
US Temporarily Halts Most Visa Services for Zimbabwean Nationals
'We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the government of Zimbabwe,' the embassy said in a post on its official X account on Wednesday. The issuance of all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services will be halted, though most diplomatic and official permits will still be available, according to a statement on its website.
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Travel + Leisure
8 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the Most Pedestrian-friendly Place in the World, According to the Guinness Book of World Records
Walking is one of the best ways to explore a new city. Being on foot gives you the ability to pop in and out of stores, cafes, and restaurants with ease. Needless to say, though, some destinations are more pedestrian-friendly than others—and one of the best spots to take a stroll just so happens to be one of the oldest and largest car-free places on the planet. Tucked away in Morocco, travelers can explore Fes on foot, a 13th-century city regarded as the nation's cultural capital. The medina of Fes, an ancient walled space, is built for walking, and perhaps the occasional donkey or two passing through. And, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it's the largest car-free urban area by population on Earth. Over 156,000 people live in the medina, but no cars are allowed. "In early May, the squares and alleys resound with world music, where the Festival of World Sacred Music is held in the former imperial capital, which occurs along with Jazz in Riads, one of the main events in the city's cultural calendar," Visit Morocco's website explained. "Don't leave without having tasted the city's gastronomy, reputed to be one of the best in the world." The space is so special that it even made its way to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Inside the walls, Visit Morocco explained, travelers can look forward to perusing (and purchasing) a bounty of souvenirs "from tanners to weavers, dinandiers [copperware], and potters." It added, "Its streets are decorated with architectural masterpieces, and its squares are meeting places where an ancestral art of living is expressed through confident yet delicate gestures." The medina's restaurants are not to be missed either, so do make sure to take a break for lunch at spots like Mom's Touch for a fantastic rooftop bite, Ruined Garden for a peaceful, plant-filled afternoon, and Restaurant Bab Sahra Fes for something a little more upscale. While it's certainly easy to get around on your own, some travelers may want a little assistance in finding all the best corners of this marketplace, which is where a guided tour comes in handy. Fortunately, the options are plentiful as well, and include Fez Tour Guide, which offers Medina tours and excursions to nearby points of interest; museum and shopping tours on Get Your Guide; and locally led tours on Airbnb Experiences. Getting to Fes is half the fun, too. Once you land in Tangier, Morocco, you can hop on a train via the national railway operator, Office National des Chemins de Fer, which takes about four hours total. In fact, you can visit all of Morocco's best cities this way. And make sure to pack some comfortable sneakers when you go. Trust us. Your feet will thank us.


Forbes
12 hours ago
- Forbes
Explore The Idyllic Side Of Kenya With This Lavish Countryside Manor
Long renowned for its abundant natural beauty and captivating native wildlife, Kenya draws millions of international tourists each year—and as an added bonus, this storied nation is no slouch when it comes to hospitality, either. In the foothills of Mount Kenya, Mukima Manor offers a seamless blend of high-end luxury and immersive ecotourism, providing guests with an opportunity to marvel at megafauna by day and then sip sundowners on the terrace by night. While this 300-acre property brims with colorful gardens and vast swathes of verdant forest, most visitors spend their stay lounging at the main manor, a charming cedar-framed structure that dates back more than 75 years. The building comes equipped with nine unique rooms, some of which offer lavish amenities including private fireplaces and iron clawfoot tubs—and to sweeten the deal, the common areas offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the surrounding region. During daylight hours, visitors can take a dip in the outdoor pool or make use of the tennis courts, while the first-floor terrace is perfect for catching a marvelous sunset. It may be tempting to spend your entire stay relaxing at the main house, but no trip to Mukima Manor is complete without taking advantage of their top-tier ecotourism program. While the on-property lake is brimming with birdlife, those hoping to encounter some of Kenya's larger creatures can sign up for a guided safari, with reserves spanning from Ol Pejeta Conservancy—the ideal destination for spotting chimpanzees—to Mount Kenya National Park, a renowned site that earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Meanwhile, seasoned equestrians are welcome to embark on safari via horseback, with two-hour, half-day and full-day excursions available. The flora and fauna of Kenya have thrived across the region for eons, and at Mukima Manor, wildlife conservation is a core tenet of the hotel's ethos. For the past two decades, 100 acres of the property have been subject to an ambitious rewilding project, providing plenty of room for Kenya's indigenous plantlife to flourish on Mukima Manor grounds. In order to decrease their carbon footprint, the property also relies heavily on renewable energy and avoids single-use plastics whenever possible—and this dedication to environmental consciousness also extends to their dining programs. Synthetic chemicals are avoided throughout the kitchen garden and fruit orchard, ensuring that each meal is packed full of organic produce sourced right from Mukima Manor's backyard. While Kenya is home to its fair share of upscale accommodations, Mukima Manor offers the perfect blend of both old and new, providing visitors with a wealth of lavish amenities in a storied setting. During a stay, guests can encounter a wealth of fascinating species spanning from white rhinos to African wild dogs to Grévy's zebras, while the property's pool, terrace and spa are the perfect spots for unwinding after a long day of scoping out Kenya's most marvelous megafauna. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or just beginning to plan your first adventure, Mukima Manor is certain to leave you with lasting memories of the abundant beauty of Kenya and all that this historic nation has to offer.


News24
a day ago
- News24
Luxury travel agency slammed; DA MP recalls horror attack: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. 'Worst experience ever': Luxury travel agency hauls clients to court over scam claims - Luxury travel agency Blacktrotters Afrika is seeking an interdict against two clients who publicly accused the company of providing subpar service and prioritising celebrities and influencers, labelling it a 'scam'. - The clients, Sethanyi Boitumelo Setati and Linda Oliphant, detailed their negative experiences on social media, citing issues like flight arrangements, accommodation, and unequal treatment compared to other travellers. - Blacktrotters Afrika denies the allegations, claiming they treat all clients equally and that issues encountered during trips were largely beyond their control. They offer refunds and investigations for complaints. 'The blood was squirting': DA MP recalls horror attack in Philippi Cape Town - Three DA MPs were attacked in Philippi, Cape Town, after an oversight visit to a SAPS training academy. - The MPs were warned of an impending attack moments before their vehicle was ambushed, resulting in injuries to all three. - Police have arrested two teenagers in connection with the attack and are expecting to make another arrest soon. Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images 'BEE not discriminatory': Mashatile defends SA's transformation policies - Deputy President Paul Mashatile defends South Africa's B-BBEE Act, stating it's not discriminatory but a transformative policy to correct past injustices. - South Africa faces international pressure from the US regarding its racial equity laws and B-BBEE, while domestically, the DA challenges employment equity laws. - The government aims to align policies with inclusive growth and equal opportunities, leveraging economic diplomacy and structural reforms. Some schools may face hefty tax shock in 2026 under new law - Schools that have previously claimed VAT may face tax bills as the government tightens regulations. - Under a new proposal, all schools must deregister as VAT vendors by 1 January 2026, and repay 'exit VAT' on assets. - The proposed amendment allows schools to pay the VAT bill in 12 monthly instalments and prevents SARS from reopening past tax assessments finalised before 1 January 2026. Mlungisi Louw/Volksblad/Gallo Images US seeks clarity on SA's Iran stance, expressing 'great concern' following Maphwanya trip - The US government is 'greatly concerned' about statements made by SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya in Iran and is seeking clarification on South Africa's policy regarding Iran. - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga defended Maphwanya's visit as pre-planned and denied he had gone rogue, while other South African officials distanced themselves from his remarks. - The incident has created a diplomatic predicament for South Africa, potentially impacting trade negotiations with the US and raising questions about the general's constitutional mandate. Proteas spinner Subrayen flagged for suspect action, Maharaj returns to ODI bowling summit - Keshav Maharaj has regained the No. 1 spot in the ICC's ODI bowling rankings after his five-wicket haul against Australia. - Prenelan Subrayen, who debuted in the same match, has been reported for a suspect bowling action and will undergo assessment. - Subrayen will not participate in the second ODI, further impacting the Proteas' bowling options after Kagiso Rabada's injury withdrawal. iStock via Getty Images SA bank cards that offer free global lounge access – and smarter pay as you go options - South African bank cards offer DragonPass or Amex lounge access, but walk-in passes (around R600) may be more cost-effective for infrequent international travellers. Premium bank accounts with lounge access come with higher fees, which may not be worth it for occasional use. - International airport lounges provide significant value with amenities like quiet spaces, showers, and food, especially during long layovers. Unlike domestic lounges, which are often overpriced, international lounges offer a worthwhile experience. - Many South African bank account holders may already have access to more than 1 000 international lounges through their cards via programmes like DragonPass. Activating these benefits through the bank's app can provide free lounge access, but it's essential to compare the cost of premium accounts versus occasional walk-in fees. Show Comments ()