Britain's banks have been accused of hounding MPs' children, parents, grandparents and even in-laws in a crackdown aimed at curbing fraud by corrupt African dictators.

Justine Tyerman has a not-too-close encounter with a cobra in Marrakech.

Despite appearing in countless wildlife documentaries about the continent, it appears the cheetah is not really African at all.

Africa's natural environments and spectacular wildlife are about to face their biggest challenge ever.

Sub-Saharan has had the fastest economic growth over the last 10 years.

For those with a sense of adventure, visiting Egypt now has big advantages, discovers Courtney Bonnell.

Rich-lister Stephen Jennings hit the nail on the head in his call for New Zealand companies to have a closer look at Africa.

1215 rhinos were killed last year.This year, 749 rhinos were known to have been poached.

De Beers scientists can make near-flawless diamonds in a lab, but they will never sell you one.

Sarah Marshall becomes a jungle animal herself on a walking safari in Zambia.

Prince Harry, doing conservation work in Africa, says saving wildlife has become "precious" to him.

When Cecil the lion was hunted down and killed by a US dentist, it was feared the slaughter would not stop there.

Consciences stir as report reveals how burden of disenfranchisement falls on poor blacks excluded for life.

The second great space race is under way.

Off the beaten track in Morocco, Derek Cheng ducks into a public bath house for a refreshing dip and a massage.

There's an intriguing Kiwi connection to Uganda's Wildwater Lodge.

Victoria Falls on the great Zambezi River is a welcoming tourist hub, finds Jennifer Ennion.

Rum cocktails are de rigueur on the French island of Reunion, finds Kevin Pilley.

Chris Leadbeater makes the most of a short visit to the harbour city.

John Coomber finds inconveniences don't bother him a bit on a cross-country rail trek.

As wonders of the world go, the Victoria Falls are astonishingly uncrowded, says Sandra McGregor.

Vodafone New Zealand is helping to boost education in refugee areas with the development of its instant classroom - a digital "school in a box".

For John Simpson, gritty, sunny Johannesburg is South Africa's golden city.

Tony Blair advised an African president on how to win over public support in the aftermath of clashes in which opposition protesters were shot dead by security forces.

Guests at Robert Mugabe's million-dollar birthday party were fed a young elephant, while a lion and a crocodile were also sacrificed as gifts to be stuffed.

Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has issued a public apology after images surfaced online of him participating in a big game hunt in Zimbabwe.

Richard Madden finds it impossible not to be moved by the sight of a pride of lions or a leopard and her cubs in Tanzania.

The 94-year-old Wellington veteran received the honour at French Ambassador Laurent Contini's home in Thorndon tonight.