United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) took a massive step over five decades ago to protect the few remaining heritage sites around the world.
The majority of these ancient sites dating back hundreds of thousands of years have been destroyed over time to give way to urbanization and infrastructural development. Some of them suffered from neglect and hence became death traps over the years.
Explaining its reasons for the preservation, UNESCO stated that “World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.”
The charter to back the preservations of these heritage sites was adopted at the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The document served as the cornerstone on which UNESCO identified and certified these sites around the world.
Interestingly, Africa is home to 138 UNESCO heritage sites – all of which are breathtaking and reflects the uniqueness of the Africa continent, as it relates to an eternal history infused in the aeon of human existence.
In no particular order, these are 10 of the UNESCO-certified heritage sites located in Africa that you should visit in 2021.
1. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Described as one of Africa’s natural paradises, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 202 species of butterflies, over 200 species of trees, and over 100 species of ferns.
In addition to these, as one of the most breathtaking heritage sites in the world, it has a vast array of endemic animal species – and the park remains a safe haven for threatened species.
It houses half of the world’s gorilla population, chimpanzees, African elephants, and l’Hoest’s monkey. If you are a trekker or love hikes, this is your best bet!
2. Ethiopia: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar
According to official records, Ethiopia has the highest number of heritages sites amongst other countries in the world – isn’t that wonderful? With nine UNESCO heritage sites to its credit, Ethiopia is a hub for nature and history.
Like the revered Camelot – which Ethiopia is often likened to – when it comes to history and legends, Ethiopia is home to many famous royal legends. Gondar was the first capital of Ethiopia and home to the country’s first royal leader, Emperor Fasilides, as far back as 1636.
Fasil Ghebbi, also referred to as the Royal Enclosure, is a 7-hectare fortressed city that protects the architecture left behind by a line of royalty that liked trying to outdo one another by building more castles.
3. Namibia: Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is often referred to as the home of the oldest art in the world. It boasts of one of the most extensive and most fantastic collections of rock engravings you can find anywhere in the world.
The engravings provide us with perhaps the most detailed records and activities of human existence and practices during the Early Stone Age. From the engravings carried out on the rocks, you can depict giraffes, rhinoceros, elephants, birds, and footprints of both humans and animals.
The imagery further gives credit to the notion that art and civilization as we know it began in Africa, as buildings can be seen in the engravings by the human figures. Engraved and painted by our ancestors 10,000 years ago, these petroglyphs are literal trips into our roots.
4. Tanzania: Kilimanjaro National Park
The Kilimanjaro National Park is undoubtedly one of the attractions that placed Africa on the world map.
Spanning a great landmass of 75,575 hectares and housing the world-famous Mount Kilimanjaro towers over the entire property, the heritage site is a beauty to behold.
With its peak standing at nearly 5000, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest in Africa. It also houses three volcanoes – two of which are extinct, making it the largest volcano in the world.
Apart from the mountain, the National park is home to many endangered species. If you aim to join the list of millions of people who attempt to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro – while experiencing nature at its fullest, then this is where you should be.
5. Nigeria: Idanre Hills
Africa’s most populous country – Nigeria, is home to a handful of UNESCO heritage sites, and the Idanre Hills sits tops of the list.
The ancient monument is located in the South-Western part of the country, about 300 Kilometers from the country’s commercial nerve center – Lagos. The hills are about 680 steps from the bottom to the peak and have mysterious handwritings etched into the rock, which has never been decoded to date.
On the hill also is a magical footprint that fits any foot put in it. The town of Idanre has other historical sites, including the building of the first primary school built in 1896, which still stands, and a Court of Law and adjoining prison built in 1906 by colonialists.
There are also inner courts of the Oba’s palace, which are exciting sights for tourists because of its various sculptures, crafted many years ago. The Idanre hill was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in October 2007, in the cultural category.
6. Ghana: Forts and Castles
A country recognized for being the first to gain independence in Africa in 1957, Ghana is home to the UNESCO heritage site known as Forts and Castles.
As the name rightly suggests, the heritage is an entire region that houses ancient forts and castles – most of which were built between the 15th and 18th centuries.
You will find most of these forts and castles along the coast of Ghana. Aside from being preserved throughout several centuries, the forts and castles were recognized as valuable cultural emblems since they represented the trading route for slaves during that era.
If you love and appreciate history related to the slave era and the colonial footprints in Africa, you should add this heritage site to your wish list.
7. Egypt: Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Comprised of The Great Temple and The Small Temple, The Nubian Monuments are an example of breathtaking human creativity that has spanned the test of 3,000 years.
According to history, Ramses II had the temples built over twenty years to celebrate the gods, his favorite wife Nefertari, and his victory over the Hittites. From hand-hewn colossi that greet you at the entrance to wall carvings that have painted the backdrops of Egyptologists’ dreams for decades, this place is a history buff’s gold mine.
Carved between 1264-1244 BCE, according to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, the Nubian Monuments were some of the first sites to gain the protection of the United Nations.
In 1959, when a new dam was going to flood the valley where these monuments to the pharaoh Ramses II rested, UNESCO collected donations from around 50 countries and provided the $80 million to dismantle and move the monuments to safe ground. That was the beginning of UNESCO’s commitment to saving the world’s essential sites. The rest is well-documented and preserved history.
8. South Africa: Robben Island
When it comes to preserving African history as it relates to oppression, racism, and apartheid, Robben Island comes tops on the list of African heritage sites. Right off the coast of Cape Town, the small island was once used as a prison for political prisoners.
Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential opponents of apartheid, the legal segregation of races in South Africa. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years of his 27-year sentence before he was released and later became president of South Africa.
Interestingly, tours of the prison are led by previous prisoners. They give you their own stories before leading you around to the cells and the garden where Mandela hid the manuscript of his autobiography. Walking through the halls is a truly humbling experience as you’re faced with oppression from days not so long passed.
9. Zimbabwe/Zambia: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls
Speak of unity in Africa, and the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls will smile kindly on you. The heritage site cuts across the boundaries of two African countries – Zimbabwe and Zambia.
It is regarded as “the largest curtain of falling water in the world”. It is a haven for vast species of exotic birds who decorate the indescribable spectacle decorated by an ever-present rainbow.
Victoria Falls might be the most impressive part, but don’t let that overshadow entirely the 150 km of gorges, the lava flows, and the plethora of ancient tools you might stumble across through the rest of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
If you crave a view of earth in its most beautiful state, then you should visit the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls.
10. Botswana: Okavango Delta
On the other side of things, the Okavango Delta was named the 1000th site to be recognized by UNESCO in 2014, and it is a true testament to the adaptability of nature.
As a permanent marshland, the delta experiences seasonal flooding from the River Okavango. The funny thing is that the river floods during the dry season, which would usually mess with the vegetation negatively, but the native flora and fauna have adapted their natural cycles to accommodate that fact.
Since the surrounding parts of Botswana adhere to those dry month standards and verge on becoming desert, animals flock to the marshlands to drink the crystal clear waters. As a result, the Okavango Delta becomes a densely populated menagerie, unlike anything else in the world. It’s no wonder that it was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in 2013.