By Abel Mavura
Matetsi Victoria Falls safari lodge located in Victoria Falls, #Zimbabwe ranked No.1 Resort Hotel in #Africa on the 2021 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards list.
The safari lodge is located in the vast Matetsi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of the #Zambezi River. The award is a great endorsement of Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
“It has been part of our vision to position ourselves as the number one lodge in Africa and in doing so, show the world how exceptional our country and our people are. This top-ranking shines a light on both Matetsi Victoria Falls and also on Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
Currently, we protect 55 000 hectares of land that is dedicated to wildlife conservation as well as 15km of Zambezi River frontage. We are also able to create employment, upskilling opportunities for Zimbabweans as 176 people are employed here.
A key part of our mission is to showcase to a global audience everything exceptional about our beautiful home country #Zimbabwe. From stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, the mighty Zambezi River, of course, the spectacular Victoria Falls, and most importantly our warm authentic #Zimbabwean hospitality.” Said Sara Gardiner, Co-founder of Matetsi
Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honorable Mangaliso Ndhlovu, paid tribute to the international recognition of Matetsi Holiday Resort.
“I must say as the Minister responsible for Tourism in Zimbabwe, this will no doubt be one of the memorable days of my time in office given its impact on the endorsement of destination Zimbabwe as a whole.
“Allow me to congratulate you Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and all the Directors and Shareholders of Matetsi for winning this prestigious award. This has not come on a silver platter, but it is a clear testimony and celebration of astute investment and hard work by yourselves, your management team, and indeed all your staff. For indeed, it is one thing to have excellent and world-class infrastructure, but if it is not well looked after, and if there is no attention to detail in terms of hospitality, you would still not get the best out of your investments. So this is indeed, a true reflection of the meaning of teamwork,” Minister Ndlovu said.
