Guided Activities Lead

Work Amidst Nature in the Heart of the Winelands

Imagine starting your day with the sunrise over lush vineyards and the tranquillity of farm life. At Boschendal, the surroundings are not just a backdrop; they’re integral to our work and our inspiration. Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s golden triangle of wine country, our farm offers a unique escape from the hustle of city life. A Typical Day at Boschendal: Experience a different pace and setting of work life. Whether it’s walking among the vineyards, engaging with guests, or collaborating on a new project, every day here is a blend of meaningful work and the beauty of the natural landscape.

Our Purpose: Regenerating our Future & Soil

At Boschendal, our purpose is clear: to nurture the land, inspire our people, and strengthen our community. Guided by core values, we strive to offer something truly meaningful, from our regenerative practices to our dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.

Guided Activities Lead

The Activities Guide Lead oversees and delivers engaging outdoor, family, and children’s experiences on the wine farm. This includes trail centre activities, guided hikes, horse rides, trail centre bike rides, kids’ programs, and children’s parties. The role combines hands-on guiding with leadership, planning, safety management, and basic horse handling knowledge to ensure memorable, well-run, and safe experiences for all guests. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

LEADERSHIP, TEAM MANAGEMENT & COORDINATION 

• Lead, manage, coach, and schedule activities guides, ride facilitators, and children’s party and function hosts 

• Manage staff rosters, timekeeping, and attendance, ensuring accurate recording and compliance with HR policies 

• Approve timesheets, monitor overtime, and manage leave planning in line with operational needs 

• Plan weekly activity schedules, including hikes, horse rides, bike rides, and children’s parties and functions, based on bookings and seasons 

• Ensure consistent service standards, productivity, and accountability across the team 

• Act as the main contact for all activity- and children’s event–related guest queries 

ADMINISTRATION & REPORTING  

• Track activity attendance, ride participation, and children’s party and function bookings 

• Monitor team attendance, punctuality, and performance, escalating issues where required 

• Submit accurate activity, staffing, and attendance reports to management 

GUEST EXPERIENCE 

• Host and guide hiking, horse riding, and trail centre bike rides 

• Design and facilitate children’s parties and functions (birthdays, themed events, school or group functions, nature-based celebrations) 

• Create a fun, inclusive, and well-organized atmosphere for children’s events and group functions 

CHILDREN’S PARTIES & FUNCTIONS 

• Coordinate logistics for children’s parties and functions, including timing, staffing, activity flow, and setup/pack-down 

• Brief staff on event themes, schedules, guest ages, and safety considerations 

• Liaise with parents, schools, or group organizers regarding expectations, age-appropriate activities, and special requests 

• Ensure smooth transitions between activities during parties and functions 

• Ensure dietary requirements are adhered to 

TRAIL & ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT 

• Oversee trail centres, hiking routes, horse riding routes, bike trails, and kids’ activity zones 

• Ensure horse welfare standards are upheld during guest interactions and rides 

• Conduct regular safety checks of trails, riding routes, bikes, tack, helmets, and horse-related equipment 

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE 

• Ensure health, safety, child-protection, and animal welfare standards are followed 

• Conduct risk assessments and safety briefings for hikes, horse rides, bike rides, and parties 

• Respond appropriately to incidents involving guests, animals, or equipment 

REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS  

• Experience in outdoor guiding, hospitality, childcare, education, or events 

• Knowledge of horses and basic horse handling (experience around horses or equestrian environments) 

• Proven experience managing teams, shifts, and time & attendance in an operational environment 

• Ability to plan rosters and manage staff across weekends, peak periods, and events 

•  Experience running children’s parties or kids programs is a strong advantage 

• Experience with horse riding operations or trail centre biking is an advantage 

• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred 

• Confident working with children of various ages 

• Strong communication and organizational skills 

• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors 

• First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Diploma or Degree in Tourism Management / Ecotourism 

• Outdoor guiding, hiking, horse riding or equine-related, or trail/bike management certification 

• Childcare, education, or kids program training will be advantageous