Job Summary
- Employer: Botswana Wildlife Training Institute
- Job Type: Temporary
- Location: Maun, Botswana
- Category: Tourism and Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-10-19
Key Responsibilities
- Candidates must have five (5) years of documented traceable Guiding/Hunting experience in a relevant environment i.e. Southern Africa.
- Hunters must have hunted five dangerous animals one of which must be an elephant or accompanied hunts where five dangerous animals were hunted.
Requirements
- Be 21 years and above.
- Submit certified copies of certificates, a minimum of COSC or equivalent.
- Submit valid certified copies of residence and work permits or waivers.
- Submit valid certified copies of passport and driver’s license.
- Submit a brief summary of career with duties (Curriculum Vitae).
- Submit a valid certified copy of full Guide/ Hunters license from the country where one has been operating.
- Enclose three (3) references; the third one should be from the Guides/Hunters Association from the country where one has been operating also indicating a minimum of five years hunting experience.
How to Apply
Address: P.O. Box 368, Maun OR hand delivered at Admin block Registry office. For more information pl
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a professional guide or hunter in Botswana as a non-citizen?
You must pass the Professional Guides/Hunters Examination administered by the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI), which tests knowledge of wildlife, firearms, and local regulations. A valid work permit and firearm competency certificate are also mandatory. Prior qualifications in wildlife management, conservation, or related fields from recognized institutions strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a professional guide or hunter in Botswana?
Daily duties include leading safari clients on game drives and walking safaris, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and providing expert interpretation of wildlife behavior and ecosystems. You will also handle firearm maintenance, track animals, and coordinate with camp staff on logistics. Strong communication with international tourists and adherence to ethical hunting or photographic safari standards are essential.
How does the local work culture in Botswana's tourism and hospitality sector affect professional guides?
Botswana's tourism industry values punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and deep knowledge of local customs and wildlife. Employers expect guides to demonstrate humility, teamwork with Setswana-speaking support staff, and flexibility in remote camp conditions. Building trust within small, tight-knit professional communities is crucial for long-term success.
What career progression opportunities exist for professional guides and hunters in Botswana?
Experienced guides can advance to head guide, camp manager, or operations manager roles within safari companies. Some transition into training and examining roles at BWTI or establish their own specialized guiding operations. Specializing in dangerous game qualifications or photographic safari expertise opens additional niche opportunities.
What typical benefits should I expect when working as a professional guide or hunter in Botswana?
Benefits vary by employer but commonly include accommodation in remote camps, meals during rotations, and transport to and from duty stations. Larger established companies may offer medical aid, pension contributions, and paid leave entitlements. Contract terms differ significantly between permanent employment and seasonal freelance arrangements.
How do I apply for professional guide positions in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply directly to safari operators, hunting concessions, or lodge groups with your BWTI examination results, work permit documentation, and verifiable references from African guiding experience. Employers prioritize proven track records with dangerous game, client safety records, and demonstrated knowledge of Botswana's unique ecosystems. Networking at industry events and maintaining relationships with BWTI instructors improves access to unadvertised positions.
