits
Package & Benefits
- Market-related basic salary reflecting logged trail hours and experience.
- Premium on-site live-in staff accommodation.
- All meals provided while on duty.
- Full uniform allocation, medical aid contribution, and a balanced, rotational lodge leave cycle.