May 2023: we are currently waiting for the law to be passed which will officially lift Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. This is following the World Health Organisation (WHO) statement that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. Once this comes into effect, travellers will no longer be required to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates or tests at point of entry.
Until then, for travellers who are fully vaccinated and present their valid vaccination certificate, no PCR test is required. Non-vaccinated travellers are required to present a negative PCR test done within 48 hours of departure to Zimbabwe (if the journey involves an overnight e.g. in Dubai or Johannesburg, an additional PCR test will be required).
All visitors to Zimbabwe are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Passports should have at least 3 blank pages for entry and departure stamps.
The most up to date information regarding Zimbabwe visa requirements can be found on the official Government of Zimbabwe eVisa website. Please review the visa regimes on their website to confirm which category applies. Category A: Visitors from the countries listed are not required to have a visa to travel to Zimbabwe. Category B: Visitors from the countries listed are not required to apply for a visa before travelling, but may pay for and obtain your visa when you enter Zimbabwe. Category C: Visitors from the countries listed are required to pay for and obtain your visa before travel to Zimbabwe.
For those travellers who can apply for a visa on arrival, to streamline the visa process we highly recommend carrying USD cash (in appropriate denominations) for visa payments.
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Zimbabwean born, Caroline joined the Matetsi Victoria Falls family as Camp Manager in mid-2022, and she thrives on going the extra mile for our guest experience. Caroline brings with her a breadth of experience from 5* luxury properties across South Africa, including, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Karkloof Safari Villas, Thanda Private Game Reserve and the Oyster Box, as well as from managing Asilia Africa’s flagship Naboisho Camp in Kenya.
Caroline holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the International Hotel School, and is studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Hospitality Operations Management through the same institution. After many years of working abroad, Caroline and her husband Eric (who manages a property in the neighbouring Zambezi National Park) are delighted to be back in Zimbabwe, and in their free time they love bird watching.
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.