LEAD TRAILS GUIDE - 2 month contract
Kruger National Park, South Africa · Fixed-term Contract · Guiding & Activities
GERAN ELLISH RECRUITMENT IS HIRING LEAD TRAILS GUIDE Fixed-Term Contract | Kruger National Park September – 31 October 2026 A seasonal expedition-style camp in the Kruger National Park is seeking a qualified and experienced Lead Trails Guide for a private camp operating inside the Kruger National Park. This is a short-term, seasonal appointment running to the close of the camp's operating season at the end of October. It will suit an established trails guide who is currently qualified, current on their Kruger shoot and available to step straight into a lead rifle role with no ramp-up period. Candidates must already hold a current, valid KNP rifle proficiency shoot. The shoot is conducted once a month and has already been held for this cycle. Applications from candidates who have not yet completed the shoot cannot be considered for this placement. THE ROLE The successful candidate will lead armed walking activities as first rifle, taking full responsibility for guest safety, encounter protocol and group control in a free-roaming dangerous game environment. The role carries responsibility beyond the walk itself. The Lead Trails Guide will work alongside a back-up rifle, conduct pre-walk safety briefings, and operate within the camp's SANParks operating protocols at all times — including firearm storage, transit, ammunition control and incident reporting. This is a guest-facing position within a small, remote camp team. Interpretation, hosting and general contribution to camp operations form part of the role. NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS Applications will not be considered without all of the following: • Current, valid KNP rifle proficiency shoot, valid for the full contract term. Certificate must be submitted with the application. • FGASA Trails Guide (NQF4) — full qualification, signed off to lead as first rifle. Apprentice and Back-up Trails Guides are not eligible. Professional Trails Guide or SKS (Dangerous Game) advantageous. • Valid FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH), not due to expire during the contract term. • PFTC firearm proficiency — declared competent against unit standards 117705, 119651 and 123519. • Valid SAPS firearm competency certificate in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. • Current tourist guide registration with the provincial Tourist Guide Registrar, with a valid badge. • Valid First Aid certificate — Level 1 minimum, Level 2 or 3 preferred — valid through to the end of the contract. • Current FGASA membership in good standing. QUALIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCE • Tracker Level 1 (Track & Sign and Trailing). • FGASA Dangerous Game logbook available for verification, evidencing logged hours and encounters as first rifle. • Valid, unendorsed driver's licence — Code B minimum, Code EB advantageous. • Valid PrDP where required for the position. • Valid RSA identity document, or work authorisation covering the full contract period. EXPERIENCE • Minimum 3 years' active guiding experience, of which at least 12 months leading armed walks as first rifle in a free-roaming dangerous game area. • Logged lead rifle hours beyond the qualification minimum — logbook to evidence this. • Prior guiding experience inside the Kruger National Park, or on an unfenced Greater Kruger system, strongly preferred. • Familiarity with SANParks concession operating protocols. • Experience working with a back-up rifle and conducting pre-walk briefings for international guests. • Guest-facing experience within a premium or luxury camp environment. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY & REFERENCES Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a stable and credible employment history, consistency within reputable guiding operations, and a genuine career in guiding rather than frequent movement between properties. Written references are compulsory and must be supplied from previous lodge or reserve management. References must be verifiable and should confirm the candidate's guiding ability, rifle discipline, professionalism, guest interaction and reliability. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Sound, calm judgement under pressure. • Disciplined and uncompromising on encounter protocol and group control. • Comfortable living and working in a remote camp with limited infrastructure and connectivity. • Able and willing to fill multiple roles within a small camp team. • Confident hosting and interacting with international guests. • Professional in appearance and conduct. • Fluent in English; additional languages advantageous. • Passionate about wildlife, conservation and walking safaris. CONTRACT TERMS • Fixed-term contract, start immediately to 31 October 2026. • The position ends on 31 October. This is a defined seasonal appointment and no expectation of permanent employment is created. • This is a live-in position, meals included for the duration of the contract • Competitive salary depending on experience (between R20 – R23k / month) • Candidates must be available to commence immediately and to see out the full term. TO APPLY Email your application to specialistDNE@gmail.com, including the following: • Updated CV. • KNP shoot certificate, with the date of the shoot clearly visible. • FGASA Trails Guide (NQF4) certificate and proof of current membership. • ARH certificate showing the expiry date. • PFTC unit standard certificates and SAPS firearm competency certificate. • First Aid certificate showing the expiry date. • Tourist guide registration card. • Two written, contactable references from lodge or reserve management. • A short 2–3 minute video introducing yourself, your guiding career to date and your interest in the position. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualification, currency and experience requirements will be considered. Due to the short contract term and the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Geran Ellish Recruitment Exceptional Talent, Perfectly Placed.