South African World Heritage Sites

South Africa World Heritage Sites #1 iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South African World Heritage Sites are cherished and enjoyed by all South Africans. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is a jewel in the crown of Zululand and is loved by the people of Zululand. In Zulu the name iSimangaliso means “miracle and wonder” and the area was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in 1999.

Activities:

Whale watching, and turtle watching tours, beaches, St Lucia Estuary boat cruises, game viewing drives, guided walks, bird watching, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking and horse riding.

9 Distinct Areas:

• Eastern Shore including Cape Vidal
• Western Shore including Charters Creek
• Kosi Bay
• False Bay
• Lake St lucia
• Lake Sibaya
• Sodwana Bay
• Maphelane
• uMkhuze

For Travelers and Tourists visiting Zululand and other parts of KwaZulu Natal we recommend the KZN Travel Guide App which can be downloaded here

South African World Heritage Sites #2 Robben Island

Situated off the coast of Cape Town lies Robben Island. Initially a jail for the early Dutch settlers in the 1600’s, a World War II base, leper colony and mental hospital. It is best known as a maximum security prison most notably for Prisoner 46664, Nelson Rolihlahle Mandela.

South African World Heritage Sites #3 The Vredefort Dome

Estimated to have a 300 kilometers diameter this is the largest and oldest meteorite site in the world.

South African World Heritage Sites #4 Cape Floral

Nearly 20% of Africa’s flora is found in the Table Mountain Natural Park of which 70% are endemic and occur nowhere else in the world.

South African World Heritage Sites #5 Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

160 000 hectares of fascinating mountainous desert with succulent Karoo vegetation makes up another World Heritage site in South Africa. This area is home to the nomadic Nama tribe.

South African World Heritage Sites #6 Mapungubwe Park

Situated in the Limpopo Province in the far north there is remaining evidence of an advanced sophisticated early society. From about 1100 – 1300 AD they traded ivory and gold with Egypt and the Far East.

South Africa World Heritage Sites #7 uKhahmlamba Drakensberg Park

This natural and cultural site is 150 kilometers in length and home to the largest collection of rock art in Africa by the San people. uKhahlamaba appropriately means “barrier of spears” in Zulu.

South African World Heritage Sites #8 The Cradle of Mankind

Sterkfontein has been the site for 40% of all human ancestor fossils in the world. Of most interest is the evidence of a lineage of hominid which existed over 4 million years ago. Scientists pursue the quest here for the missing link.

South African World Heritage Sites #9 Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land

On 3 June 2018 the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee announced the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land as a World Heritage Site. Mainly known for its scientific source of information of early earth it is rich in natural wild plants, animals and amazing scenery.