The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (commonly known as UNESCO) has designated 129 World Heritage Sites across 37 countries in Africa since its inception in 1978. Sites are chosen to preserve either cultural or natural heritage – some represent both – and they are given funding and personnel to ensure the areas are protected. Each one of the 129 sites across the continent is amazing in its own way, but it is not necessarily feasible to try hit each one on your next vacation. The following are some of the most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, and should be on your to-do list if they’re not already.
Archaeological Site of Carthage, Tunisia
The Carthaginian Empire was centered in Carthage back in
antiquity. Now it’s in a suburb of Tunis, Tunisia. It is widely considered one
of the first developed civilizations and trading empires (and one of the
longest-lived and largest of its time), wielding enormous power and influence
in the Mediterranean region during its reign. With a rich history, visitors
won’t be disappointed by the excavated ancient city and breathtaking position
on the Mediterranean Sea.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke
That Thunders,” is a magnificent waterfall of the Zambezi River on the border
of Zambia and Zimbabwe. By most accounts, it is considered the largest
waterfall in the world – 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high – resulting in a
mean annual flow rate of 1,088 tons per second.
There’s an area known as Devil’s Pool near the edge of the falls on
Livingstone Island (on the Zambia side) where the brave can take a swim right
before the water rushes over the edge when river flow is at the right level. 
Cliffs of Bandiagara, Mali
In a land of sandy flats, a series of sandstone cliffs known
as the Cliffs of Bandiagara rises 500 meters above the ground and stretches
more than 200 kilometers. The end of the cliffs are marked by the highest peak
in Mali, the Hombori Tondo, and at 1,115 meters, it creates a seriously
impressive landscape. While it’s inhabited by the Dogon people (leading some to
refer to the cliffs and surrounding area as the Land of the Dogons), local
guides can lead you along the escarpment, giving you breathtaking views of
surrounding areas as well as a look into village life in the Dogon communities.
Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar
The Rainforests of the Atsinanana form six different
national parks in Eastern Madagascar: Marojejy, Masoala, Zahamena, Ranomafana,
Andringitra, and Andohahela. As an island nation, Madagascar’s biodiversity is
unique. Its plant and animal life evolved in isolation since separating from
the mainland more than 60 million years ago. It is one of the only places in
the world to see the rare lemur in its natural habitat, as well as a variety of
primates and other amazing wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda,
home to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, supports one of the most varied and
astounding ecosystems in Africa. Hundreds of species of mammals, birds,
amphibians and more live in the rich habitats of the park, and Bwindi is
perhaps best known for half of the world’s population of the endangered
mountain gorilla. The park also serves as the border with the Democratic
Republic of Congo and is adjacent to the Virunga National Park and Albertine
Rift.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti is one of the best-known national parks in Africa,
and with good reason. Each year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest (along with a
quarter million zebras, gazelles, and a sprinkling of predators) migrate across
the vast savannah, making for a serious photo opportunity. For safari-goers,
it’s also an ideal place to see the Big Five (lions, African leopards, African
elephants, black rhinoceroses, and African buffaloes), as well as thousands of
others species of plants and wildlife.
Vredefort Dome, South Africa
The largest impact crater in the world (known as an
astrobleme) can be found in the Free State Province of South Africa, site of an
impact two billion years ago. The Vredefort Dome is the geological structure
created at the center of the impact, resulting in a 300-kilometer-wide
(190-mile) crater that is one of the few multiple-ringed impact craters on the
planet. It also serves as the center of three towns – Parys, Vredefort, and
Koppies. Tourism and agriculture have become the most important economic industries
for this region.
Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco represents the most important of the
country’s four former imperial cities, made up of an old fortified city and its
modern outskirts. Its famous red sandstone walls earned it the nickname the
“Red City” (or “Ochre City”), and it was and remains a center of culture,
religion, politics, and trade. It boasts some world-renowned landmarks that
visitors flock to visit each year, including the Jemma el-Fnaa square, the
Koutounia Mosque, the Kasbah, and the largest traditional Berber souk market in
the country.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
Back in the 12th century, churches were carved out of rock in Lalibela, Ethiopia, making it one of
the best destinations for rock-cut architecture in the world. Not only were
doors and windows carved out; rich frescoes and detailed interior carvings add
to the wonder of the buildings. Visitors can explore the churches, which are
incredible enough on their own, but may also have the chance to see
centuries-old gold and silver crosses and occasionally witness an Ethiopian
Orthodox religious ceremony.
Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya
Looking out on a sea of pink, you may think that you’ve
entered Hello Kitty Wonderland, but you may in fact be looking out onto the
Lake System in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Three lakes – Nakuru, Bogoria,
and Elementaita – are home to the world’s biggest diversity of birds including
more than a million flamingos. It is a key location on the West Asian-East
African Flyway, meaning millions upon millions of birds flock through here each
year on their annual migration from the northern breeding grounds to the warmer
southern locations in Africa for winter, giving visitors a thrill and a 100
percent chance of seeing huge groups of feathered friends.
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