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

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.