Permanent
Mpumalanga
Posted 8 hours ago
We are recruiting for a Head Ranger – Guide for a Luxury Safari Lodge in the Northern Kruger National Park with a hands-on, guest focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Departmental Leadership & Staff Management
- Manage and schedule guiding and tracking rosters.
- Mentor and develop junior guides through continuous evaluation and training.
- Mediate staff issues utilizing a basic understanding of South African Labour Law.
- Conduct performance reviews and alignment meetings for the operational team.
- Guest Experience & Hospitality
- Host high-net-worth international and local clientele during meals and evening events.
- Deliver exceptional safaris including game drives, bush walks, and specialized lectures.
- Resolve guest complaints smoothly regarding wildlife sightings, safety, or routes.
- Safety & Fleet Asset Management
- Enforce strict safety rules regarding Big Five encounters, rifle handling, and off-roading.
- Inspect and maintain the lodge’s fleet of open 4×4 safari vehicles.
- Manage shooting proficiency cycles and rifle maintenance for the guiding team.
- Conservation & Concession Management
- Liaise with reserve wardens regarding environmental policies, fires, and road conditions.
- Monitor traversing rights to ensure ethical and legal boundaries are respected by all guides.
Candidate Requirements
Qualifications & Certifications
- FGASA Level 2 (NQF 4) Advanced Field Guide minimum; FGASA Level 3 Master Guide preferred.
- Lead Trails Guide
- Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) qualification with a valid SAPS firearm competency certificate.
- DEAT / NDT Registration as a legal tourist guide in Limpopo or Mpumalanga.
- Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) alongside a valid South African code 8/10 driver’s license.
- Valid First Aid Certificate (Level 1 or higher).
Experience & Skills
- Guiding Experience: Minimum 8 years as a field guide in a Big Five territory.
- Management Experience: At least 3 years in a senior or head guiding role within a 4- or 5-star luxury lodge environment.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional public speaking, crisis management, and diplomatic communication.
Typical Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: Market-related salary depending on qualifications and lodge tier.
- Accommodation: Live-in position with fully provided on-site housing.
- Meals: All daily meals provided while on duty.
- Uniforms: Full safari-grade uniforms provided.
- Cycle: Typically operates on a 3-weeks-on, 1-week-off rotation (or similar schedule
To apply forward comprehensive CV in word format, proof of all qualification and at least three contactable references contact email addresses to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted within 7 working days’