​

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, representing some of Africa’s most significant cultural and natural treasures. These sites have been recognized for their outstanding universal value to humanity.

---

​

Cultural Heritage Sites

​

Great Zimbabwe (Inscribed 1986)

The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are the largest collection of ruins in Africa south of the Sahara. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Late Iron Age and was home to a Shona trading empire that controlled much of the region. Why it’s significant:

• Largest ancient stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa
• Evidence of a sophisticated pre-colonial African civilization
• The name “Zimbabwe” derives from the Shona “dzimba-dza-mabwe” (houses of stone)
• The iconic soapstone Zimbabwe Birds found here are now the national emblem

Key Features:

• The Great Enclosure - The largest single ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa
• The Hill Complex - The oldest part of the ruins, likely a royal residence
• The Valley Ruins - Residential areas for the city’s estimated 18,000 inhabitants

Explore Great Zimbabwe →

---

​

Khami Ruins (Inscribed 1986)

Khami (also spelled Khame) was the capital of the Torwa dynasty which succeeded the Great Zimbabwe kingdom. Located 22 km west of Bulawayo, Khami represents an important phase in Zimbabwean history and showcases architectural techniques that evolved from Great Zimbabwe. Why it’s significant:

• Second largest stone-built monument in Zimbabwe
• Demonstrates evolution of dry-stone walling techniques
• Evidence of international trade (Chinese, Spanish, and German artifacts found)
• Capital of the Butua State (1450-1683)

Key Features:

• Decorated retaining walls with distinctive checkered patterns
• Terraced platforms built on natural granite hills
• Cross found at the site suggests early Portuguese contact
• Integrated building style with natural rock formations

Explore Khami Ruins →

---

​

Natural Heritage Sites

​

Victoria Falls / Mosi-oa-Tunya (Inscribed 1989)

Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders), Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The falls are 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, creating the largest curtain of falling water on Earth. Why it’s significant:

• One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• Creates the largest sheet of falling water on Earth
• Spray can be seen from 50 km away
• Supports unique “rain forest” ecosystem from constant spray

Shared Site: This is a transboundary World Heritage Site shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Explore Victoria Falls →

---

​

Mana Pools National Park (Inscribed 1984)

Mana Pools, along with the Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas, is recognized for its pristine wilderness and exceptional wildlife populations. The floodplains and terraces along the Zambezi River create a unique ecosystem where predators and prey interact in an unspoiled environment. Why it’s significant:

• One of Africa’s least developed and most pristine wilderness areas
• Famous for walking safaris among dangerous game
• Home to endangered species including black rhino and wild dog
• “Mana” means “four” in Shona, referring to the four main pools

Key Wildlife:

• Large elephant herds (famous for standing on hind legs to reach trees)
• One of the best places to see African wild dogs
• Excellent lion and leopard sightings
• Over 350 bird species

Explore Mana Pools →

---

​

Matobo Hills (Inscribed 2003)

The Matobo Hills contain one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, with over 3,000 documented sites. The dramatic granite landscape has been continuously inhabited for over 100,000 years, making it one of the longest-occupied places on Earth. Why it’s significant:

• Over 3,000 rock art sites spanning 13,000 years
• Highest concentration of rock art in the world
• Continuous human occupation for 100,000+ years
• Sacred site for the Mwari religion (God of the Matobo)

Key Features:

• Nswatugi Cave - Exceptional rock paintings including giraffes and kudu
• Pomongwe Cave - Important archaeological site with 40,000-year history
• Bambata Cave - Gave its name to the “Bambata” Stone Age culture
• World’s View - Burial site of Cecil John Rhodes

Explore Matobo Hills →

---

​

Tentative List Sites

Zimbabwe has also submitted several sites to the UNESCO Tentative List for future consideration: These sites represent additional cultural treasures that may receive World Heritage status in the future.

---

​

Planning Your Heritage Visit

​

Suggested Itinerary: UNESCO Heritage Trail

Day 1-2: Bulawayo Area

• Explore Khami Ruins
• Visit Matobo Hills (rock art sites)

Day 3-4: Masvingo

• Full day at Great Zimbabwe
• Visit the site museum

Day 5-7: Victoria Falls

• Experience the falls from multiple viewpoints
• Optional activities: sunset cruise, helicopter flight

Day 8-10: Mana Pools

• Walking safaris
• Game drives and canoe trips

​

Practical Information

---

​

Conservation & Preservation

Zimbabwe’s National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) work together to preserve these irreplaceable sites. When visiting:

• Stay on designated paths
• Do not touch rock art or ancient structures
• Take only photographs, leave only footprints
• Support local communities and conservation efforts
• Report any damage or vandalism to site authorities