Itai Mazire

A trending video titled “Top 10 Best Countries to Visit in 2025” has gone viral across TikTok, Facebook and X, following a Forbes announcement that Zimbabwe has been named the number one travel destination in the world for 2025 the first time an African nation has ever topped the Forbes global travel list.

According to the video, Forbes praised Zimbabwe for its expanding tourism sector, improved travel services, and renewed national pride in heritage and conservation.

“It is a country where nature meets spirit, where history meets hope. In 2025, Zimbabwe stands tall as Africa’s brightest jewel proof that the continent can lead the world in beauty, adventure and heart,” the video states.

The clip highlights Zimbabwe’s global appeal, showcasing its breathtaking natural attractions, including Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. It also draws attention to the country’s rich cultural heritage, reflected in the ancient Great Zimbabwe ruins. Social media users around the world have welcomed the recognition, describing it as long overdue.

The remainder of the viral list features a diverse range of international destinations. Cameroon ranks second, having been celebrated by Lonely Planet as a country that captures nearly every landscape Africa has to offer.

New Orleans places third, recognised for its vibrant culture, Creole cuisine and rich musical heritage. Bhutan ranks fourth, admired for its pristine Himalayan environment and happiness-centred philosophy. The Athens Riviera in Greece comes in fifth, blending golden beaches, ancient ruins and modern coastal elegance.

Asheville, North Carolina follows in sixth place, honoured for its creative spirit and mountain scenery. Amsterdam secures seventh position as it prepares to mark its 750th anniversary, praised for its clean-energy initiatives and cultural innovation.

Longboat Key, Florida ranks eighth for its tranquil luxury and turquoise waters, while Morocco comes ninth, celebrated for the colourful allure of Marrakesh and the sweeping beauty of the Sahara Desert. Santa Monica, California completes the list at number ten, known for its iconic pier, relaxed lifestyle and world-class beaches.

With millions of views and rapidly growing engagement, the viral video has placed Zimbabwe firmly at the centre of global travel conversations, cementing its status as one of the world’s must-visit destinations for 2025.

Karoi Town and its surrounding areas are gearing up for a festive season like no other, as Sabhuku Temba Mliswa, the proud owner of Spring Resort, throws open the gates to what he calls “a new home away from home for all families.”

With the official opening of the brand-new Caravan Park and Butchery, Spring Resort is stepping confidently into its role as a family haven. Sabhuku Mliswa has dubbed the family event the “Tshisa Nyama Festival,” a place where visitors can relax, enjoy nature and experience the freshness of true farm living.

Spring Resort owner Sabhuku Temba Mliswa said the festive season is a period when everyone needs to experience farm life and wake up to the routines of adventurous farm living.

“We want families to reconnect with the land, to taste real farm produce and to feel the peace that comes from being close to nature.

Spring Resort is not just a place to visit; it is an experience, a lifestyle and a reminder of what wholesome living feels like,” said Sabhuku Mliswa.

The festival atmosphere is set to run throughout the season and beyond, with sizzling meats straight from the farm, fresh garden produce and wide open spaces designed for both children and adults to unwind.

Sabhuku Mliswa said the resort’s mission goes far beyond entertainment.

“Our Caravan Park and Butchery mark a new chapter for this community.
We are offering families a safe, peaceful and affordable space to relax  not just for the holidays, but all year round,” he said.

Families across Karoi Town and surrounding areas are encouraged to come out, sample the farm-fresh offerings and explore a destination built with their comfort in mind.

“This place is here to stay. Spring Resort is your home  a place where memories are made, where children can run free and where everyone can enjoy the true taste of farm life,” he said.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona, yesterday officially commissioned the newly expanded Norton Toll Plaza.

The upgraded toll plaza is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve the flow of vehicles, speed up transactions, and save time for road users. It will also enhance revenue collection to support road maintenance and infrastructure development, contributing to overall economic growth.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Mhona said the Government is working to transform toll plazas from simple revenue collection points into multi-purpose service centres.

“Under a new post-crash management programme, ambulances and medical personnel will be stationed at strategic toll plazas such as Norton.

This will allow for quicker emergency response and help injured accident victims receive medical attention within the critical golden hour,” Minister Mhona said.

The Minister added that toll plazas often become centres of economic activity, attracting businesses and services that benefit surrounding communities.

Looking to the future, Hon. Mhona challenged ZINARA and his Ministry to move towards All-Electronic Tolling (AET) systems. The proposed system will use modern technologies such as high-speed cameras, 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and RFID, allowing vehicles to pay toll fees without stopping.

“The Government’s commitment to transparency and the use of modern electronic systems to reduce revenue losses, restore public confidence, and ensure toll revenues are used directly for road maintenance and development,” he added.

The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Mashonaland West, Hon. Marian Chombo; Permanent Secretary Engineer J.P. Makumbe; ZINARA Board Chairperson Mr. G. Manyaya; ZINARA Chief Executive Officer Mr. N. Ncube; and other government officials.