An honour to serve

Today, over 2,000 honorary rangers are based in 30 regions around the country and work in all 21 national parks — including iconic parks such as Kruger, Addo, Table Mountain, Agulhas and Kgalagadi.

SANParks Honorary Rangers is a group of passionate and unpaid volunteers involved at various levels, from welcoming guests at entry gates, raising funds for counter-poaching operations, assisting with visitor management, running youth activities through the Junior Honorary Rangers programme – and even giving specialist advice on infrastructure and scientific projects.

In fact, as a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation, the Honorary Rangers are recognised by SANParks as a trusted channel of public support and fundraising — with their relationship managed at the highest level of both organisations. All funds raised are directed to strategic projects through a SANParks-approved wish list system.

Community-based programmes reach out to communities that border SA’s parks to teach appreciation for the benefits of nature conservation and grow support for the protection and conservation of our national heritage. Along with environmental awareness programmes, the organisation supports anti-poaching initiatives with much-needed equipment, while supporting the air-wing and SANParks K9 units.