Hannes has been appointed General Manager of our Sister Lodge Madikwe Hills.
It is with very mixed feeling we bid Hannes Kruger farewell from Leopard Hills as he starts his journey into the world of Management.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the hard work he has contributed to Leopard Hills over the last 5 years.
Hannes has been a part of this Reserve since he was born and I know his heart will always lie here, and I am also very sure that sometime in the future he shall return to the Bush of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, it is in his blood and runs through his veins.
Louise and I have known Hannes for twelve years now, he was still at school when we first met him, and as a young fourteen year old, even then, he had the bush in his heart. Hannes spent his school holidays working with us at Leopard Hills, and continued to do so at every opportunity he got while studying at University in Johannesburg. Hannes joined the Leopard Hills Team full time in 2005 and has been a huge asset to our Rangers team ever since.
Madikwe Hills are going to benefit hugely by having Hannes at their helm, and as much as we are going to miss him here, we offer our 100% support to him in his new venture and the challenges that lie ahead.
It feels like we are losing a member of our family, but on the bright side Hannes will still be within the family at Madikwe Hills, and will always have a special place at Leopard Hills. Remember Hannes, we are sending you on loan, and look forward to your return one of these days.
Go well, go safe and come home soon.
On behalf of the entire Leopard Hills Team.
Best Wishes Hannes – good to see you are not leaving the group.
Congratulations Hannes. As Duncan has said you will be sadly missed but everyone is so happy for you that you have gone up another rung of that ladder to what you have probably always dreamt of.
We both wish you all the best in your new position.
Good luck and I’m sure you and everyone at Madikwe Hills are going to make a great team.
Mary & Alec Johnston
All the very best Hannes! We’re delighted you got the chance of a management role so soon and we’re sure you’ll do great, although LH won’t be the same without you. We hope to be your guest one day at Madikwe Hills.
Best wishes
Cristina and Tim
Dear Hannes, looking back to 2007 when you were our ranger we see only sweet memories. We have been in Madikwe in 2007 as well and you will find your way there. We will definitely visit when we are over in the nearby future.
Greetings
Ron, The Netherlands
Leopard Hills will never be the same without you!!!!Now it’s a time to combine your passion and academic education – well done! Best wishes from all of us!!!:-)))))
Hannes,
There are visitors too numerous to mention that have expressed to us their deepest appreciation of the welcome that you afforded them, and your special talent that enabled them to temporarily assume part of life in the bush.
Your knowledge and understanding of the world around you has never ceased to amaze all who have had the priveledge to ride with you.
We wish you the very greatest success in your new and different challenge,
we hope that our paths will cross again.
Tim and Jan
Dear Sweet Hannes*,
All of the best in your new endeavor. I hope there is time for you use that great camera eye in Madikwe and send along a weblog as captivating as this one. You certainly were one of the most exciting rangers I have ever been with. As we say in Hollywood, it’s showtime. You go!!!
Hannes will be sorely missed at Leopard Hills. Such a lovely and knowledgeable guide – we enjoyed every moment of being with him last year. We all wish him well and great success.
Moore Family – Pat, Wesley, Michael and Ann
Good luck Hannes. We look forward to trying Madikwe Hills just to keep a watchful eye on your endevours.
Thanks for everything at Leopard Hills.
Hannes – We really enjoyed our drives with you last year and wish you all the best in your new role. We will definitely meet up with you again somewhere "in the bush" before too long.
Good Luck for the future.
Kindest regards
Hazel and Brian
Congratulation, Hannes. I can’t think of a better man for the job & Madikwe Hills is such a beautiful lodge. Best of luck in all your endeavours.
Niki & Joe
P.S. Pray tell what are you doing in your photo?
Huge congratulations but you’ll be missed. We’ve no doubt you’ll be as brilliant a General Manager as you are a Ranger. Best of luck!
Hi Hannes
Congratulations on your promotion, I am sure you will make a wonderful manager. You will be missed at Leopard Hills and I wish you every success in your new endeavours.
Best wishes & warm regards
Michelle
How fortunate we all feel to have had you as our ranger in August…you provided us with such wonderful adventures. Your passion for the bush will be of great benefit to the guests at Madikwe Hills. Camp Run-a-Muck will make a special effort to visit you on our next trip. Congratulations!
Anne
Camp Director
Hey Anne, guess you will be stuck with me again next time round????
Duncan-We always want the Wild Life Wizard to be our ranger! After all, you are a member of Camp Run-a-Muck. By the way, my brother and his wife are coming to Leopard Hills in March.
Anne