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10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa Worth Exploring
Africa is a continent with a rich history and diverse cultures. It is also home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Many of these natural and cultural wonders in Africa have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means that they are considered to be of outstanding universal value.
From the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient city of Timbuktu, there are countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa that are worth exploring. These sites offer a glimpse into the continent’s rich history and diverse cultures, and they are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
Whether you are interested in wildlife, history, or culture, there is sure to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Africa that is perfect for you. So next time you are planning a trip to Africa, be sure to add some of these amazing places to your itinerary.
10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa
Here are the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa
- Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe)
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
- Great Lakes (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and DR Congo)
- Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania)
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
- Stone Town of Zanzibar (Tanzania)
- Robben Island (South Africa)
- Cradle of Humankind (South Africa)
- Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe)
1. Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is the largest waterfall in the world by volume of water, with a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 ft) and a height of 108 meters (355 ft).
The falls are known for their thunderous roar and their spray, which can be seen from miles away. Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of ways to experience the falls.
Visitors can take a boat trip to the bottom of the falls, go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, or bungee jump from the edge of the gorge. There are also a number of viewpoints where visitors can simply stand and marvel at the power and beauty of the falls. Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder, and it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. If you are ever in Zambia or Zimbabwe, be sure to add Victoria Falls to your itinerary.
2. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
The Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 square miles). It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. The park is also known for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebras, which is one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth.
The Serengeti National Park was established in 1951 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to over 3 million animals, including the largest population of ungulates in Africa. The park is also home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The Serengeti National Park is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of ways to experience the park. Visitors can go on game drives, take hot air balloon rides, or go on walking safaris. There are also a number of lodges and camps in the park where visitors can stay.
3. Great Lakes (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and DR Congo)
The Great Lakes are a group of interconnected lakes in East Africa. They are home to a variety of wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and a variety of fish. The lakes are also important for transportation and fishing.
The Great Lakes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their outstanding natural beauty and their importance for biodiversity. The lakes are home to a large number of endemic species, and they are also an important stopover for migratory birds.
The Great Lakes are located in the African Rift Valley, which is a geological formation that is caused by the separation of the African continent into two plates. The lakes were formed millions of years ago when the plates moved apart and created a series of depressions that filled with water.
4. Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania)
Kilimanjaro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania. It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and monkeys.
The park was established in 1973 and covers an area of 756 square kilometres (292 square miles). The mountain is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest peak and is covered in snow and glaciers.
Kilimanjaro National Park is a popular tourist destination, and it is estimated that over 50,000 people climb the mountain each year. The park offers a variety of trails for climbers, ranging from the relatively easy Marangu Route to the more challenging Machame Route.
5. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is also one of the 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa. It is home to a variety of ecosystems, including coastal dunes, lakes, forests, and savannahs. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses.
The park was established in 1999 and covers an area of 239,566 hectares (593,480 acres). The name “iSimangaliso” means “wonder” in Zulu, and the park is indeed a wonder of nature.
The park is home to a number of endangered species, including the Zululand rhinoceros and the African wild dog. It is also an important breeding ground for dolphins and whales.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of activities, such as game drives, boat rides, and hiking.
6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania. It is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. The crater is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest.
The conservation area was established in 1959 and covers an area of 8,322 square kilometres (3,217 square miles). The crater is 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide and 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep.
The crater is home to a number of endangered species, including the black rhinoceros and the African wild dog. It is also an important breeding ground for elephants.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of activities, such as game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides.
7. Stone Town of Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Stone Town of Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania. It is a historic city located on the island of Zanzibar. The city is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of African, Arab, and European styles. Stone Town is also home to a number of historical buildings, including the House of Wonders and the Sultan’s Palace.
The city was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It later became an important trading centre for the Arabs and the Europeans. Stone Town was a major centre of the slave trade in the 19th century.
Stone Town is a popular tourist destination, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding universal value. The city is a living museum of African, Arab, and European cultures.
8. Robben Island (South Africa)
Robben Island is a small island located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It was used as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid, including Nelson Mandela. The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
Robben Island is about 13 kilometres (8 miles) long and 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) wide. It is a rocky island with a harsh climate. The island was first used as a prison in 1652 when the Dutch East India Company established a settlement in Cape Town.
The island was used as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid, from 1960 to 1991. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years. Other notable prisoners included Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, and Andrew Mlangeni.
9. Cradle of Humankind (South Africa)
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. It is a collection of fossil sites that have yielded some of the earliest evidence of human evolution. The site is located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.
The Cradle of Humankind is home to over 40 fossil sites, including Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai. These sites have yielded a wealth of fossils, including the remains of early hominins such as Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus.
The fossils found at the Cradle of Humankind have helped scientists to understand the evolution of humans. The site is considered to be one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.
10. Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe)
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe. It is a national park located in the Zambezi Valley, and it is known for its beautiful scenery and its abundant wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hippopotamuses.
The park was established in 1960, and it covers an area of 2,200 square kilometres (850 square miles). The park is named after the four major pools that are located in the Zambezi River.
The park is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of activities, including game drives, boat rides, and fishing. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, and over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse heritage. It is home to a variety of natural and cultural wonders, including Victoria Falls, the Serengeti National Park, and the Great Lakes. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are worth exploring and offer a glimpse into the continent’s unique history and culture.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about these amazing places. If you are ever planning a trip to Africa, be sure to add some of these sites to your itinerary. You will not be disappointed