What would be the best way to get a job in Africa working for a safari company?

I have a family memeber that wants to go over there for a few years and his dream is to work out in the bush. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time!

Any decent company would not take someone on who does not either have a lot of experience as a guide or a lot of local knowledge of the animals, parks etc etc., so first off he/she needs a skill that can transferred to that environment.

I suggest your relative contact one of the more generalised travel companies and enquire about vacancies. You don't say what country you are in, but UK-based companies such as Explore, Exodus, Encounter/Dragoman etc often advertise for tour leaders. However, on those you tend to start in relatively 'safe' places such as Europe although that isn't always the case. One point I will add, I have travelled to a few places with both Explore and Exodus and can advise that, more and more, they are using locals as guides because they have the knowledge of the area - and it means they don't need two 'leaders' on location.

A lot depends on what your relative wants to do - guide / lead safari trips? cook for groups? drive?

And where in Africa? It's a big place.

Many safari companies operate on quite a tight margin and don't employ people just for the sake of it.

It isn't an impossible dream, but it will require some investigation, a skill and a bit of luck.