Why Zimbabwe? Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s African holiday

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has chosen Zimbabwe to celebrate his 74th birthday, putting the spotlight on the country’s wildlife, natural attractions and hospitality.

The Manchester United co-owner arrived in Victoria Falls on Saturday ahead of his birthday celebrations on Sunday, when he played a round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course.

Ratcliffe, founder of chemicals company INEOS, is spending eight days in Zimbabwe, with visits to Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park also planned.

Why Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose Zimbabwe

Speaking after his golf outing, Ratcliffe praised the course’s scenery, wildlife and peaceful surroundings, offering a glimpse into what made the destination appealing to him.

“It is my birthday today, and we have chosen Zimbabwe for my birthday, and it’s been a glorious golf course, the people have been lovely, the weather’s fantastic,” he said, according to The Herald.

He also highlighted the wildlife encountered on the course, including impala, warthogs and bushbuck, describing the experience as being one with nature.

Ratcliffe rated Zimbabwe’s hospitality 10 out of 10, praising the friendliness of local people and the quality of the coffee.

From Victoria Falls to Zimbabwe’s national parks

Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall, formed by the Zambezi River, is renowned for its scale and spectacular scenery.

Ratcliffe’s itinerary also includes Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park.

According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the park covers approximately 14 650 square kilometres and is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and numerous bird species.

His trip will also take him to Mana Pools, a wilderness destination along the Zambezi River known for its wildlife and distinctive riverine landscape. The park forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its ecological importance.

Ratcliffe’s return visit to the Zambezi

The birthday celebrations are not Ratcliffe’s first experience of Zimbabwe. He recalled canoeing along a stretch of the Zambezi River about a decade ago, describing the adventure as exciting.

He also praised the country as a magnificent destination, highlighting its people, natural attractions and wildlife.

His comments provide a high-profile endorsement of Zimbabwe’s tourism offering, although the longer-term impact of his visit on tourist numbers remains to be seen.

For Zimbabwe, the itinerary brings together several attractions that appeal to international travellers: Victoria Falls, golf, wildlife viewing and time in the country’s national parks.

Ratcliffe’s visit also puts the spotlight on a destination that offers visitors opportunities to combine outdoor recreation with encounters with nature.