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Russia Advances Visa-Free Travel to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini

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Russia is actively negotiating visa-free travel agreements with four southern African nations—Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini.

The move is a strategic push to expand tourism, deepen diplomatic and economic ties, and capitalize on evolving global travel dynamics.

The initiative, announced amid ongoing discussions, could make these wildlife-rich and culturally vibrant destinations more accessible to Russian travelers, offering an alternative to traditional European spots.

Sangadzhi Tarbaev, head of Russia Duma’s tourism committee, highlighted the growing interest among Russians in African travel, noting that Africa (beyond popular North African hubs like Egypt) is emerging as an attractive destination.

“Africa, with the exception of Egypt, is not a mass destination, but it does attract tourists,” Tarbaev stated, as quoted in Russian media reports.

Negotiations aim to add these countries to Russia’s existing network of visa-free partners in Africa.

Currently, Russian citizens enjoy reciprocal visa-free entry to 11 African nations, including Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Tunisia, and South Africa. Tatyana Dovgalenko, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Partnership with Africa, emphasized that expanding visa-free regimes could significantly develop tourism.

“Introducing visa-free travel with the majority of African countries could help develop tourism,” she said during a State Duma roundtable on tourism and cultural exchanges.

Draft agreements reportedly propose stays of up to 90 days in Zambia and around 30 days in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, pending finalization.

This move aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to strengthen non-Western partnerships amid restrictions on travel to some European destinations. The southern African region—home to iconic attractions like Victoria Falls (shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe), pristine beaches in Mozambique, and unique wildlife experiences—remains underrepresented among Russian outbound tourists compared to North Africa.

Here are stunning glimpses of the natural wonders that could soon draw more visitors from Russia:

These images showcase the majestic Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, where mist rises dramatically from the Zambezi River, offering breathtaking views and adventure activities.

Mozambique’s coastline also promises idyllic escapes:

The initiative comes against a backdrop of tightened U.S. visa policies, including refundable bonds of up to $15,000 for citizens of numerous African countries (including Zambia and Zimbabwe) applying for B1/B2 visas, aimed at reducing overstays.

While the U.S. measures focus on compliance, Russia’s visa-free push is viewed as a way to facilitate easier people-to-people exchanges, business opportunities, and tourism in a region rich in natural and cultural heritage.

For global travelers, particularly from Africa and beyond, these developments signal increasing connectivity with Russia and highlight southern Africa’s untapped potential.

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Tourism

Rock City Hotel: Ghana’s Architectural Marvel Poised to Become Africa’s Largest Resort

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Nestled in the breathtaking Kwahu-Nkwatia mountains, this luxury destination blends bold design, world-class amenities, and rapid expansion

Eastern Region, Ghana – Perched dramatically amid the scenic Kwahu-Nkwatia mountains, Rock City Hotel stands as one of Ghana’s most ambitious and visually striking hospitality projects. Opened in 2019, the resort has quickly emerged as a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking luxury in a mountainous setting.

What truly sets Rock City apart is its distinctive architecture, crafted by talented Black female architects. This design excellence gives the property a unique contemporary African aesthetic that harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape.

A Growing Giant in African Hospitality

Currently featuring hundreds of meticulously designed rooms, Rock City Hotel is undergoing significant expansion. Once complete, it is projected to boast over 2,000 rooms (with some projections reaching 2,700), making it Africa’s largest hotel. The development includes a wide array of recreational and entertainment facilities such as:

  • State-of-the-art conference and meeting spaces
  • Outdoor pools and leisure areas
  • Adventure offerings including paragliding and canopy walkways
  • Plans for additional attractions like a water park, aquarium, zoo, and golf courses

The hotel has already become a vibrant entertainment hub during peak periods such as Easter and other holidays, drawing visitors from across Ghana and the diaspora who come to celebrate in style against the stunning mountain backdrop.

More Than Just a Hotel

Rock City Hotel caters to both leisure guests seeking relaxation and mountain adventures and business travelers needing modern conference facilities. Its strategic location in the Eastern Region positions it as an ideal gateway to explore Kwahu’s rich cultural heritage, scenic hiking trails, and vibrant local festivals.

As the resort continues to expand, it symbolizes Ghana’s rising profile in the global hospitality industry and its growing confidence in delivering large-scale, high-quality tourism infrastructure.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious mountain getaway, world-class events, or simply breathtaking views, Rock City Hotel offers an unforgettable African hospitality experience.

For more information, visit rockcityhotelgh.com.

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Tourism

Ghana to Launch E-Visa System in May Ahead of Visa-Free Travel for Africans

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Accra, Ghana – April 18, 2026 – Ghana will introduce a fully electronic visa (e-Visa) system in May 2026, the government has announced, marking a major step toward modernising its immigration processes and enhancing border management.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the new digital platform will enable travellers to apply for visas online from anywhere in the world, significantly reducing processing times and improving the efficiency of consular services.

Visa-Free Era for Africans

The e-Visa rollout coincides with a bold policy shift announced by President John Dramani Mahama. Starting on Africa Day, May 25, 2026, citizens from across the African continent will enjoy visa-free access to Ghana and will not be required to pay visa application fees.

“This initiative forms part of Ghana’s wider strategy to promote intra-African mobility, boost tourism, and position the country as a key gateway for travel and investment in West Africa,” Minister Ablakwa stated.

Enhanced Security Features

Beyond convenience, the e-Visa system is designed to strengthen national security. The platform will be fully integrated with Ghana’s Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) systems, as well as international security databases.

“The new e-visa system will allow our officers to verify applicant information and ensure appropriate vetting without compromising national security,” Ablakwa explained.

This data integration is expected to enable more robust background checks while facilitating smoother travel for legitimate visitors.

Continental Alignment

The move aligns with broader efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to ease visa restrictions, facilitate trade, and promote freer movement of people across the continent. Ghana aims to lead by example in removing barriers to intra-African travel and economic cooperation.

Officials believe the combination of the e-Visa platform and the upcoming visa-free regime for Africans will significantly boost tourism arrivals, attract more investors, and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as one of West Africa’s most progressive and welcoming nations.

The e-Visa platform is scheduled to go live in May 2026, just weeks before the historic visa-free policy takes effect.

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Taste GH

Kuli Kuli: The Crunchy Peanut Snack That Travels Across Ghana’s Streets With Ease

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There’s a particular sound that follows Kuli Kuli down Ghana’s streets—the sharp, satisfying crunch that announces its presence long before the first bite.

Made from roasted groundnuts pressed into golden sticks or small clusters, this humble snack has earned a permanent place in everyday eating across the country.

Kuli Kuli carries the deep, nutty aroma of roasted peanuts, often enriched with a subtle kick of spice depending on who prepares it. Its texture is firm and crisp, breaking cleanly between the teeth and leaving behind a rich, earthy flavour that lingers. While simple in ingredients, it delivers a depth that makes it hard to eat just one piece.

Across Ghana, Kuli Kuli is more than a snack—it’s part of the rhythm of daily life. It shows up in woven baskets at lorry stations, in transparent bowls on street corners, and in the hands of schoolchildren heading home.

Traders often pair it with roasted groundnuts or sell it alongside other street favourites, making it an easy grab for commuters, workers, and travellers.

For many, it is a quiet companion during long journeys or busy afternoons. It is filling enough to take the edge off hunger, yet light enough to eat on the move. Visitors to Ghana often discover it unexpectedly, handed over in paper wraps or sold from roadside stalls where it sits alongside familiar street foods.

Beyond its taste and convenience, Kuli Kuli also carries a health appeal rooted in its primary ingredient—groundnuts. Rich in protein and healthy fats, it has long been considered a wholesome snack in many households, especially in communities where peanuts are a dietary staple.

Simple, durable, and deeply familiar, Kuli Kuli remains one of those foods that tells a story of resourcefulness and everyday Ghanaian life—one crunchy bite at a time.

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