Introducing GRACE

Supporting and developing exceptional talent & projects throughout Zimbabwe and Africa.

Values

Education • Freedom • Mutuality • Trust • Collaboration


Vision and Visionaries

Established in late 2021, GRACE was formed by Charles & Sara Gardiner to formalise and continue the incredible philanthropic work that their parents have done over the last 30+ years.

GRACE, as a fund-raising and grant-giving organisation, works primarily with projects that effect community empowerment and upliftment, as well as sustainable conservation initiatives.

The board of trustees are bonded by their passion to positively impact local communities and protect wildlife and wildness areas for these communities and future generations.

Guided by a holistic long-term vision where communities and wildlife can lead a harmonious, mutually beneficial existence, the trustees are committed to working within their means, and the means of GRACE, to regenerate vast areas of wilderness and empower local communities.

Achievements

GRACE builds on the achievements realised so far through Matetsi Victoria Falls, and the philanthropic work of the Gardiner family.

Recent accomplishments in numbers:

• 136,000 acres of pristine wilderness conserved (8th year of a minimum 50-year commitment)
• 400+ bird & mammal species provided with habitat
• 9 miles of Zambezi River protected
• 3 other community focused NPOs supported
• 16 solar-powered boreholes installed
• 40 km radius (wide-ranging) radio communications network installed
• 300 + snares cleared (last 9 months)
• 3 km of illegal fishing nets recovered (last 9 months)
• 100(+)% species regeneration: elephant, kudu, impala, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, sable, wildebeest (past 5 years)
• 50 anti-poaching scouts fully equipped
• Numerous wildlife rescues including two snared elephant calves and a snared kudu (last 9 months) through resourcing operations with fuel, manpower and supplies

Future

GRACE is working on projects to bring clean water to communities and supporting education through resourcing schools in need.

GRACE is raising funds to translocate waterbuck back into an area where the population was decimated by poaching and assisting the Matetsi anti-poaching team with equipment to combat river poaching on the Zambezi River.

GRACE is continuing to build and raise funds to continue the exceptional work its founders have already achieved.

If you’d like to find out more about our work on the ground in Zimbabwe, please email us.

Experiences

Exceptional experiences in a remarkable destination.

Online Reservations

For direct online bookings and live availability.

Traveller Enquiry

Your stay tailor-made by our reservations team.
Quality Assurance Manager

Sara Ellis

Sara Ellis is an incredibly dedicated and hard working member of our Matetsi family. Having been our Head Pastry Chef for over four years, Sara transitioned to her role of Quality Assurance Manager in early 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and an unparalleled attention to detail. Sara works primarily behind the scenes, supporting all departments to ensure that the Matetsi Magic shines through brightly in every one of our guest’s stays with us.

Sara holds a Cordons Bleus Grande Diploma from Silwood School of Cookery, Cape Town, and has worked at some exceptional Southern African establishments, including Ellerman House and Singita Pamushana, as well as on private yachts.

Sara is mother to two wonderful boys, wife of our Executive Chef, Shane Ellis, and an individual who shows great commitment not just to Matetsi Victoria Falls, but also to our local community in many ways, including standing on the Parents’ Association and driving fundraising initiatives for a local primary school.

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