Our client, an exclusive private game reserve in the Eastern Cape operating both 4-star and 5-star lodges, is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Ranger to lead their guiding team and uphold the highest standards of guest experience and wildlife interpretation.
The successful candidate will manage the ranger department, oversee vehicle and equipment maintenance, ensure safety compliance, and deliver exceptional safari experiences that reflect the lodge’s reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Guiding & Guest Experience

• Lead and conduct guided game drives, bush walks, and other interpretive experiences to a world-class standard.
• Deliver engaging, educational, and conservation-based experiences for local and international guests.
• Ensure that all rangers maintain exceptional levels of professionalism, guest interaction, and storytelling.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve any guiding-related issues promptly and professionally.

2. Team Leadership & Training

• Supervise and mentor the ranger and tracker team across both lodges.
• Conduct regular training sessions to maintain FGASA standards, guest engagement techniques, and safety procedures.
• Oversee duty rosters, leave schedules, and performance appraisals.
• Maintain morale, discipline, and a strong service culture within the guiding department.

3. Vehicle, Equipment & Field Management

• Ensure all safari vehicles, firearms, radios, and field equipment are maintained in safe, working condition.
• Manage fuel usage, vehicle logs, and equipment inventory.
• Report and coordinate any mechanical or safety issues with maintenance teams.

4. Compliance, Safety & Conservation

• Enforce all reserve rules, safety protocols, and firearm regulations.
• Ensure adherence to legal and ethical guiding practices as per FGASA and reserve standards.
• Liaise with conservation and anti-poaching teams when required.
• Promote environmental awareness and sustainable tourism principles within the team.

5. Administration & Communication

• Conduct regular departmental meetings and briefings with lodge management.
• Maintain guiding records, sightings logs, training registers, and maintenance checklists.
• Communicate effectively with other lodge departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.

Education & Certification:

• Minimum FGASA Level 2 (Field Guide) qualification – Level 3 / Trails Guide is highly advantageous.
• Valid SASSETA firearms proficiency and ARH qualification.
• Valid PDP, First Aid Level 1 (minimum), and DEAT registration.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ guiding experience, including at least 2 years in a senior or head ranger position.
• Proven track record within 4-star or 5-star safari lodge environments.
• Experience managing multi-lodge or multi-ranger teams preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent communication and guest hosting abilities.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Deep knowledge of South African flora, fauna, conservation practices, and reserve management.
• Mechanically minded and able to perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Computer literacy for reporting and scheduling (MS Office or lodge systems).

Accommodation provided

To apply, send your updated CV and relevant documents to cvs4cara@therecruiters.co.za

Only successful candidates will be contacted.