Cultural World Heritage sites in South Africa represent places, people and events that are so unique or valuable that they deserve global recognition and protection. South Africa is fortunate to have cultural icons, past and present, to count among our cultural treasures. These include the Khoisan,Nelson Mandela and the Richtersveld pastoralists. more

Robben Island has always been a site of heartbreak. At times a leper colony, mental hospital and defence training base, this World Heritage Site is more famed as the prison to which anti-apartheid activists were banished. A ‘university of the struggle’, its graduates went on to lead South Africa into democracy. more

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park combines 8 ecosystems and a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. The park, formerly known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, is a prime destination for those looking for a combination of wildlife and waves. more

Vredefort Dome: Imagine it, an asteroid the size of Table Mountain heading for earth at a speed of 20km per second. Packing more punch than multiple nuclear bombs, it penetrates 17km deep into the Earth and leaves an impact crater so large it’s been declared a World Heritage Site. more

The Richtersveld National Park captures an age-old yet sustainable way of life, where the Nama pastoralists of the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape continue to undertake their seasonal migrations as they have done for thousands of years. Everything is packed up as they hit the road – animals, humans, even their portable homes. more

The evolution of mankind can be traced through South Africa’s World Heritage Sites. See the birthplace of modern man, interpret ancient societies through rock art, visit an ancient trading kingdom and encounter one of the few remaining semi-nomadic cultures. And picture them all in natural environments as pristine as once they were. more

About the time of the Dark Ages of Europe, the royal court at Mapungubwe in Limpopo welcomed traders and men of influence from Arabia and the Far East. Only in recent decades have the fascinating details of this ancient city – now a World Heritage Site - been made public. more

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park - whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning 'barrier of spears', or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning 'dragon mountains', you’ll get the message – this mountain range is awesome in every way. more