Man Utd Co-Owner Jim Ratcliffe Celebrates 74th Birthday in Zimbabwe
British billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is spending his 74th birthday in Zimbabwe, marking a high-profile private holiday that highlights the country’s appeal for luxury tourism. The trip, which began on Saturday, includes stops in Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools.
Arrival at Victoria Falls and Golf at Elephant Hills
Sir Jim Ratcliffe flew into Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday, launching an eight-day private itinerary across Zimbabwe. He marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a morning round of golf at the Elephant Hills Golf Course, a course near the falls designed by South African golfer Gary Player. Describing the experience as magnificent, Ratcliffe noted that his game brought him into close contact with local wildlife, including impala, warthog, and bushbuck.
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.
Ratcliffe said in a video released by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi dispatched a dedicated team to ensure the billionaire received a warm reception during his stay. Ratcliffe rated the local hospitality a perfect ten out of ten, praising the courteous staff and the quality of the coffee.
Future Itinerary Across National Parks
Following his stay in Victoria Falls, the INEOS founder and Manchester United co-owner plans to spend approximately three nights in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. The itinerary then concludes with a tour of Mana Pools on the lower Zambezi River. Both Mana Pools and Victoria Falls hold designated UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The journey marks a return to the Zambezi for the British industrialist. Ratcliffe recalled that roughly a decade ago, he undertook a canoeing expedition that covered 80 to 100 kilometers down the Zambezi River. Beyond his current travels, Ratcliffe’s business career spans major industrial acquisitions, beginning in 1998 when he purchased a chemicals unit from BP to build INEOS into a global chemical manufacturer. In 2024, he acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, securing control of the club’s football operations.
Tourism officials view the high-profile visit as a significant endorsement of Destination Zimbabwe, providing international exposure as the nation works to rebuild its tourism sector following the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic.