Matetsi Victoria Falls, the esteemed family-owned and independently run luxury safari lodge, proudly welcomes Lianne Kelly-Maartens as its new Director of Sales & Marketing.
A well-known name in the tourism and hospitality industry, Lianne has built an impressive career over the years. She previously held key positions at Sun International, worked with We Are Africa, and most recently spent over four years with Cape Grace. Her deep-rooted expertise in luxury hospitality, extensive industry network, and dynamic storytelling ability make her a valuable addition to the Matetsi team.
Based in Cape Town, Lianne now leads Matetsi’s in-house sales and reservations team, working closely with the property’s staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences—from the moment of booking to their stay and beyond. Her role aligns with Matetsi Victoria Falls’ commitment to not only delivering world-class hospitality but also conserving the pristine wilderness surrounding the property, home to incredible wildlife encounters.
Lianne’s appointment is part of a broader initiative spearheaded by acting MD Sandy Pollard to strengthen Matetsi’s leadership team. This includes General Manager Stian Commaille and new key roles such as Hospitality Operations Manager, Executive Housekeeper, and Head Guide. Together, they complement the existing Matetsi family, a dedicated team whose passion and expertise bring the magic of Matetsi to life.
Matetsi Victoria Falls’ excellence has been recognized globally. In Travel + Leisure’s 2021 World’s Best Awards, it was named No. 1 Resort Hotel in Africa. More recently, in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, it ranked among the Top 15 Resorts in Southern Africa, while Travel + Leisure listed it among Africa’s top five favourite resorts and one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World.
With the Gardiner family’s continued commitment to excellence, Matetsi Victoria Falls remains dedicated to conserving Zimbabwe’s wilderness, creating employment, and uplifting communities. The future shines bright as the Matetsi team continues to evolve, offering authentic hospitality, culinary mastery, and world-class safari experiences on the banks of the Zambezi River.
