By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has declared his love for Zimbabwe, describing the country as “magnificent” and praising its friendly people after a holiday taking in some of its biggest tourist attractions.
The British billionaire, 73, visited Nyanga, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, and said he planned to finish his trip at Mana Pools, where he has previously explored the Zambezi River by canoe.
Ratcliffe, who founded chemicals giant INEOS, played golf with his partner Catherine Polli at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, where impala, warthogs and bushbuck roam freely across the course.
In a video circulated by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Ratcliffe marvelled at the wildlife on the greens.
“You’ve got animals on the golf course, so you’ve got impala and warthog and bushbuck and it’s just one with nature really,” he said.
The tycoon gave the country top marks for its hospitality, singling out the friendliness of its people and its coffee.
“Ten out of 10, it can’t be more friendly.
“The coffee is good, in fact, the coffee is excellent here… and again, friendly faces everywhere.
“That’s why I love Zimbabwe,” he said.
Ratcliffe, who has visited the country before, recalled taking on the Mana Canoe Trail, paddling between 80km and 100km along the Zambezi.
“Many years ago, I canoed… the Mana Canoe Trail down the Zambezi,
“I did it twice actually… about 80 or 100 kilometres down the river in a canoe, which was quite exciting. So I know Mana Pools quite well,” he said.
He also praised Zimbabwe’s safety and wildlife attractions, naming Hwange and Mana Pools among the country’s standout national parks and hailing Victoria Falls as one of the world’s natural wonders.
“Zimbabwe is a magnificent place, it’s full of friendly people, it’s very safe.
“It’s got two, the only two I know, magnificent national parks, Hwange and Mana Pools, and of course you’ve got Victoria Falls, which is one of the wonders of the world.
“Nobody would ever forget going to Victoria Falls,” he said.
