Sir Jim Ratcliffe Celebrates 74th Birthday in Zimbabwe

British billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose Zimbabwe as the destination for his 74th birthday, arriving in Victoria Falls on Saturday for an eight-day private holiday.

Elephant Hills Golf Celebration

Sir Jim Ratcliffe marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a morning round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls, a course designed by South African golfer Gary Player. The Ineos founder rated the local hospitality a perfect ten out of ten, mentioning encounters with impala, warthog, and bushbuck on the fairways. Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi dispatched a dedicated team to welcome the billionaire, prompting a personal thank-you from the visitor for the government reception.

Eight-day itinerary visits two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The eight-day itinerary moves from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park for a three-night stay, followed by a visit to Mana Pools on the lower Zambezi, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sir Jim Ratcliffe noted a prior adventure on the river, recalling a canoeing expedition he took down 80 to 100 kilometers of the Zambezi roughly a decade ago. The trip highlights Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to court wealthy international visitors and investors to revive a tourism sector recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Billionaire builds fortune through industrial chemicals and sports holdings

Sir Jim Ratcliffe built his net worth, estimated at over US$15 billion, through the founding of chemicals group Ineos in 1998 after acquiring a BP chemicals unit. His corporate holdings expanded to include oil and gas operations, the Grenadier off-road vehicle, the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, and French football club OGC Nice, before purchasing a minority stake in Manchester United in 2024 to control football operations. Outside the boardroom, his expeditions include treks to both the North and South Poles.

Common Questions About the Visit

Where did Sir Jim Ratcliffe begin his Zimbabwe trip?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe flew into Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday to begin his eight-day private holiday in Zimbabwe.

Which golf course did he play on his birthday?

He played a morning round at Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls on Sunday to mark his 74th birthday.

What are the next stops on his itinerary?

His travel plans include a three-night stay at Hwange National Park followed by a visit to Mana Pools on the lower Zambezi.