Job description

Over the last 13 years, Rhino Africa has been repeatedly recognised as “Africa’s leading luxury safari company”. To ensure exclusive access for our tour operations and to become involved in one more step of our clients’ experiences, in 2010 Rhino Africa launched a specialised property division. Starting with the award winning luxury boutique hotel, MannaBay, we have begun creating luxurious properties across the continent’s key destinations. Having conquered the Cape, Rhino Africa is proud to announce the launch of our brand new development, Silvan Safari, opening in the Sabi Sands region in November 2017.

Silvan Safari Lodge is conceptualized to redefine the notion of luxury safari, by providing guests with exclusive access to an authentic African bush experience paired with exceptional service. From waking to the resounding roar of the lion as the spectacular African sun rises over the midlands, to dipping in the crystal safari pool, champagne in hand, as the silhouetted landscape disappears with the sunset; Silvan Safari pushes the boundaries on an all-inclusive escape. Surrounded by lush vegetation on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park, Silvan Safari will boast six aesthetically pleasing modern suites each equipped with a private plunge pool. The main lodge, suspended in the indigenous treetops, provides majestic panoramic views of the Manyeleti River. The lodge will also host its very own spa, encapsulating the epitome of a luxurious safari experience.

A vacancy exists at Silvan for a highly experienced and knowledgeable guide to play an integral role in connecting guests to the overall safari experience. Being part of the guiding team means that you are in one of the few privileged occupations where you can have a huge impact on someone in a very brief interval of time. The ideal candidate would possess an uncanny ability to read the tales of the bush in a uniquely inspiring and poetic way, serving as an informative and enticing entry point to the breath-taking landscapes of the Kruger National Park. With a fierce dedication to the environment, wildlife and conservation, Silvan Safari’s Guide should be assertive, resourceful and self-motivated; but also friendly, open, helpful and compassionate. Ultimately, the Guide’s dedication to the African wilderness fulfils guests’ expectations of an authentic African experience.

Specific responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Performing guiding duties with responsibility, integrity and objectivity, in accordance with appropriate standards
• Ensuring ongoing skills development occurs within Silvan’s broader guiding team and individually
• Maintaining the highest possible standard of safety at all times and ensuring that Emergency Procedures are in place and effective
• Assisting in the control of budgets, in conjunction with the lodge management team
• Contributing to Silvan’s guiding allocation plans
• Maintaining effective communication within the department and camps
• Ensuring that ongoing responsible environmental management is carried out
• Maintaining relationships with landowners and conservancy/parks by respecting and protecting property and operating within required regulations
• Ensuring the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all participants and accepting responsibility for conduct of the self and any persons in your care
• Driving the goals of the company, in terms of the guiding department, by planning, implementing and managing new projects

Benefits:

Besides playing a key role in the expansion of Rhino Africa’s award-winning property portfolio, you can expect:

• R8,000 – R12,000 monthly cost to company
• An all-inclusive package: staff accommodation, three meals a day and
  Silvan workwear provided
• Two weeks leave for every six weeks worked, with a complimentary
  shuttle service to and from public transport stops in Nelspruit
• Ongoing training programmes and development workshops

Requirements

Our ideal candidate will possess:

• Five+ years of experience in walking with dangerous game
• A valid driver’s licence and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
• A first aid certificate
• Minimum FGASA Level 2 and a full Trails Guide qualification
• THETA/DEAT registration
• An Advanced Rifle Handling certificate
• Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance
• Extensive knowledge of all biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem
• The ability to train and mentor junior guides
• Excellent communication standards, orientation skills, interpretative ability and guest relations
• An inherent passion for nature, the bush environment, wildlife and conservation; as well as knowledge-sharing in this regard
• Knowledge of astronomy/night skies would be a definite advantage

Please note:

• Preference will be given to candidates able to start by the 1 November 2017
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged South African candidates
• Silvan Safari Lodge is located in Mpumalanga and applicants will be required to relocate at their own expense

Please direct any questions to jobs@silvansafari.com

Posted on 25 Aug 08:16