To mark the annual Honorary Ranger (HR) (Ranger Support Services) Sunset Serenade's 10th anniversary, this year two functions were held in the Kruger National Park's Letaba section.
The first was from June 17 -21, 2009. This function welcomed back old friends and long time supporters of the Sunset Serenade as well as 4x4 Mega World as sponsors. The second function which was held form September 16 -20, saw many new faces and welcomed Mazda back as a main sponsor.
Guests to each of the functions were whisked away to designated sites within the Letaba section in open game viewing vehicles. At each site they were greeted with spectacular views of KNP bushveld, as well as refreshments in the form of wines and amarula.
As is customary, guests enjoyed classical music concerts, specially compiled for each evening and performed by six musicians from the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, all of whom are considered experts in their chosen genre. The music included pieces from well know composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart and Strauss, amongst others.
The Sunset Serenade is a fundraising event for the Ranger Support Services division of the Honorary Rangers. Funds raised in this manner are channelled back into the South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers' corps, through the donations of much needed equipment that enables them to perform their daily functions. Sponsored equipment includes the Cyber tracker and the Bantam lightweight aircraft that are proving to be invaluable tools to the rangers of SANParks.
"Thanks must be conveyed for this function to all the sponsors, Mazda Wildlife Fund; 4 x 4 Megaworld; Amarula; and Aquartz. Thanks are also given to the management and staff of the Letaba Rest camp and people and conservation department, as well as the regional ranger Nxanatseni South.
The organizers also thanked the section and field rangers of the Letaba, Phalaborwa, Kingfisherspruit, for their assistance in other aspects of the function. And lastly to the HR who work tireless for the benefit of SANParks."
By Kirsty Redman
