Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to celebrate his 74th birthday in Zimbabwe has brought fresh international attention to the country’s combination of wildlife safaris, dramatic landscapes and outdoor experiences.
The Manchester United co-owner and INEOS founder has praised Zimbabwe’s hospitality, natural beauty and golf courses during an eight-day visit that has included Victoria Falls, Nyanga and Hwange National Park. He is also expected to visit Mana Pools National Park, where he previously explored the Zambezi River by canoe.
Ratcliffe described Zimbabwe as “magnificent”, giving its hospitality a rating of 10 out of 10 and praising the friendliness of the people and the quality of the coffee.
His itinerary offers a glimpse of the variety available to visitors who want to experience more than one part of the country on a single holiday.
Victoria Falls: More than a waterfall
Victoria Falls remains one of Zimbabwe’s biggest international attractions, drawing visitors to the Zambezi River, where the water plunges into a narrow gorge and sends a massive spray into the surrounding rainforest.
The Zimbabwean side of the Falls offers walking trails and viewpoints, while the wider resort town has developed a range of activities for visitors seeking adventure or a slower-paced break.
Boat cruises on the Zambezi, guided wildlife excursions, helicopter flights and white-water rafting are among the experiences available. However, some activities depend on river conditions and the time of year.
Travellers looking to extend their stay can explore the region’s wildlife beyond the main waterfall attraction in nearby parks.
Victoria Falls is also a practical starting point for a wider northern Zimbabwe itinerary, with road connections to safari areas in the region.
Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s safari country
Hwange National Park brings a different landscape to the journey. Known for its elephants and wide range of wildlife, the park covers a vast area of western Zimbabwe, with woodlands, open plains and waterholes that attract animals throughout the year.
Game drives offer opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope and predators, including lions. Wildlife sightings vary according to location, season and conditions, making the choice of accommodation and safari operator an important part of planning a visit.
The park has lodges and camps catering to different budgets and styles of travel, from comfortable safari accommodation to more remote experiences closer to nature.
Its proximity to Victoria Falls makes Hwange a natural addition for visitors who want to combine one of Africa’s best-known natural landmarks with a traditional wildlife safari.
The two destinations offer contrasting experiences without requiring travellers to cross into another country, making them a strong combination for a Zimbabwe holiday.
Mana Pools: A different kind of wilderness
Mana Pools National Park offers a more remote safari experience along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its riverine landscapes, mature trees, wildlife and opportunities to experience the bush on foot or from the water. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species are among its attractions.
Ratcliffe has spoken about his previous visits to the area, recalling two canoeing trips along the Mana Canoe Trail. He estimated that he travelled between 80km and 100km along the Zambezi, describing the experience as exciting.
Canoe safaris offer a different perspective on the river and its wildlife, while guided walking safaris and game drives allow visitors to explore the surrounding floodplains.
Mana Pools requires more preparation than destinations with easier road access. Travellers should arrange accommodation and transfers in advance, check current park conditions and establish whether a suitable vehicle or charter flight is the best option for reaching their camp.
For those prepared to plan carefully, it offers a quieter and more immersive complement to the busier Victoria Falls resort area.
Nyanga and the appeal of golf in the Eastern Highlands
Ratcliffe’s visit has also highlighted golf as part of Zimbabwe’s tourism offering, as he was seen playing at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga.
Situated in the Eastern Highlands, Nyanga offers a striking contrast to the country’s safari landscapes. Mountains, forests, valleys and a cooler climate make the area popular with visitors seeking outdoor recreation and a break from the heat of the lowveld.
Golf courses in scenic settings provide another way to experience these landscapes. At Troutbeck, the surrounding vegetation and wildlife contribute to the setting, creating an experience distinct from the conventional resort golf holiday.
Nyanga also offers hiking, fishing and opportunities to explore the surrounding highlands. It can be included in a longer Zimbabwe itinerary for travellers who want to combine wildlife and outdoor adventure with time in the mountains.
Planning a holiday around Zimbabwe’s different landscapes
Ratcliffe’s visit illustrates the possibilities of combining several destinations, but travellers should avoid treating the country as a collection of attractions that can be easily covered in a few days.
Victoria Falls and Hwange work well together for visitors interested in waterfalls and game viewing. Mana Pools requires more careful logistical planning, while Nyanga lies in a different part of the country and needs to be considered separately when arranging transfers.
A multi-destination holiday should allow enough time at each stop rather than spending much of the trip travelling between them. Accommodation availability, road conditions, seasonal changes and the cost of internal transfers can all affect the itinerary.
Travellers seeking a more comfortable experience may choose lodge-to-lodge arrangements with private transfers or charter flights. Those planning to drive themselves should research road conditions and park requirements before departure.
The best route will depend on the time available and the experiences that matter most, whether it is wildlife, adventure, golf or the country’s varied scenery.
Ratcliffe’s birthday holiday has placed several of Zimbabwe’s established tourism destinations in the spotlight. More importantly, the range of places associated with his visit demonstrates how the country can combine a world-famous waterfall, expansive safari country, river wilderness and mountain scenery into a distinctive travel experience.