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What do Egypt’s Pyramids, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Italy’s Coliseum and Argentina’s Iguacu Falls all have in common? Despite lying on dfferent continents, these sites, along with 886 others across the globe – eight of which are in South Africa – belong to you, me and everybody else in the world.
In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) devised a policy to preserve the world’s heritage, by identifying ‘cultural and natural heritage around thw world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.’
Currently, 890 sites have been certified and UNESCO works tirelessly to protect these sites, training local governments to look after them, and encouraging both local and international visitors to preserve these precious landmarks.
It is not surprising that with its rich cultural and natural history, South Africa boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites – a diverse mixture of cultural and natural sites that we now share with the rest of the world.
The Cradle of Humankind
Western Gauteng’s Cradle of Humankind, or ‘the place where we once lived’ in Setswana, is a complex network of dolomitic limestone caves where at least 40 different fossil sites have been discovered. Only 13 of these are currently being excavated, yet fossil giants such as Taung Child, Mrs Ples and Litte Foot have already emerged from this area.
While the scenery may look barren at first glance, the Cradle of Humankind is one of the richest sources of hominid fossils in Africa.
David Fleminger, author of five of eight Southbond Pocket Guides to South Africa’s World Heritage Sites, recommends you plan to get to Meropeng Visitors Centre in time for lunch or sundowners, as you can relax on the terrace overlooking the misty Magaliesberg. “Obviously, a tour through the Sterkfontein Caves is a highlight of the Cradle,” he adds. “And don’t be put off by memories of school trips from years past. Facilities have been upgraded and the new museum is excellent. I have visited Sterkfontein several times and it never gets old.”
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
In the far north of the country lies Mapungubwe, the ruins of a flourishing Iron Age metropolis. Between AD 1000 and AD 1300, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe was a key link in the Indian Ocean Arab dhow trade, and the artifacts discovered here include anything from glass trade beads to caved ivory items, and, of course, the famous Golden Rhino of Mapungubwe. Fleminger is insistent about visiting this site. “Just go!” he says. “Do not be put off because it seems far away. The landscape is unforgettable, the cultural history is fascinating and the SAN Parks accommodation is outstanding.”
Robben Island
Now a symbol of the oppressive Apartheid regime, Robben Island was home to exiled prisoners as far back as 1525, and through the years has been used as a criminal and political prison; a ‘hospital’ for lepers and the criminally insane; and a military base. A visit nowadays is much less daunting and includes the ferry trip from Cape Town, as well as tours of the island and the prison.
“Pre-book your tickets online before you arrive,” advises Fleminder. “That way you wont have to stand in the queues or run the risk of being turned away.” He also recommends getting an outside seat on the ferry, as “the views of Table Bay are nearly as inspiring as the tour of the island itself.”
Richtersveld cultural and botanical landscape
In the extreme northwest of the country lies the moonlike landscape of the Richtersveld, one of the two arid biodiversity hot spots in the world. Largely a heritage site due to its being home to the nomadic Khoikhoi derives, this dry, harsh environment derives most of its moistures from the fog that rolls in from the freezing Atlantic Ocean. Various plants, birds and animal species have adapted to the area, making 4X4 trekking through the Richtersveld a surreal and unique experience. Fleminger recommends that you “try and visit during Spring flower season (August to September) when the dusty plains are blooming with colour.” He also suggests you tag on a trip to the nearby Fish River Canyon and the southern regions of Namaqualand while you are in the area.
uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
with its dramatic mountain views and fortune of Bushman Rock Art, the 600,000 acre uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a must-visit sanctuary where you can truly get back to nature. Fleminger recommends you do a walk from one of the rest camps into the mountains, even if it is a short one. “The various roads that lead into the reserve stop at the foothills, so you won’t get a real taste of the Drakensberg unless you hoof it.” He also suggests getting up close and personal with some Bushman rock art, and checking out the Didima Museum, the Battle Cave or the Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg section of the reserve.
Cape Floral Region
The Cape Floral Region is a unique stretch of eight protected areas situated between the Cape Peninsula and the Eastern Cape. UNESCO describes it as “one of the richest areas for plants in the world,” as it represents less than 0.5% of the areas of Africa, but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora.
“There is a profusion of fynbos all over the Western Cape, so keep your eyes open and take time to stop the car and smell the flowers,” says Fleminger.
“Oh, and whatever you do, don’t throw your cigarette butts into the fynbos. You might burn down Cape Town!”
Fleminger has a few recommendation for this area. “The coastal fynbos at De Hoop Nature Reserve is unusual and the beach has towering sand dunes that plunge down to the sea. I also recommend the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens near Hermanus, a fynbos wonderland with a number of rewarding walks into the adjacent kloofs, as well as the weird rock formations of the Cedarberg Mountains.”
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Recently renamed iSamagaliso, which aptly means ‘marvel’ in Zulu, the former Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is South Africa’s third largest protected area, and its first World Heritage Site. At 810,000 acres, this untouched park is unique in that it combines subtropical coastline, wetlands and tropical forest, thereby supporting a greater diversity of species than larger areas such as the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.
Fleminger recommends that visitors ‘spot the crocs and hippos while enjoying a leisurely boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary.” He also says that, if you have a suitable vehicle, “the lonely, sandy shores of Lake Sibaya make for a fantastic drive.”
Vredefort Dome
Lying 120 km southwest of Johannesburg, Vredefort Dome is part of a massive meteorite impact that dates back an astonishing 2,023 million years. It is unique in that it is the largest, most deeply eroded and oldest meteorite impact site yet found on Earth. “Hire a guide for the day to take you through the Dome, as many of the best attractions are tucked away on private farms,” recommends Fleminger. He also suggests doing an outdoor activity such as kayaking on the Vaal River, to truly appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
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