SANParks.org Forums

@JenB. Thanks for replying. From personal interaction with the HR, I can say that they appear to be a lot of good folks. It is just now and then that a couple of incidents prompt me to think that they think that they are more important than other nature lovers and that they have got the right to usurp the rights and duties of ordinary rangers. But, I will leave it at that.

Rooies, if you can't beat them, join them

There are always going to be those who come across as arrogant, in any organisation. I just think that the H.R's have an amazing track record for getting things done.

I have filled in an application myself.. but just need to "get things done" and get it sent off. Having met many from the HR's, I have tended to find them enthusiastic and willing to "muck in".

Well said MM So glad you are applying to the HRs - I am sure you will be a valuable member.

The HRs countrywide are responsible for a huge amount of fundraising for SANParks - particularly helping the war against poaching. Regions based near the various parks do duties in the parks - all at their own cost (accommodation, fuel etc). HRs give of their time (and other resources) in many ways, with no reward, other than knowing they are doing "the right thing".

Rooies, maybe contact your local region and find out more about the HRs. I believe they are doing a very good job.

According to Imberbe, there are approximately 1100 HRs . How many of them are active Forum members?

Hi Rooies

It is impossible to tell since Forum members post under a Forum name. But there are quite a few members active on the Forums. The members of the Virtual region being some, but not the only ones of those who are active.

Adding to the previous discussion. Our members often do very unglamorous duties, so someone joining for the snob status is making a big mistake. Members transgressing rules and acting rudely will be reprimanded or even disciplined, and may be expelled from the organisation. We take the good name of SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers very seriously.

Hi I am keen to get the dates for next years Sand River bush camp we went a few years back and loved it so much we would like to get our same group together and do it again. The Thursday to Sunday dates would suit our group best as many of us still work. We had to wonderful rangers we had Buks and Vanessa (She works for Sanparks and is very knowledgeable and an awesome guide) I live in Johannesburg if you need a region.

I cant find an email addy on the bookings page advertising the Sand River bush camp walks

thanks so much

kind regards
Janine

Hi Janine

Sand River is extremely popular so much so that all camps get sold within days after bookings open in September. The various regions sell their own allocated camps, so there is no central booking system.

But don't despair. The SHRs has some dates available at some of the other KNP trailscamps. These camps will be hosted by the honorary rangers with the regular Sand river honorary ranger guides.

There is also the small posibility that you may still pick up a cancelation as Sand river itself.

I suggest that you write to: bushcamps@honoraryrangers.co.za

thanks so much Imberbe for your reply much appreciated I will do

Not sure but you may get lucky here

Good day!

I would like to know if there are any costs invovled with the application / process of becoming an Honorary Ranger? (i.e. the membership course, etc.)

Thank you so much

Hi

There is no application fee.

The membership course will cost you a few rand, but it is not expensive. It is basically to cover costs for catering on the day and course materials. I cannot give you a fixed amount as it may differ depending on where you attend. It should probably be somewhere between R 100 and R 200 - but that is just a rough indication.

The intention is to make the SHR movement as accessible as possible to anyone with the passion and intention to support SANParks and conservation.

Thank you very much!

Plus an annual membership fee of a whopping R130-odd Rand, leeuwyfie.

Depends on the region, Porridge. Some subs are as high as R350 per annum but generally below R200. A certain amount of each member's subs is paid to the NEC and is used to run the organisation (since we do not use public funds) and the balance is used by each region for administration (venue hire, meeting costs, refreshments etc.).

The only other "joining" cost is the uniform - fully qualified HRs have to purchase their own.

Good point, PB, it still doesn't break the bank though