Meet Corinne Adams: Our New Assistant Lodge Manager

We’re delighted to welcome Corinne Adams as our new Assistant Lodge Manager, working closely alongside Greg and Adri while also taking a hands-on role in reservations. For many future guests and travel partners, Corinne may very well be the first friendly voice you hear on a call or the person behind the email helping bring your stay together.

Her journey into hospitality began at a private game reserve, but the passion behind it can be traced all the way back to her school days. After spending some time working in Madikwe, Corinne fell deeply in love with the reserve and jumped at the opportunity to join our lodge where thoughtful service and personal connection sit at the heart of the guest experience.

We recently sat down with Corinne to get to know her a little better, from her journey into hospitality to what she hopes to bring to the Royal Madikwe experience.

1. Can you tell us a little about your journey into hospitality and what first drew you to the safari lodge industry?

My official journey into hospitality began as a receptionist for a small, private game reserve. However, my passion for hospitality began much earlier ~ around the time I was in grade 10. I chose Tourism as a subject in high school and quickly became fascinated by the beauty, diversity and experiences that the industry has to offer.

I’ve always had a strong passion for working with people and making others feel valued and cared for. I enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work, with a focus on mainstream psychology; however, while working part-time as a waitress while studying, I discovered that hospitality allowed me to combine my love for people with my passion for creating memorable experiences. That experience made me realize that hospitality wasn’t simply a career choice for me; it was the path I truly wanted to follow. Since then I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow within the industry, develop my skills and deepen my understanding of what it means to provide exceptional service.

2. What has been one of the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned through your work in hospitality so far?

Always be genuine and sincere. Some guests will become like family and the impact you make on their lives can be lasting - just as the impact they have on you can be meaningful. People notice the little things. A warm smile, remembering a name or going the extra mile can mean more than we realize... Those are the moments that stay with you and warm your heart. Pour your heart into what you do and your job will never truly feel like work. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that you were a part of the reason someone’s stay became extra special and created memories they will carry with them.

3. What drew you to The Royal Madikwe, and what were your first impressions of the lodge when you arrived?

I’ve been working in Madikwe Game Reserve for around 15 months now. Out of all the places I’ve worked, I genuinely fell in love with the beauty and uniqueness of the reserve. The lodge where I worked previously was bigger than The Royal, so when a position opened up here I jumped at the chance to be a part of a lodge that offered an authentic safari experience combined with a sense of exclusivity and comfort. From the moment I arrived, the lodge felt incredibly special and magical. There was an immediate sense of tranquility. The setting was breathtaking and the attention to detail and decor really stood out. It felt less like simply arriving at a lodge and more like stepping into a completely different world.

4. What are you most looking forward to in this role as Assistant Lodge Manager?

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grow as a leader while doing what I love most, which is creating unforgettable and meaningful experiences for people. I’m also excited to be able to take on more responsibility, support and motivate our team, and contribute to creating an environment where both guests and staff feel valued. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to making a positive difference ~ whether it’s through supporting a team member or simply solving a guest’s concern.

5. How have your first few weeks at The Royal been, and has anything about the lodge, the team or Madikwe itself surprised you?

It’s been an absolutely wonderful few weeks, from being met by the amazing Greg and Adri at the airstrip to meeting the rest of the team and getting settled… Everything has been amazing. Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly and I’ve felt like part of the Royal family since the day I arrived.

6. When assisting agents and travel partners, what do you hope they come to know and trust about working with you?

I hope they come to know that I’m reliable, responsive and invested in making their jobs easier; even if just a little bit. They can trust that I will communicate clearly and be transparent when something needs attention. Most importantly, I want them to feel that working with me is a true partnership ~ that I’ll listen to their needs, find practical solutions and help create a smooth, positive experience for both them and their clients.

7. For guests visiting The Royal, what kind of experience do you hope to help create from the very first enquiry through to their arrival?

From the very first enquiry, I hope to create an experience that feels warm, personal and effortless. Every guest should feel genuinely valued and confident that their stay at The Royal Madikwe is thoughtfully being taken care of from the start. I believe luxury is often found in the details: being attentive, anticipating needs, communicating with care and making every interaction feel personal rather than transactional. My aim is that by the time guests arrive, they already feel welcomed, excited and at ease knowing that every detail has been considered. Ultimately, I want to help create an experience that feels seamless and memorable, where guests feel truly looked after from their first enquiry through to the moment they arrive at the lodge.