Machaba Safaris Botswana is seeking an experienced and passionate Guide Trainer to lead the development and mentorship of our guiding team, ensuring excellence, safety, and conservation-focused guest experiences Machaba Safaris is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly skilled Guide Trainer to lead the professional development of our guiding team. This role is responsible for maintaining exceptional guiding standards, strengthening the knowledge of our guides, and ensuring guest safety and experience remain at the highest level.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Maun
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-05-15
Key Responsibilities
- lead the development and mentorship of our guiding team
- ensuring excellence, safety, and conservation-focused guest experiences
- lead the professional development of our guiding team
- maintaining exceptional guiding standards
- strengthening the knowledge of our guides
- ensuring guest safety and experience remain at the highest level
Requirements
- Diploma in Nature Conservation or similar
- Professional guide license
- Full trails guide qualification
- Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate
- Valid Driver’s License and PrDP
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Must be a Botswana citizen
- At least ten 10 years’ work-experience in a senior guiding role within the luxury safari industry
- At least five 5 years’ experience in providing guide training and development
- Strong communication and training skills
- A passion for conservation and sharing knowledge about the African bush
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer skills.
How to Apply
We are looking for the successful candidate to start 1st July 2026 or earlier and to be based in camps. Should you feel you are the right candidate please apply with a complete CV, current references. Send your application to: CareersBots@machabasafaris.com Closing date: 15 May 2026 Please note due to the high volumes of applications received, should you not get feedback or correspondence from us within a week of applying for the position, please consider your application unsuccessful. We look forward to receiving your application
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required to become a Guide Trainer in Botswana?
Guide Trainers usually need extensive field experience as a safari guide, often holding BOTA (Botswana Tourism Organisation) guide licenses, particularly Class A. Relevant hospitality or tourism diplomas, coupled with first aid and wilderness safety certifications, are highly valued for this role.
What does a typical day look like for a Guide Trainer working in the hospitality sector in Botswana?
A Guide Trainer's day often involves conducting practical field training sessions, evaluating guides' performance, and developing educational materials on flora, fauna, and local culture. They also mentor new guides and ensure adherence to safety protocols and ethical tourism practices.
What are the key aspects of the work culture and expectations for Guide Trainers in Botswana's hospitality industry?
The work culture emphasizes strong teamwork, respect for traditional knowledge, and a deep appreciation for Botswana's natural heritage. Employers expect Guide Trainers to be highly adaptable, resilient, and dedicated to upholding the country's reputation for high-quality, sustainable tourism.
What are the typical career progression opportunities for a Guide Trainer in Botswana?
Guide Trainers can advance into senior management roles within lodge operations, head guide positions, or become consultants for tourism development projects. Opportunities also exist in wildlife conservation education and eco-tourism strategy development within the region.
What kind of benefits package can Guide Trainers typically expect from hospitality employers in Botswana?
Benefits often include accommodation (especially in remote lodge settings), meals, and comprehensive medical aid coverage. Pension contributions and generous leave entitlements, including annual leave and sick leave, are standard offerings.
What do employers in Botswana typically look for when hiring a Guide Trainer, and how should I apply?
Employers seek candidates with extensive guiding experience, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to mentor and educate. Applications should include a detailed CV highlighting practical experience, relevant certifications, and a cover letter explaining your passion for conservation and training.