Head Guide – Greater Pilansberg Area

Position: Head Guide
Location: Greater Pilansberg Area
Department: Safari / Guiding Operations
Reports to: General Manager (GM)

1. Purpose

To establish clear responsibilities, procedures, and performance standards for the Head Guide to ensure the safe, informative, and memorable delivery of game drives and nature-based experiences while upholding the lodge’s conservation values and commitment to guest excellence.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to the Head Guide and all guiding personnel. It ensures consistent standards across all guest activities related to game drives, bush walks (when applicable), and wildlife interpretation. It also covers collaboration with other departments, particularly Front Office, Guest Relations, and Maintenance.

3. Key Objectives

• Lead and manage the guiding team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety, environmental, and ethical guiding standards.
• Foster a strong guest connection to nature and the lodge’s conservation mission.
• Coordinate guiding logistics and interdepartmental communication for seamless operations.
• Mentor all the guides and ensure continuous professional development.

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Guest Experience & Safari Operations

• Lead game drives, bush walks (when applicable), and nature experiences with professionalism, enthusiasm, and safety as a priority.
• Ensure all guides deliver accurate and engaging wildlife interpretation.
• Maintain exceptional guest service standards on all activities.
• Customize experiences based on guest preferences and special interests.

4.2 Guiding Team Leadership

• Oversee the daily scheduling and assignment of guides and vehicles.
• Conduct regular briefings and debriefings with the guiding team.
• Monitor team performance and address conduct or service shortfalls.
• Act as a role model in field guiding, guest interaction, and professionalism.

4.3 Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all guiding activities comply with legal and lodge-specific safety protocols.
• Maintain all competency and safety documents and protocols as per legal requirements.
• Conduct regular vehicle, equipment, and safety checks.
• Ensure compliance with reserve rules and conservation regulations.

4.4 Training & Development

• Provide in-field training, mentorship, and development opportunities for all guides.
• Keep up to date with current FGASA standards and conservation practices.
• Organize knowledge-sharing workshops within the guiding team.
• Facilitate external training and assessments where applicable.

4.5 Conservation and Reserve Coordination

• Act as liaison with reserve management and conservation authorities.
• Support lodge conservation messaging and sustainability efforts.
• Report unusual wildlife sightings, poaching risks, or ecological concerns to management and conservation partners.

4.6 Interdepartmental Coordination

• Coordinate with Guest Relations and Front Office for guest scheduling, preferences, and special requests.
• Liaise with Maintenance regarding vehicle conditions and repairs.
• Provide updates to Management regarding wildlife movements and weather conditions affecting guest activities.

5. Procedures

5.1 Daily Operations

• Conduct morning and afternoon briefings with guides.
• Assign guides to guests based on language, personality fit, and experience.
• Ensure vehicles are clean, fuelled, and stocked with necessary gear.
• Maintain sightings register and activity log.

5.2 Safety & Emergency Protocols

• Carry required safety and communication equipment on all drives.
• Complete incident reports for any safety, medical, or wildlife-related occurrences.
• Conduct periodic emergency drills with guiding team.

5.3 Guest Interaction

• Personally welcome VIP or return guests and ensure guide introductions.
• Address guest concerns related to safari experiences.
• Coordinate special requests such as photography outings, birding, or private safaris.

5.4 Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance

• Schedule and oversee daily vehicle inspections.
• Ensure rifles and tracking equipment are cleaned and stored according to SOPs.
• Report all maintenance issues to relevant departments promptly.

6. Performance Metrics

• Guest feedback and satisfaction scores for guiding experiences.
• Safety incident frequency and resolution efficiency.
• Team performance and adherence to SOPs.
• Condition and uptime of safari vehicles and equipment.
• Guiding team development milestones and qualifications.

7. Training & Development

• Induction Training: Lodge rules, guest engagement, safety procedures, and wildlife protocols.
• Ongoing Training: FGASA standards, rifle assessments, first aid, tracking, and guest service.
• Peer Reviews: Regular field assessments and performance reviews.
• Workshops: Guest experience, interpretation techniques, and conservation education.

8. Review & Revision

This SOP will be reviewed annually, or as operational needs and safety regulations evolve. Revisions will be made by the General Manager in consultation with the Head Guide and relevant conservation authorities.

Minimum Requirements:

• FGASA Field Guide (NQF4) or higher
• Valid First Aid (Level 2+)
• PDP license
• Rifle proficiency (if leading walks)
• Minimum of 3–5 years Big 5 guiding experience + proven leadership ability

To Apply forward CV as well as proof of all accreditations and qualifications to

ronel@cedar-wood.co.za or contact 0826729782

If you don’t get feedback within 7 day’s regard your CV as not shortlisted for an interview.