Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Tourism/Leisure
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Lead game drives, bush walks, sanctuary visits and educational tours
- Provide engaging interpretation of wildlife, flora, fauna, ecosystems and conservation
- Ensure guest safety, comfort and memorable experiences
- Assist with wildlife monitoring and conservation activities
- Maintain vehicles and equipment in a safe, clean condition
- Represent Mokolodi Nature Reserve professionally at all times
Requirements
- Valid Professional Guide License
- 2-5 years’ relevant experience in guiding, eco-tourism or environmental education
- Valid PRDP (Special) License
- C1 Driving License (added advantage)
- Strong communication, customer service and wildlife knowledge
- Ability to work weekends, public holidays and flexible shifts
How to Apply
About the Company
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private not-for-profit game reserve in southern Botswana. Founded in 1994 by The Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation, it is situated on 30 square kilometres (12 sq mi) of donated land, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of the capital Gaborone. The nature reserve is inhabited by a wide variety of indigenous African game, bird and reptile species, some of which are rare and vulnerable to the threat of extinction. The southern white rhinoceros herd at Mokolodi Nature Reserve is part of a national breeding programme, which contributes to the rebuilding of the national herd in Botswana.
Website: https://mokolodi.co.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required to become a Professional Guide at Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
A minimum of a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited certificate in Tourism, Wildlife Management, or Nature Guiding is usually required. Many employers also expect registration with the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) as a certified guide and completion of first aid and radio communication training. Prior experience in guiding within Botswana’s protected areas or participation in SANParks or BNR-recognised field courses is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Professional Guide at Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
Guides lead morning and afternoon game drives or walking safaris, deliver interpretive talks on local ecology, wildlife behaviour, and cultural heritage, and ensure guest safety and compliance with reserve regulations. Administrative duties include completing daily activity logs, reporting wildlife sightings to reserve management, and assisting with basic vehicle checks. Guides often interact closely with visitors from diverse backgrounds, requiring flexibility and strong interpersonal skills.
How does local work culture in Botswana influence expectations for guides at Mokolodi?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and relationship-building through *botho* (humanity and respect) are central — guides are expected to engage warmly with guests and colleagues while maintaining professional boundaries. Employers value humility, community awareness, and fluency in at least one local language (e.g., Setswana) alongside English. Dress code typically includes official reserve-branded attire and practical outdoor gear suited to Botswana’s climate and terrain.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Professional Guides at Mokolodi or similar reserves?
Experienced guides may advance to Senior Guide, Training Coordinator, or Field Operations Assistant roles within the reserve or partner NGOs like the Mokolodi Nature Foundation. Some transition into conservation education, ecotourism development, or entrepreneurship — such as launching licensed community-based guiding services registered with the BTO. Further study via BQA-accredited diplomas or degrees in Environmental Science or Tourism Management supports upward mobility.
What benefits are commonly offered to Professional Guides employed by organisations managing Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
Formal employers typically provide annual leave (21–25 days), sick leave, and participation in the Botswana National Pension Scheme (BNPS). Medical aid coverage varies by employer but is increasingly common among established tourism operators and NGOs managing the reserve. Some offer accommodation allowances or on-site housing, though this depends on contractual arrangements and organisational capacity.
How do I apply for a Professional Guide role at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, and what do employers in Botswana prioritise in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted directly to the Mokolodi Nature Foundation, contracted tour operators, or the Department of Wildlife and National Parks — check their official websites or the Botswana Tourism Organisation’s job portal. Employers prioritise verified guiding certification, proven knowledge of local flora/fauna, demonstrated safety awareness, and evidence of reliable, client-focused service. Strong references from previous Botswana-based tourism employers carry significant weight during shortlisting.