Here Are The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe You Should Visit
Zimbabwe, a country located in southern Africa, is a land of great natural beauty and cultural diversity.
The country has a rich history, and its ancient ruins, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries have been recognized as some of the world’s most significant cultural and natural sites.
In recognition of their outstanding value, several of these sites have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this article, we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Great Zimbabwe Is One Of The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe [Image: National Geographic/Christopher Scott]
Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city located in southeastern Zimbabwe. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which existed from the 11th to the 15th centuries.
The ruins, situated 30 km from the city of Masvingo, are the largest and best-preserved examples of their kind in sub-Saharan Africa. The site is made up of three main areas: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Complex.
The Hill Complex contains the oldest and most impressive structures, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which are a group of stone structures that served as the royal palace. The Great Enclosure is a massive stone structure with walls that are over 5 meters high and 250 meters long. It is believed to have been a royal compound or a temple.
Khami Ruins National Monument
Khami Ruins Are One Of The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe [Image: UNESCO World Heritage Centre]
The Khami Ruins are located near the city of Bulawayo in western Zimbabwe. They are the remains of a city that was built by the Torwa dynasty between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The city was an important trading centre and was inhabited by over 10,000 people at its peak. The ruins are notable for their unique architectural style, which features walls that are made of layers of stones and clay.
The site also contains a number of artefacts, including pottery, beads, and iron tools.
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas
Mana Pools Is One Of The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe [Image: Getty Images/Jez Bennett]
Mana Pools National Park is located in northern Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River. It is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
The park is also home to over 350 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas are adjacent to the park and are known for their rugged terrain and impressive wildlife.
Matobo Hills
Matobo Hills Are One Of The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe [Image: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority]
The Matobo Hills are located in southwestern Zimbabwe and are known for their unique landscape, which features massive granite outcrops and boulders. The hills have been inhabited for thousands of years and are home to many important archaeological sites, including rock art and Stone Age settlements.
The area is also home to a large number of black and white rhinos, making it an important conservation area.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Is One Of The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Zimbabwe [Image: National Geographic]
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The falls are over a mile wide and plunge over 300 feet into a narrow gorge below. The site is also known for its lush rainforest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and bushbuck.
Zimbabwe is home to a number of unique and important cultural and natural sites, many of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These sites provide valuable insight into Zimbabwe’s rich history and natural beauty and are a testament to the country’s enduring cultural and ecological significance.
