As a new day dawns on the 5th of May, the world turns its attention to Africa, a continent filled with diverse cultures, deep-rooted traditions, and rich histories. African World Heritage Day, proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO (November 2015), is an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage, which is often overlooked.
From the majestic pyramids of Egypt to the ancient city of Timbuktu, the African continent is home to numerous iconic World Heritage sites, each with its own unique story to tell.
Despite hosting some 12% of all inscribed Heritage sites worldwide, Africa remains underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Though some 12% of all inscribed Heritage sites worldwide are in Africa, the continent is underrepresented on the World Heritage List. More concerning is the fact that a high percentage (39%) of these African properties are on the World Heritage List in Danger, as the continent is facing several threats: climate change, instability, and uncontrolled development, to name a few.
The awe-inspiring monuments, ancient ruins, and countless hidden gems in Africa deserve front-row seats in the global Heritage Hall of Fame. Celebrating African World Heritage Day gives us a moment to appreciate the continent’s breathtaking cultural and natural richness as we acknowledge the continent’s unique contribution to the world and ponder how this heritage can be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
The Pyramids of Egypt
The majestic pyramids of Egypt stand as monumental achievements of ancient human civilization. It’s no wonder these pyramids were inducted into the UNESCO Heritage Sites. These colossal structures have continued to inspire the imagination of those who gaze upon them. Tourists, mathematicians, archeologists, and all who visit and explore them cannot help but marvel at this beauty, and it is not just due to their stature but to the lingering mysteries surrounding them.
Photo source: Ko Hon Chiu Vincent
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids and is known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramid of Khafre is the second-tallest pyramid built in the 4th dynasty, while the pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest, built in 2510 BC. They remain an enigmatic and enduring symbol of ancient cultures.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
This national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The Serengeti, home to a wide range of animals, is one of the most famous and iconic wildlife conservation areas in the world. This national park houses several rare and endangered species, including hyenas, numerous jackals, golden wolves, bat-eared foxes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many more. With over 500 bird species, thousands of mammals, and a wide range of reptiles, this place is a sight to behold.
From the mighty African elephants to the big cats, the Serengeti provides a perfect stage for nature’s drama. The wildebeest migration that happens here is the biggest of its kind. Each year, this area witnesses the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife migration, as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of water and fresh pasture. This mass movement is something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world and often draws visitors from across the globe.
Photo source: Serengeti National Park
The Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Located near the modern town of Masvingo in south-central Zimbabwe, this is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most impressive monuments. It became a national monument and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986. A group of ancient ruins makes up the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Built between 1100-1450 AD, the site, which made up the capital of the Shona civilization, extends over almost 800 ha and is divided into three groups: the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins.
This iconic archaeological site holds immense historical and cultural significance for the Zimbabwean people.
Photo source: Erikastravels
Timbuktu, Mali
You most certainly would have heard the legendary name Timbuktu. Nestled in the great country of Mali in West Africa, this city is considered a cultural and religious site. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 for its outstanding universal value as an African intellectual and spiritual capital in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Photo source: Francesco Bandarin © UNESCO
Timbuktu is popularly called “The City of 333 Saints” because 333 saints were buried in the city. Among its treasures are three mosques of Sankore, Djinguereber, and Sidi Yahya, and 16 mausoleums, fourteen of which were demolished by extremists. In 2012, in response to armed conflict in the region, Timbuktu was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger.
Though past its former glory, the city has not lost its charm. Every year, tourists pour in to soak up the history and wonder in this place.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
Photo source: Ko Hon Chiu Vincent
Amongst the rugged mountains of central Ethiopia lies the Rock-Hewn Churches, an important site of pilgrimage for Christians. Even a staunch atheist cannot deny the wonder of Lalibela’s stone churches. A testament to their stunning beauty, legend has it that the dramatic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela were created with the help of a team of angels. Carved directly out of solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, these monolithic churches are a breathtaking display of human devotion and architectural prowess.
UNESCO declared Lalibela a World Heritage Site in 1978, and travelers flock here yearly to see one of Africa’s most extraordinary historical spots.
Stone Circles of Senegambia, Senegal/Gambia
UNESCO named this a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value. Scattered across Gambia and Senegal and spanning a 100 km wide area, these thousands of megalithic monuments, some dating back to the 3rd century AD, are proof of just how rich West Africa’s history truly is. They offer us insight into ancient cultures’ customs, spiritual beliefs, and symbolic meanings.
Photo source: Pall Stefansson © OUR PLACE The World Heritage Collection
The four main groups of stone circles, Sine Ngayène, Wanar, Wassu, and Kerbatch, comprise 93 circles and numerous burial mounds, including the stone circles of laterite pillars. Their purpose remains a mystery to this day. While some experts believe they served as burial sites, others think that they symbolized power and social hierarchy.
Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
Ghana’s coastline is dotted with 28 Forts and Castles, all recognized as cultural World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Like most ancient fortifications in Ghana, Cape Coast Castle played a significant role in the gold and slave trades. It was named by the British in 1664 and was the seat of British administration on the then-Gold Coast. The castle serves as a reminder of the dark history of the transatlantic slave trade.
The castle, an imposing stone structure overlooking the ocean, was built as a defense fortress as well as a holding place for slaves before they embarked on the Middle Passage. Within its white walls are haunting dungeons where the slaves were kept.
After Ghana gained independence from the British colonial government in 1957, the castle was turned into a museum and a monument. Today, it draws visitors worldwide, including many African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestry.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria
Located in the heart of Osogbo, the capital of Osun state in southwest Nigeria, Osun-Osogbo is the largest sacred grove to have survived and one that is still revered. In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Photo source: BLACKS REGION/ Facebook
Founded roughly 400 years ago, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a testament to numerous other groves that once populated the region. Home to 20th-century sculptures, it takes you on a journey to the ancient Yoruba civilization. Within the forest sanctuary are forty shrines, sculptures, and artworks erected in honor of Osun and other Yoruba deities. The Grove is also a natural herbal pharmacy containing over 400 species of plants, some endemic, of which more than 200 species are known for their medicinal uses.
Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zambia/Zimbabwe
It is impossible to behold the Victoria Falls and not be blown away by the beauty. Known locally as ‘Mosi-o-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders), it is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and would have you singing “What a Wonderful World”. This roaring, powerful spectacle on Africa’s Zambezi River is so large that there are even different countries on either side; Zimbabwe on one side and Zambia on the other.
Its 1989 inscription as a World Heritage Site was a testament to its grandeur. This is the largest curtain of falling water in the world. It is 1708 m wide and with up to 500 million liters per minute descending at 61 m (Devil’s Cataract), 83 m (Main Falls), 99 m (Rainbow Falls), and 98 m (Eastern Cataract).
Tourists worldwide flock to Victoria Falls to witness its majestic splendor, which continues to mesmerize visitors who can experience the falls from various viewpoints.
Photo source: Livingstone’s Adventure Victoria Falls/Facebook
Why Celebrating African World Heritage Day Matters
African heritage is facing multiple threats, including economic development, agricultural expansion, urbanization, climate change, neglect, and conflict. African World Heritage Day serves as a call to action to protect these cultural and natural wonders.
These treasures, and many others across the continent, not only highlight the depth and breadth of our history and culture but also serve as a powerful connection to the incredible achievements of our ancestors.
This African World Heritage Day, as we marvel at the monuments that have stood the test of time, let’s unite in our commitment to ensuring they are preserved for generations to come.
