Owner of the lodge, Adri Kruger, says the win is a dream come true. “My goal has always been to be the best hotel in Limpopo first, then in South Africa and then in Africa. “I feel humbled but immensely proud to know that working towards my goals has paid off as a hospitality professional and hotelier.” She says the tourism industry is not a ‘one-woman show’, hence she is grateful to her staff, who are working tirelessly to make sure that the hotel is among the best at all times.

Also read: Adri recognised on global stage

“I am a great believer that if you put passion into whatever you do, hard work will pay off. “My staff is an integral part of me and of the lodge. I am blown away by the support and well wishes from all over the continent, especially friends and colleagues from the tourism industry.” In March Kruger was recognised at the International Institute for Peace through Tourism in Germany for her commitment to sustainable tourism.

She is also a member of the Vakhegula Vakhegula FC (soccer grannies’ team) and was among the players who visited Mauritius in May for a match against Mauritius’ grannies.