If South Africa were a crown, then its iconic World Heritage Sites would be the gems that adorn it.
Since 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has identified and championed sites of cultural, historical and natural significance worldwide. The Rainbow Nation is home to several of these sites, each one offering a glimpse into our country’s rich past.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure or want to learn about our country’s historical roots, then these five World Heritage Sites are a must-see:
1. CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
World Heritage Site status attained: 1999
Welcome to the Cradle of Humankind, the birthplace of modern humans’ earliest ancestors.
Located 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, it is a site rich in limestone caves, which contain the remains of ancient hominid fossils. The most famous of these fossils include a skull belonging to “Mrs Ples”, an Australopithecus africanus, and the nearly complete Australopithecus skeleton dubbed “Little Foot”.
Be sure to stop by the site’s Maropeng Visitor Centre, where you can take part in a top-tier, interactive touring experience and other activities.
2. ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
World Heritage Site status attained: 1999
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal is a breathtaking spectacle. Its beauty and its abundance of wildlife are unparalleled and well worth seeing up close.
The park, spanning 1.3 million hectares, serves as a sanctuary for countless animal species, including hippos, antelope, lions, crocodiles and over 500 species of birds. It’s also home to the coelacanth, a rare fish that was once thought to be extinct.
In addition to its wildlife, iSimangaliso is an ecological paradise. It boasts beaches, forests, lakes, wetlands and coral reefs, where over 2 000 species of flowering plants and trees thrive.
3. MAPUNGUBWE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
World Heritage Site status attained: 2003
History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape due to its royal past.
Situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, this savannah landscape was once the site of the great Kingdom of Mapungubwe. Between approximately 900 AD and 1400 AD, the wealthy kingdom benefited from its control of the trade routes through the East African ports to India and China. They also exported great quantities of gold and ivory.
Today, you can visit the remains of ancient Mapungubwe, take in the scenic views on hikes and walking trails, and indulge in bird-watching and picnicking.
4. RICHTERSVELD CULTURAL AND BOTANICAL LANDSCAPE
World Heritage Site status attained: 1999
Over 160 000 hectares make up the rugged desert landscape of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the Northern Cape. It is the home of the Nama, an ethnic group descended from the Khoi-Khoi people.
Here at the Richtersveld, you can enjoy a smorgasbord of activities: hiking, 4×4 driving, camping, picnicking on the banks of the Orange River or stargazing.
You’ll also see various wildlife like leopards, lizards, springboks and zebras. For nature-lovers, you’ll spot succulents such as the giant aloe known as “halfmens.”
5. ROBBEN ISLAND
World Heritage Site status attained: 1999
After a few months of maintenance, Robben Island is once again open to the public.
One of the most famous tourist landmarks in Cape Town, Robben Island is steeped in history. It was used to house political prisoners between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Famous inmates included those who fought against the apartheid regime, from Walter Sisulu and Robert Sobukwe to Nelson Mandela, the latter of whom became president of South Africa in 1994.
Today, the island is home to a museum, where you have the opportunity to tour the old prison. You can also catch a glimpse of penguins and seals or simply enjoy the view of Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline.
THESE WORLD HERITAGE SITES DEFINE ‘PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN’
As you can see, you don’t have to go far to find beauty, adventure and history all rolled into one – it’s just a few provinces away.
So, sate your intrepid spirit and enrich your knowledge by visiting these local World Heritage Sites this Heritage Month!
