List of World Heritage Sites in Africa

A map of World Heritage Sites in Africa as of 2016, each designated by a dot
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 135 World Heritage Sites in Africa.^{[lower-alpha 1]} These sites are located in 37 countries (also called "state parties").

Selection of World Heritage Sites

Ethiopia and Morocco are home to the most with nine sites; followed by Tunisia and South Africa at eight sites; and Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, and Tanzania at seven. Eleven countries have only a single site each. Four sites are shared between two countries: Maloti-Drakensberg Park (Lesotho and South Africa), the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea), the Stone Circles of Senegambia (the Gambia and Senegal), and the Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe). One site is shared among three countries, Sangha Trinational (Central African Republic, Cameroon and Congo).^[1]

The first sites from the continent were inscribed in 1978, when the Island of Gorée of Senegal and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ethiopia were chosen during the list's conception.^[2][3]

As of September 2011, Somalia has no official World Heritage sites since the Somali government is not party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention. However, there are around a dozen archaeological sites in the country that are believed to be potential future candidates for World Heritage status.^[4]

Each year, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee may inscribe new sites on the list, or delist sites that no longer meet the criteria. Selection is based on ten criteria: six for cultural heritage (i–vi) and four for natural heritage (vii–x).^[5] Some sites, designated "mixed sites," represent both cultural and natural heritage. In Africa, there are 85 cultural, 45 natural, and 5 mixed sites.^[1]

Several efforts have been devoted to increasing the number of sites and preserving the heritage of existing sites on the continent; for example, on 5 May 2006, the African World Heritage Fund was launched by UNESCO to target the region of Sub-Saharan Africa. It planned to protect the sites by hiring personnel for state parties to maintain national inventories of existing sites, as well as to "prepare nomination dossiers for inscription onto the World Heritage List." Grants were also destined to help the "[conservation] and management of heritage properties in general" and to rehabilitate properties in danger.^[6]

The drive was initially funded by South Africa with US$3.5 million,^[6] and, as of March 2011, has amassed $4.7 million from various countries, with an additional $4.1 million in pending pledges.^[7] UNESCO has also attempted to increase awareness of African human origin sites in Ethiopia, with a goal of conserving and protecting the areas from further deterioration.^[8]

The World Heritage Committee may also specify that a site is endangered, citing "conditions which threaten the very characteristics for which a property was inscribed on the World Heritage List."^[9] Along with other World Heritage Sites, sites in danger are subject to re-evaluation by the committee every year at their "ordinary sessions".^[10][11] Africa has 17 sites on the danger list, accounting for 13% of all African sites and 35% of the 48 endangered sites worldwide. The Democratic Republic of Congo has 5 sites on the danger list, the second highest of any country in the world and one of only two countries to have more than three sites inscribed.^{[lower-alpha 2][12]}

Sites in Africa have been marked as such for a variety of reasons, such as deforestation and hunting,^[13][14] civil war,^[15] threats to and hostage taking of reserve staff,^[16] oil and gas projects and mining,^[17] declines in biodiversity,^[18] and structural damage to buildings.^[19] Three sites were formerly declared as being in danger, but have since lost the status: the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1984–1989),^[20] the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (1999–2004),^[21] and Tipasa (2002–2006).^[22] The Garamba National Park and Timbuktu have also lost their statuses in 1992 and 2005, respectively, but later regained it in 1996 and 2012.^[23][24] Despite its large number of endangered sites and the circumstances surrounding them, African World Heritage Sites have never been stripped of their title, something that has only occurred twice.^[25]

Legend

The list below ignores UNESCO's geopolitical definition of Africa and includes what it describes as sites in the "Arab States".^[26] Egypt is included as part of North Africa. The list also comprises a number of sites for which the state party is outside the continent, but the site itself is located in Africa; three such sites are located on the Canary Islands (belonging to Spain), one on Madeira (belonging to Portugal), one on Réunion (belonging to France), and one on the Tristan da Cunha archipelago (belonging to the United Kingdom).

The table is sortable by column by clicking on the at the top of the appropriate column; alphanumerically for the Site, Area, and Year columns; by state party followed by the region for the Location column; and by criteria type followed by the country for the Criteria column.

Site – named after the World Heritage Committee's official designation^[1]

Location – sorted by country, followed by the region at the regional or provincial level. In the case of multinational or multi-regional sites, the names are sorted alphabetically.

Criteria – as defined by the World Heritage Committee^[5]

Area – in hectares and acres, excluding any buffer zones. A value of zero implies that no data has been published by UNESCO

Year – during which the site was inscribed to the World Heritage List

Description – brief information about the site, including reasons for qualifying as an endangered site, if applicable

   In danger

Sites

Site	Image	Location	Criteria	Area ha (acre)	Year	Description
Aapravasi Ghat		MauritiusPort Louis District,  Mauritius 20°09′31″S 57°30′11″E / 20.158611°S 57.503056°E / -20.158611; 57.503056 (Aapravasi Ghat)	Cultural:MauritiusAap (vi)	7003160000000000000♠0.16 (0.40)	2006	Aapravasi Ghat was the first site chosen by the British government to take part in the "Great Experiment", where indentured laborers were used instead of slaves. Between 1834 and 1920, almost half a million contracted workers passed through Port Louis from India, either to work in Mauritius or to transfer to other British colonies.[27]
Abu Mena		EgyAbusir,  Egypt 30°50′28″N 29°39′47″E / 30.84098°N 29.663117°E / 30.84098; 29.663117 (Abu Mena)	Cultural:EgyAbu (iv)	7006182000000000000♠182 (450)	1979	The ruins of the former Christian holy city contain a church, a baptistery, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses, and workshops, and were built over the tomb of Menas of Alexandria.[28] The World Heritage Committee designated Abu Mena as an endangered site in 2001, due to cave-ins in the area caused by the clay at the surface, which becomes semi-liquid when met with "excess water".[29]
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves		Niger1Arlit Department,  Niger 18°N 9°E / 18°N 9°E / 18; 9 (Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves)	Natural:Niger1Air (vii), (ix), (x)	7010773600000000000♠7,736,000 (19,120,000)	1991	Africa's largest protected area, located in the Saharan desert of Ténéré, consists of the volcanic rock mass of Aïr and a small isolated Sahelian pocket with unique flora and fauna.[30] The natural reserve was placed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992, due to the increase in military conflicts and the hostage-taking of six reserve staff in February. Removal from this list was considered in 1999, but as of 2011, its position remains unchanged.[31][32]
Aksum		EthTigray Region,  Ethiopia 14°07′49″N 38°43′07″E / 14.130190°N 38.718605°E / 14.130190; 38.718605 (Aksum)	Cultural:EthAks (i), (iv)	0 !—	1980	The ruins of the city of Aksum, dating from the 1st to the 13th century, mark the heart of ancient Ethiopia and what was the "most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia". It includes monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs, and ruins of former castles.[33]
Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad		AlgMaadid,  Algeria 35°49′06″N 4°47′13″E / 35.818440°N 4.786840°E / 35.818440; 4.786840 (Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad)	Cultural:AlgAlq (iii)	7006150000000000000♠150 (370)	1980	The fortified first capital of the Hammadid emirs was originally built in 1007 and demolished in 1152. It features an 8-bay, 13-aisle mosque, which is one of the largest in Algeria.[34]
Aldabra Atoll		SeyAldabra Group,  Seychelles 9°25′00″S 46°25′00″E / 9.416681°S 46.41665°E / -9.416681; 46.41665 (Aldabra Atoll)	Natural:SeyAld (vii), (ix), (x)	7008350000000000000♠35,000 (86,000)	1982	The Aldabra Atoll consists of four large coral islands and a lagoon, surrounded by a coral reef. The islands are home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises.[35]
Amphitheatre of El Jem		TunEl Djem,  Tunisia 35°17′47″N 10°42′25″E / 35.296390°N 10.706940°E / 35.296390; 10.706940 (Amphitheatre of El Jem)	Cultural:TunEld (iv), (vi)	0 !—	1979	The Amphitheatre of El Jem, built during the 3rd century, is North Africa's largest amphitheatre, and the largest one built outside of Italy, with a capacity of 35,000 spectators, and "illustrates the grandeur and extent of Imperial Rome."[36]
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata		MauritaniaChinguetti, Ouadane, Oualata, and Tichitt,  Mauritania 20°55′44″N 11°37′25″W / 20.928890°N 11.623610°W / 20.928890; -11.623610 (Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata)	Cultural:MauAnc (iii), (iv), (v)	0 !—	1996	"Founded in the 11th and 12th centuries to serve the caravans crossing the Sahara, these trading and religious centres became focal points of Islamic culture. [...] Typically, houses with patios crowd along narrow streets around a mosque with a square minaret. They illustrate a traditional way of life centred on the nomadic culture of the people of the western Sahara."[37]
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis		EgyQena,  Egypt 25°44′00″N 32°36′00″E / 25.733330°N 32.600000°E / 25.733330; 32.600000 (Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis)	Cultural:EgyAnc (i), (iii), (vi)	7007739000000000000♠7,390 (18,300)	1979	The former capital of Egypt and city of the Egyptian god Amun contains relics from the height of Ancient Egypt. The temples, palaces and the necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens bear "a striking testimony to Egyptian civilization." [38]
Archaeological Site of Carthage		TunTunis,  Tunisia 36°51′10″N 10°19′24″E / 36.852780°N 10.323330°E / 36.852780; 10.323330 (Archaeological Site of Carthage)	Cultural:TunArc (ii), (iii), (vi)	0 !—	1979	Founded in the 9th century BCE, Carthage was developed into a trading empire spanning the Mediterranean, and was, according to UNESCO, "home to a brilliant civilization." The city was destroyed in 146 BCE in the Punic Wars at the hands of the Romans, but was later rebuilt by these.[39]
Archaeological Site of Cyrene		LibJebel Akhdar,  Libya 32°49′30″N 21°51′30″E / 32.825000°N 21.858330°E / 32.825000; 21.858330 (Archaeological Site of Cyrene)	Cultural:LibArc (ii), (iii), (vi)	0 !—	1982	The formerly Greek colony was Romanized and transformed into a capital, until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 365. The thousand-year-old ruins have remained renowned since the 18th century.[40]
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna		LibKhoms,  Libya 32°38′18″N 14°17′35″E / 32.638330°N 14.293060°E / 32.638330; 14.293060 (Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna)	Cultural:LibArc (i), (ii), (iii)	0 !—	1982	The Roman city of Leptis Magna was enlarged by Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born there. Public monuments, a harbour, a marketplace, storehouses, shops, and homes were among the reasons for its induction into the list.[41]
Archaeological Site of Sabratha		LibSabratha,  Libya 32°48′19″N 12°29′06″E / 32.805280°N 12.485000°E / 32.805280; 12.485000 (Archaeological Site of Sabratha)	Cultural:LibArc (iii)	0 !—	1982	"A Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, Sabratha was part of the short-lived Numidian Kingdom of Massinissa before being Romanized and rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries."[42]
Archaeological Site of Volubilis		MorMeknes,  Morocco 34°04′26″N 5°33′25″W / 34.073890°N 5.556940°W / 34.073890; -5.556940 (Archaeological Site of Volubilis)	Cultural:MorArc (ii), (iii), (iv), (vi)	7005420000000000000♠42 (100)	1997	The important Roman outpost of Volubilis was founded in the 3rd century BCE to become the capital of Mauritania. It contained many buildings, the remains of which have survived extensively to this day.[43]
Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe		SudMeroë,  Sudan 16°56′00″N 33°43′00″E / 16.933333°N 33.716667°E / 16.933333; 33.716667 (Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe)	Cultural:SudArc (ii), (iii), (iv), (v)	7007235700000000000♠2,357 (5,820)	2011	The site was the centre of the Kingdom of Kush, a major force active from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. It is home to pyramids, temples, and domestic buildings, among other vestiges.[44]
Asante Traditional Buildings		GhaKumasi,  Ghana 6°24′04″N 1°37′33″W / 6.401111°N 1.625833°W / 6.401111; -1.625833 (Asante Traditional Buildings)	Cultural:GhaAsa (v)	0 !—	1980	The site, north-east of Kumasi, hosts the final intact remains of the Ashanti Empire, which peaked in the 18th century. The dwellings, which are made of earth, wood, and straw, are susceptible to the damages caused by the "onslaught of time and weather."[45]
Banc d'Arguin National Park		MauritaniaAzefal and Nouadhibou,  Mauritania 20°14′05″N 16°06′32″W / 20.234720°N 16.108890°W / 20.234720; -16.108890 (Banc d'Arguin National Park)	Natural:MauBan (ix), (x)	7010120000000000000♠1,200,000 (3,000,000)	1989	The park consists of sand dunes, coastal swamps, small islands, and shallow bodies of water; all bordering the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Birds are often found to migrate in the area, accompanied by various species of sea turtles and dolphins, whose presence fishermen often use to attract fish.[46]
Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes		Sen Senegal 12°35′36″N 12°50′45″W / 12.593333°N 12.845833°W / 12.593333; -12.845833 (Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes)	Cultural:SenBas (iii), (v), (vi)	7008503090000000000♠50,309 (124,320)	2012	[47]
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park		UgandaKabale District, Kisoro District, and Rukungiri District,  Uganda 1°04′50″S 29°39′41″E / 1.080556°S 29.661389°E / -1.080556; 29.661389 (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)	Natural:UgandaBwi (vii), (x)	7008320920000000000♠32,092 (79,300)	1994	Located on the border of plain and mountain forests, the park in south-western Uganda is home to over 160 species of trees, over a hundred species of ferns, and various species of birds and butterflies. Many endangered species are within its boundaries as well, including the mountain gorilla.[48]
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas		SouEastern Cape and Western Cape,  South Africa 34°21′40″S 18°28′30″E / 34.361111°S 18.475000°E / -34.361111; 18.475000 (Cape Floral Region Protected Areas)	Natural:SouCap (ix), (x)	7009553000000000000♠553,000 (1,370,000)	2004	The site consists of eight protected areas that are among the richest in plant life worldwide, containing nearly 20% of Africa's total flora. Its scientific value is demonstrated by the presence of fire and radiation adaptivity in plants and seed dispersal by insects.[49]
Chongoni Rock-Art Area		MalawiDedza District,  Malawi 14°17′36″S 34°16′45″E / 14.293333°S 34.279167°E / -14.293333; 34.279167 (Chongoni Rock-Art Area)	Cultural:MalawiCho (iii), (vi)	7008126400000000000♠12,640 (31,200)	2006	The 127-site area contains the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa, ranging from Stone Age paintings to contemporary work from farmers. The symbols depicted in the rock art are strongly centred around women, and retain a cultural significance for the Chewa.[50]
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande		CapeRibeira Grande,  Cape Verde 14°54′55″N 23°36′19″W / 14.915139°N 23.605194°W / 14.915139; -23.605194 (Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande)	Cultural:CapeCid (ii), (iii), (vi)	7006209000000000000♠209 (520)	2009	The town, south of the island of Santiago, was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics, with remains dating back to the 16th century. Two churches, a royal fortress, and Pillary Square help comprise the tropical town's original street layout.[51]
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)		MaliBandiagara Cercle,  Mali 14°20′00″N 3°25′00″W / 14.333330°N 3.416670°W / 14.333330; -3.416670 (Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons))	Mixed:MaliCli (v), (vii)	7009327390000000000♠327,390 (809,000)	1989	The sandy plateau and cliffs of Bandiagara outline the site, featuring houses, granaries, altars, sanctuaries, and Togu-Na meeting-places. Age-old social traditions such as masks, feasts, rituals, and ancestral worship also add to its cultural significance.[52]
Comoé National Park		CoteZanzan,  Côte d'Ivoire 9°N 4°E / 9°N 4°E / 9; 4 (Comoé National Park)	Natural:CotCom (ix), (x)	7010115000000000000♠1,150,000 (2,800,000)	1983	Among the largest protected sites of West Africa, the park features the Comoé River and the unique flora which accompanies it.[53] The site was placed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger in 2003, due to unrest in Côte d'Ivoire, and various other factors such as poaching, wildfires, lack of proper management of the site, and overgrazing.[54]
Dja Faunal Reserve		CameDja-et-Lobo and Haut-Nyong,  Cameroon 3°N 13°E / 3°N 13°E / 3; 13 (Dja Faunal Reserve)	Natural:CameDja (ix), (x)	7009526000000000000♠526,000 (1,300,000)	1987	Among Africa's largest and best protected rain forests, the Cameroonian reserve is almost completely surrounded by the Dja River and contains 107 mammal species, of which five are threatened.[55]
Djémila		AlgSétif,  Algeria 36°19′14″N 5°44′12″E / 36.320560°N 5.736670°E / 36.320560; 5.736670 (Djémila)	Cultural:AlgDje (iii), (iv)	7005300000000000000♠30 (74)	1982	The ruins of a Roman town in a mountainous location, including a forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, each adapted to a location 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level.[56]
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary		SenSaint-Louis Region,  Senegal 16°30′00″N 16°10′00″W / 16.500000°N 16.166670°W / 16.500000; -16.166670 (Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary)	Natural:SenDjo (vii), (x)	7008160000000000000♠16,000 (40,000)	1981	The Senegal River delta wetland area consists of streams, lakes, ponds and backwaters. It is the home to 1.5 million birds, including the great white pelican, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret, and cormorants. The sanctuary also features crocodiles, African manatees, and other typical Sahelian species.[57]
Dougga / Thugga		TunBeBéja Governorate,  Tunisia 36°25′25″N 9°13′13″E / 36.423610°N 9.220280°E / 36.423610; 9.220280 (Dougga/Thugga)	Cultural:TunDou (ii), (iii)	7005700000000000000♠70 (170)	1997	The site features the ruins of Dougga, a former capital of a Libyan–Punic state, which flourished under Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire, but declined in the Islamic period.[58]
Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda		GabOgooué-Ivindo and Ogooué-Lolo,  Gabon 0°30′N 11°30′E / 0.5°N 11.5°E / 0.5; 11.5 (Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda)	Mixed:GabLop (iii), (iv), (ix), (x)	7009491291000000000♠491,291 (1,214,010)	2007	The park features well-preserved tropical rain forests and savanna, resulting in a diverse ecosystem consisting of endangered, large mammals.[59]
Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape		Chad Chad 17°02′30″N 21°51′46″E / 17.04167°N 21.86278°E / 17.04167; 21.86278 (Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape)	Mixed:ChaEnn (iii), (vii), (ix)	7010244120000000000♠2,441,200 (6,032,000)	2016	[60]
Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region		EthAmhara Region,  Ethiopia 12°36′25″N 37°27′58″E / 12.606920°N 37.466170°E / 12.606920; 37.466170 (Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region)	Cultural:EthFas (ii), (iii)	0 !—	1979	The fortress was the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17th century. The city remains, which feature buildings with Hindu and Arab influences, were later remodelled with Baroque-style architecture by Jesuit missionaries.[61]
Fort Jesus, Mombasa		KenMombasa,  Kenya 4°03′46″S 39°40′46″E / 4.062778°S 39.679444°E / -4.062778; 39.679444 (Fort Jesus, Mombasa)	Cultural:KenLak (i), (iv)	7009161485000000000♠161,485 (399,040)	2011	Fort Jesus is a Portuguese fort built from 1593 to 1596 on Mombasa Island to guard the old port of Mombasa, Kenya. The site's layout follows the Renaissance ideal that the human body is perfectly proportionate.[62]
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions		GhaCentral Region, Greater Accra, Volta Region, and Western Region,  Ghana 5°14′51″N 0°47′07″W / 5.247398°N 0.785167°W / 5.247398; -0.785167 (Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions)	Cultural:GhaFor (vi)	0 !—	1979	The site features the remains of fortified trading posts, built along the Ghanaian coast between 1482 and 1786.[63]
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa[lower-alpha 3]		SouthGauteng, Limpopo, and North West,  South Africa 24°09′31″S 29°10′37″E / 24.158610°S 29.176940°E / -24.158610; 29.176940 (Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa)	Cultural:SouthCra (iii), (vi)	0 !—	1999	The various fossil sites contain traces of human occupation and evolution dating 3.3 million years.[64]
Garajonay National Park		SpaLa Gomera,  Spain 28°07′34″N 17°14′14″W / 28.126250°N 17.237222°W / 28.126250; -17.237222 (Garajonay National Park)	Natural:SpaGara (vii), (ix)	7007398400000000000♠3,984 (9,840)	1986	Most of the park, in the middle of the island of La Gomera of the Canary Islands, is covered with a lush laurel forest.[65]
Garamba National Park		DemOrientale,  Democratic Republic of the Congo 4°00′N 29°15′E / 4°N 29.25°E / 4; 29.25 (Garamba National Park)	Natural:DemGar (vii), (x)	7009500000000000000♠500,000 (1,200,000)	1980	The park has vast savannas, grasslands and woodland, featuring elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses and the white rhinoceros.[66] Garamba was deemed to be endangered following the diminution of the white rhinoceros population in the area,[67] but it was removed from the list in 1991.[68] However, it later regained the status in 1996, when three rangers were killed and the population of white rhinoceros fell once again.[69][70]
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region		SudMeroë,  Sudan 18°32′00″N 31°49′00″E / 18.533333°N 31.816667°E / 18.533333; 31.816667 (Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region)	Cultural:SudGeb (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (vi)	7006183000000000000♠183 (450)	2003	The five sites in the Nile Valley feature temples that are testimonial to the Napatan and Meroitic cultures.[71]
Gough and Inaccessible Islands		UniSaint Helena,  United Kingdom 40°19′29″S 9°55′43″W / 40.324722°S 9.928611°W / -40.324722; -9.928611 (Gough and Inaccessible Islands)	Natural:UniGou (vii), (x)	7007790000000000000♠7,900 (20,000)	1995	The site represent one of the least-disrupted islands and marine ecosystems in the North Temperate Zone. The cliffs are free of introduced mammals and feature one of the world's largest colonies of seabirds.[72]
Great Zimbabwe National Monument		ZimMasvingo Province,  Zimbabwe 20°17′00″S 30°56′00″E / 20.283333°S 30.933333°E / -20.283333; 30.933333 (Great Zimbabwe National Monument)	Cultural:ZimGre (i), (iii), (vi)	7006722000000000000♠722 (1,780)	1986	The city, now in ruins, was an important trading center between the 11th and 15th centuries, and was capital of the Bantu civilization.[73]
Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town		EthHarari Region,  Ethiopia 9°18′32″N 42°08′16″E / 9.308889°N 42.137778°E / 9.308889; 42.137778 (Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town)	Cultural:EthHar (ii), (iii), (iv), (v)	7005480000000000000♠48 (120)	2006	The city is on a plateau and surrounded by gorges and savanna. It contains 82 mosques, 102 shrines, and unique interior design in the townhouses. It is said to be the fourth-holiest city of Islam.[74]
Historic Cairo		EgyCairo,  Egypt 30°03′00″N 31°15′40″E / 30.050000°N 31.261110°E / 30.050000; 31.261110 (Historic Cairo)	Cultural:EgyHis (i), (v), (vi)	7006524000000000000♠524 (1,290)	1979	One of the world's oldest Islamic cities and in the middle of urban Cairo, the site dates from the 10th century and reached its golden age in the 14th century. It contains mosques, madrasah, hammams and fountains.[75]
Historic Centre of Agadez		Niger1Tchirozerine Department,  Niger 16°58′25″N 7°59′29″E / 16.973611°N 7.991389°E / 16.973611; 7.991389 (Historic Centre of Agadez)	Cultural:Niger1Aga (ii), (iii)	7005780000000000000♠78 (190)	2013	[76]
Historic City of Meknes		MorMeknes,  Morocco 33°53′00″N 5°33′30″W / 33.883330°N 5.558330°W / 33.883330; -5.558330 (Historic City of Meknes)	Cultural:MorHis (iv)	0 !—	1996	The former capital was founded in the 11th century and turned into a city with Spanish-Moorish influence during the 17th and 18th centuries.[77]
Historic Town of Grand-Bassam		CoteSud-Comoé,  Côte d'Ivoire 5°11′45″N 3°44′11″W / 5.195914°N 3.736369°W / 5.195914; -3.736369 (Historic Town of Grand-Bassam)	Cultural:CotSud (iii), (iv)	7006110000000000000♠110 (270)	2012	A colonial town built during the 19th and 20th centuries, Grand-Bassam was the first Ivorian capital following French rule in the region. Its quarters, which specialised in commerce, administration and general housing, helped the city become the economic and judicial hub of the country, in addition to being its most important port.[78]
Ichkeul National Park		TunBiBizerte,  Tunisia 37°09′49″N 9°40′29″E / 37.163610°N 9.674720°E / 37.163610; 9.674720 (Ichkeul National Park)	Natural:TunIch (x)	7008126000000000000♠12,600 (31,000)	1980	Ichkeul Lake and the surrounding wetlands is a destination for hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, including ducks, geese, storks and pink flamingos. It was once part of a chain that extended across North Africa.[79]
iSimangaliso Wetland Park		SouthKwaZulu-Natal,  South Africa 27°50′20″S 32°33′00″E / 27.838890°S 32.550000°E / -27.838890; 32.550000 (iSimangaliso Wetland Park)	Natural:SouthiSi (vii), (ix), (x)	7009239566000000000♠239,566 (591,980)	1999	The park features a variety of landforms, including coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lake systems, and papyrus wetland, caused by fluvial, marine and aeolian processes.[80]
Island of Gorée		SenDakar Region,  Senegal 14°40′02″N 17°24′03″W / 14.667220°N 17.400830°W / 14.667220; -17.400830 (Island of Gorée)	Cultural:SenIslandofGor (vi)	0 !—	1978	The island was the largest slave-trading center on the African coast from the 15th to the 19th century.[81]
Island of Mozambique		MozNampula,  Mozambique 15°02′03″S 40°44′09″E / 15.034170°S 40.735830°E / -15.034170; 40.735830 (Island of Mozambique)	Cultural:MozIsl (iv), (vi)	0 !—	1991	The fortified former Portuguese trading post has used the same architectural techniques, style, and materials since the 16th century.[82]
Island of Saint-Louis		SenSaint-Louis Region,  Senegal 16°01′40″N 16°30′16″W / 16.027780°N 16.504440°W / 16.027780; -16.504440 (Island of Saint-Louis)	Cultural:SenIslandofSai (ii), (iv)	0 !—	2000	The French colonial settlement from the 17th century is on an island in the mouth of the Sénégal River. It played an important role in the culture and economy of West Africa.[83]
Kahuzi-Biega National Park		DemManiema and South Kivu,  Democratic Republic of the Congo 2°30′N 28°45′E / 2.5°N 28.75°E / 2.5; 28.75 (Kahuzi-Biega National Park)	Natural:DemKah (x)	7009600000000000000♠600,000 (1,500,000)	1980	The park is dominated by two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega. It also has abundant fauna, including the graueria gorillas.[84] The park was deemed to be endangered in 1997 when deforestation and hunting became a major problem. Militia groups and illegal settlers were also settling in the park, while fire and poaching helped justify the World Heritage Committee's decision.[85]
Kairouan		TunKairouan Governorate,  Tunisia 35°40′54″N 10°06′14″E / 35.681670°N 10.103890°E / 35.681670; 10.103890 (Kairouan)	Cultural:TunKai (i), (ii), (iii), (v), (vi)	0 !—	1988	The former capital was founded in 670 and flourished in the 9th century. Its heritage includes the Mosque of Uqba and the Mosque of the Three Gates.[86]
Kasbah of Algiers		AlgAlgiers,  Algeria 36°47′00″N 3°03′37″E / 36.783330°N 3.060280°E / 36.783330; 3.060280 (Kasbah of Algiers)	Cultural:AlgKas (ii), (v)	7005600000000000000♠60 (150)	1992	A unique Islamic city on the Mediterranean coast, the former site overlooks the Carthaginian trading posts of the 4th century BCE. It contains remains of a citadel, old mosques, and Ottoman-style palaces.[87]
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley		KenRift Valley Province,  Kenya 0°26′33″N 36°14′24″E / 0.442500°N 36.240000°E / 0.442500; 36.240000 (Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley)	Natural:KenLak (viii), (x)	7009161485000000000♠161,485 (399,040)	2011	Located in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, the site features three lakes: Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita. A highly diverse population of birds, including thirteen threatened species, frequent the area.[88][89]
Khami Ruins National Monument		ZimMatabeleland,  Zimbabwe 20°09′30″S 28°22′36″E / 20.158333°S 28.376667°E / -20.158333; 28.376667 (Khami Ruins National Monument)	Cultural:ZimKha (iii), (iv)	0 !—	1986	The city was built after the mid-16th century and was an important trading center.[90]
Kilimanjaro National Park		TanKilimanjaro Region,  Tanzania, United Republic of 3°04′00″S 37°22′00″E / 3.066670°S 37.366670°E / -3.066670; 37.366670 (Kilimanjaro National Park)	Natural:TanKil (vii)	7008755750000000000♠75,575 (186,750)	1987	The volcanic massif Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest point at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), and is surrounded by a park with savanna and forest featuring numerous mammals.[91]
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites		TanKondoa District,  Tanzania, United Republic of 4°43′28″S 35°50′02″E / 4.724444°S 35.833889°E / -4.724444; 35.833889 (Kondoa Rock-Art Sites)	Cultural:TanKon (iii), (vi)	7009233600000000000♠233,600 (577,000)	2006	Two millennia of rock carving, many of high artistic value, have been found at 150 shelters in the site. They tell the tale of socio-economic development from hunter-gatherer to agro-pastoralism.[92]
Konso Cultural Landscape		EthSouthern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region,  Ethiopia 5°18′N 37°24′E / 5.3°N 37.4°E / 5.3; 37.4 (Konso Cultural Landscape)	Cultural:EthKon (iii), (v)	7008140000000000000♠14,000 (35,000)	2011	The site features 55 kilometres (34 mi) of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements in the Konso highlands of Ethiopia.[93]
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba		TogKara Region,  Togo 10°04′00″N 1°08′00″E / 10.066667°N 1.133333°E / 10.066667; 1.133333 (Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba)	Cultural:TogKou (v), (vi)	7008500000000000000♠50,000 (120,000)	2004	The Batammariba's mud tower houses have become a symbol of Togo. They range up to two stories and feature spherical granaries.[94]
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou		MorAït Benhaddou,  Morocco 31°02′50″N 7°07′44″W / 31.047220°N 7.128890°W / 31.047220; -7.128890 (Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou)	Cultural:MorKsa (iv), (v)	7004300000000000000♠3 (7.4)	1987	The ksar is an example of a traditional pre-Saharan habitat, surrounded by high walls and reinforced with corner towers.[95]
Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites[lower-alpha 4]		GambBanjul, Lower Niumi, and Upper Niumi,  Gambia 13°18′58″N 16°21′26″W / 13.316166°N 16.357194°W / 13.316166; -16.357194 (Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites)	Cultural:GamJam (iii), (vi)	7004800000000000000♠8 (20)	2003	The site is a testimony to the encounters between Africa and Europe from pre-colonial times to independence along the Gambia River.[96]
Lake Malawi National Park		MalawiCentral Region and Southern Region,  Malawi 14°02′00″S 34°53′00″E / 14.033330°S 34.883330°E / -14.033330; 34.883330 (Lake Malawi National Park)	Natural:MalawiLak (vii), (ix), (x)	7007940000000000000♠9,400 (23,000)	1984	Lake Malawi contains hundreds of fish species, mostly endemic.[97]
Lakes of Ounianga		ChadEnnedi Region,  Chad 19°03′18″N 20°30′20″E / 19.055000°N 20.505556°E / 19.055000; 20.505556 (Lakes of Ounianga)	Natural:ChadOun (vii)	7008628080000000000♠62,808 (155,200)	2012	The Lakes of Ounianga are a series of 18 lakes located in the Sahara desert, in North-Eastern Chad. They exhibit a variety of sizes, depths, chemical compositions and colorations, and some of them are home to aquatic fauna.[98]
Lake Turkana National Parks		KenLake Turkana,  Kenya 3°03′05″N 36°30′13″E / 3.051306°N 36.503667°E / 3.051306; 36.503667 (Lake Turkana National Parks)	Natural:KenLak (viii), (x)	7009161485000000000♠161,485 (399,040)	1997	Turkana, as Africa's largest saline lake, is an important area for the study of fauna and flora. It is a breeding ground for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and several venomous snakes.[99]
Lamu Old Town		KenLamu,  Kenya 2°16′05″S 40°54′07″E / 2.268°S 40.902°E / -2.268; 40.902 (Lamu Old Town)	Cultural:KenLam (ii), (iv), (vi)	7005160000000000000♠16 (40)	2001	The town is the oldest Swahili settlement, and is built in coral stone and mangrove timber. It features inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborate wooden doors.[100]
Laurisilva of Madeira		PorMadeira,  Portugal 32°46′00″N 17°00′00″W / 32.766667°N 17°W / 32.766667; -17 (Laurisilva of Madeira)	Natural:PorLau (ix), (x)	7008150000000000000♠15,000 (37,000)	1999	The site is the largest surviving area of laurel forest. It consists of approximately 90% old-growth forest and is home to endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.[101]
Le Morne Cultural Landscape		MauritiusRivière Noire District,  Mauritius 20°27′07″S 57°19′42″E / 20.451944°S 57.328333°E / -20.451944; 57.328333 (Le Morne Cultural Landscape)	Cultural:MauritiusLem (iii), (vi)	7006349000000000000♠349 (860)	2008	The rugged mountain that juts into the ocean was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early 19th centuries. They formed small settlements in the caves and on its summit.[102]
Lower Valley of the Awash		EthAfar Region,  Ethiopia 11°06′00″N 40°34′46″E / 11.100060°N 40.579390°E / 11.100060; 40.579390 (Lower Valley of the Awash)	Cultural:EthLow (ii), (iii), (iv)	0 !—	1980	Palaentological findings from at least four million years ago, such as Lucy, give evidence of human evolution.[103]
Lower Valley of the Omo		EthSouthern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region,  Ethiopia 4°48′00″N 35°58′00″E / 4.8°N 35.966667°E / 4.8; 35.966667 (Lower Valley of the Omo)	Cultural:EthLow (iii), (iv)	0 !—	1980	The prehistoric site near Lake Turkana is the location of many fossil findings, such as Homo gracilis.[104]
M'Zab Valley		AlgGhardaïa,  Algeria 32°29′00″N 3°41′00″E / 32.483330°N 3.683330°E / 32.483330; 3.683330 (M'Zab Valley)	Cultural:AlgMZa (ii), (iii), (v)	7007400000000000000♠4,000 (9,900)	1982	The intact, traditional human habitat was built around five ksour in the 10th century by the Ibadites.[105]
Maloti-Drakensberg Park		LesothXQacha's Nek District,  Lesotho* KwaZulu-Natal,  South Africa* 29°45′55″S 29°07′23″E / 29.765278°S 29.123056°E / -29.765278; 29.123056 (Maloti-Drakensberg Park)	Mixed:SouthUkh (i), (iii), (vii), (x)	7009249313000000000♠249,313 (616,070)	2000	The park features incisive dramatic cutbacks, golden sandstone ramparts, and the largest concentration of cave art in Sub-Saharan Africa.[106]
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas		ZimMatabeleland North,  Zimbabwe 15°49′10″S 29°24′29″E / 15.819444°S 29.408056°E / -15.819444; 29.408056 (Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas)	Natural:ZimMan (vii), (ix), (x)	7009676600000000000♠676,600 (1,672,000)	1984	The park, located on the banks of the Zambezi River, features a variety of wild animals, such as buffalo, leopards, cheetahs and Nile crocodiles.[107]
Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park		CenBamingui-Bangoran,  Central African Republic 9°00′N 21°30′E / 9°N 21.5°E / 9; 21.5 (Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park)	Natural:CenMan (ix), (x)	7010174000000000000♠1,740,000 (4,300,000)	1988	The park features vast savannas with a wealth of flora and fauna, such as black rhinoceros, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, red-fronted gazelles and buffalo.[108] The site was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1997 due to grazing and poaching that is thought to have claimed 80% of the wildlife in the park. Also cited was the shooting of four park staff and "a general state of deteriorating security".[14]
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape		SouthLimpopo,  South Africa 22°11′33″S 29°14′20″E / 22.192500°S 29.238890°E / -22.192500; 29.238890 (Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape)	Cultural:SouthMap (ii), (iii), (iv), (v)	7008281680000000000♠28,168 (69,600)	2003	The open savanna landscape lies at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. It was the heart of the Mapungubwe Kingdom until the 14th century, when the area was abandoned, leaving untouched remains of palaces and settlements.[109]
Matobo Hills		ZimMatabeleland South,  Zimbabwe 20°30′S 28°30′E / 20.5°S 28.5°E / -20.5; 28.5 (Matobo Hills)	Cultural:ZimMat (iii), (v), (vi)	7009205000000000000♠205,000 (510,000)	2003	The large boulders have been used as natural shelters since the early Stone Age and feature a collection of rock paintings.[110]
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)		MorEssaouira,  Morocco 31°31′00″N 9°46′10″W / 31.516670°N 9.769440°W / 31.516670; -9.769440 (Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador))	Cultural:MorEss (ii), (iv)	7005300000000000000♠30 (74)	2001	The fortified seaport built during the late 18th century has a mix of North African and European architecture, and was a major trading hub between the Sahara and Europe.[111]
Medina of Fez		MorFez,  Morocco 34°03′40″N 4°58′40″W / 34.061110°N 4.977780°W / 34.061110; -4.977780 (Medina of Fez)	Cultural:MorMedinaofFez (ii), (v)	7006280000000000000♠280 (690)	1981	The former capital was founded in the 9th century and features the world's oldest university. The urban fabric and main monuments date from the 13th and 14th centuries.[112]
Medina of Marrakesh		MorMarrakesh,  Morocco 31°37′53″N 7°59′12″W / 31.631390°N 7.986670°W / 31.631390; -7.986670 (Medina of Marrakesh)	Cultural:MorMedinaofMarra (i), (ii), (iv), (v)	7007110700000000000♠1,107 (2,740)	1985	The town was founded in the 1070s and remained a political, economic, and cultural centre for a long time. Monuments from that period include the Koutoubia Mosque, the kasbah, and the battlements. The city also holds newer features, including palaces.[113]
Medina of Sousse		TunSousse Governorate,  Tunisia 35°49′40″N 10°38′19″E / 35.827780°N 10.638610°E / 35.827780; 10.638610 (Medina of Sousse)	Cultural:TunMedinaofSou (iii), (iv), (v)	7005320000000000000♠32 (79)	1988	A prime example of a town from the early Islamic period, the city was an important port during the 9th century.[114]
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)		MorTétouan,  Morocco 35°34′15″N 5°22′00″W / 35.570830°N 5.366670°W / 35.570830; -5.366670 (Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin))	Cultural:MorMedinaofTet (ii), (iv), (v)	7004700000000000000♠7 (17)	1997	Morocco's most complete medina served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia during the 8th century. The town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees following the reconquista.[115]
Medina of Tunis		TunTunis,  Tunisia 36°49′00″N 10°10′00″E / 36.816670°N 10.166670°E / 36.816670; 10.166670 (Medina of Tunis)	Cultural:TunMedinaofTun (ii), (iii), (v)	0 !—	1979	The medina holds 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasah and fourtains, testifying to Tunis' golden age from the 12th to the 16th century.[116]
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur		EgyGiza,  Egypt 29°58′34″N 31°07′49″E / 29.976040°N 31.130410°E / 29.976040; 31.130410 (Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur)	Cultural:EgyMem (i), (iii), (vi)	7008163580000000000♠16,358 (40,420)	1979	The former capital features funerary monuments, like rock tombs, mastabas, temples, and pyramids. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.[117]
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls		ZamXLivingstone District and Matabeleland North,  Zambia*  Zimbabwe* 17°55′28″S 25°51′19″E / 17.924530°S 25.855390°E / -17.924530; 25.855390 (Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls)	Natural:ZamMos (vii), (viii)	7007878000000000000♠8,780 (21,700)	1989	The falls of the Zambezi River, which is more than 2 km (1.2 mi) wide, plunge down various basalt gorges resulting in a colorful mist.[118]
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest		KenCentral Province and Eastern Province,  Kenya 0°09′18″N 37°18′56″E / 0.155000°N 37.315556°E / 0.155000; 37.315556 (Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest)	Natural:KenMou (vii), (ix)	7009142020000000000♠142,020 (350,900)	1997	The park surrounds the 5,199 m (17,057 ft) Mount Kenya and features twelve glaciers.[119]
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve		CotXLola Prefecture,  Côte d'Ivoire*  Guinea* 7°36′11″N 8°23′27″W / 7.603180°N 8.390970°W / 7.603180; -8.390970 (Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve)	Natural:CotMou (ix), (x)	7008180000000000000♠18,000 (44,000)	1981	The reserve features Mount Nimba, its slopes covered in dense forest and grassy mountain pastures.[120] In 1992, the park was inscribed on the World Heritage Committee's danger list, citing a proposed iron and ore mining concession inside the park's boundaries and the apparition of refugees. The state party later stated that there was an error with the proposed mining site's boundaries, and that it was not in the reserve.[121] However, as of 2011, the site remains on the list due to poor security on the Ivorian side.[122]
Namib Sand Sea		Nam Namibia 24°53′07″S 15°24′28″E / 24.885278°S 15.407778°E / -24.885278; 15.407778 (Namib Sand Sea)	Natural:NamNam (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	7010307770000000000♠3,077,700 (7,605,000)	2013	[123]
Ngorongoro Conservation Area		TanArusha Region,  Tanzania, United Republic of 3°11′14″S 35°32′27″E / 3.187220°S 35.540830°E / -3.187220; 35.540830 (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)	Mixed:TanNgo (iv), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	7009809440000000000♠809,440 (2,000,200)	1979	The site features a concentration of wild animals in a crater beside the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai.[124]
Niokolo-Koba National Park		SenKédougou Region and Tambacounda Region,  Senegal 13°04′00″N 12°43′00″W / 13.066670°N 12.716670°W / 13.066670; -12.716670 (Niokolo-Koba National Park)	Natural:SenNio (x)	7009913000000000000♠913,000 (2,260,000)	1981	The forests and savannas bordering the Gambia River have a diverse fauna, including Derby eland, chimpanzees, lions, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.[125] The park was listed as being endangered for low mammal populations, the construction of a dam, and management problems.[126]
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae		EgyAswan,  Egypt 22°20′11″N 31°37′34″E / 22.336390°N 31.626110°E / 22.336390; 31.626110 (Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae)	Cultural:EgyNub (i), (iii), (vi)	7006374000000000000♠374 (920)	1979	Located along the Nile, the site contains monuments such as the Temple of Ramesses II and the Sanctuary of Isis.[127]
Okapi Wildlife Reserve		Dem Orientale,  Democratic Republic of the Congo 2°00′N 28°30′E / 2°N 28.5°E / 2; 28.5 (Okapi Wildlife Reserve)	Natural:DemOka (x)	7010137262500000000♠1,372,625 (3,391,830)	1996	Covering a fifth of the Ituri Rainforest in the Congo River basin, the reserve contains many threatened species of primates and birds. It is inhabited by the nomadic pygmy Mbuti and Efé tribes.[128] In 1997, looting, the killing of elephants, and the departure of reserve staff led the World Heritage Committee to place the reserve on its List of World Heritage in Danger, only a year following its inscription as a natural heritage site.[129]
Okavango Delta		Bot Orientale,  Botswana 19°17′00″S 22°54′00″E / 19.283333°S 22.9°E / -19.283333; 22.9 (Okavango Delta)	Natural:DemOka (x)	7010202359000000000♠2,023,590 (5,000,400)	2014	[130]
Old Towns of Djenné		MaliDjenné,  Mali 13°54′23″N 4°33′18″W / 13.906390°N 4.555000°W / 13.906390; -4.555000 (Old Towns of Djenné)	Cultural:MaliOld (iii), (iv)	0 !—	1988	Inhabited since 250 BCE, the city was an important link in the trans-Saharan gold trade. It contains 2,000 traditional houses.[131]
Old Town of Ghadamès		LibGhadames,  Libya 30°08′00″N 9°30′00″E / 30.133333°N 9.5°E / 30.133333; 9.5 (Old Town of Ghadamès)	Cultural:LibGha (v)	0 !—	1986	Located in an oasis, Ghadames is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities and represents a traditional architecture with vertical division of functions.[132]
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove		Niger2Osogbo,  Nigeria 7°45′20″N 4°33′08″E / 7.755560°N 4.552220°E / 7.755560; 4.552220 (Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove)	Cultural:Niger2Osu (ii), (iii), (vi)	7005750000000000000♠75 (190)	2005	The dense forests are one of the final remnants of high forests in southern Nigeria. It is the last sacred grove of the Yoruba culture.[133]
Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island		FraLa Réunion,  France 21°05′58″S 55°28′48″E / 21.099444°S 55.480000°E / -21.099444; 55.480000 (Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island)	Natural:MorPor (vii), (x)	7009105838000000000♠105,838 (261,530)	2010	Outstanding terrain and biodiversity, as part of La Réunion National Park.[134]
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)		MorEl Jadida,  Morocco 33°15′24″N 8°30′07″W / 33.256670°N 8.501940°W / 33.256670; -8.501940 (Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida))	Cultural:MorPor (ii), (iv)	7004800000000000000♠8 (20)	2004	The fortification, akin to Renaissance military design from the early 16th century, was taken over by Morocco in 1769. Surviving buildings include the cistern and a Gothic church.[135]
Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis		TunNabeul Governorate,  Tunisia 36°56′47″N 11°05′57″E / 36.946390°N 11.099170°E / 36.946390; 11.099170 (Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis)	Cultural:TunPun (iii)	0 !—	1985	The city was abandoned in 250 BCE during the First Punic War, and is the only surviving example of a Phoenicio–Punic settlement.[136]
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage		MorRabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer,  Morocco 34°01′27″N 6°49′22″W / 34.024167°N 6.822778°W / 34.024167; -6.822778 (Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage)	Cultural:RabMor (ii), (iv)	7006349000000000000♠349 (860)	2012	Rebuilt under the direction of the French from 1912 to the 1930s, the city blends historic and modern features, such as botanical gardens, the Hassan Mosque, and the remnants of Moorish and Andalusian settlements from the 17th century.[137]
Rainforests of the Atsinanana		MadEastern Madagascar,  Madagascar 14°27′35″S 49°42′09″E / 14.459722°S 49.702500°E / -14.459722; 49.702500 (Rainforests of the Atsinanana)	Natural:MadRai (ix), (x)	7009479660000000000♠479,660 (1,185,300)	2007	The site consists of six national parks, and protects the island's unique biodiversity, which has evolved in isolation for 60 million years.[138] The park was deemed to be in danger in 2010, when logging and hunting activities continued to escalate, despite a ban by Madagascar on exporting illegal timber.[139]
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape		SouthNorthern Cape,  South Africa 28°36′00″S 17°12′14″E / 28.6°S 17.203889°E / -28.6; 17.203889 (Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape)	Cultural:SouthRic (iv), (v)	7009160000000000000♠160,000 (400,000)	2007	The mountainous desert sustains the semi-nomadic livelihood of the Nama, which includes seasonal migrations that have gone unchanged for two millennia.[140]
Robben Island		SouthWestern Cape,  South Africa 33°48′00″S 18°22′00″E / 33.8°S 18.366667°E / -33.8; 18.366667 (Robben Island)	Cultural:SouthRob (iii), (vi)	7006475000000000000♠475 (1,170)	1999	Between the 17th and 20th century, the island was used as a prison, including for political prisoners, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, and a military base.[141]
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus		LibFezzan,  Libya 24°50′00″N 10°20′00″E / 24.833330°N 10.333330°E / 24.833330; 10.333330 (Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus)	Cultural:LibRoc (iii)	0 !—	1985	Thousands of cave paintings are visible in different styles, dating from 12,000 BCE to 100 CE.[142]
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela		EthAmhara Region,  Ethiopia 12°01′46″N 39°02′26″E / 12.029350°N 39.040420°E / 12.029350; 39.040420 (Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela)	Cultural:EthRoc (i), (ii), (iii)	0 !—	1978	The site contains eleven medieval cave churches from the 13th century.[143]
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga		MadAntananarivo,  Madagascar 18°45′33″S 47°33′46″E / 18.759170°S 47.562780°E / -18.759170; 47.562780 (Royal Hill of Ambohimanga)	Cultural:MadRoy (iii), (iv), (vi)	7005590000000000000♠59 (150)	2001	The royal city and burial site is a spiritual and sacred site which has created strong feelings of national identity for several centuries.[144]
Royal Palaces of Abomey		BenZou Department,  Benin 7°11′00″N 1°59′00″E / 7.183333°N 1.983333°E / 7.183333; 1.983333 (Royal Palaces of Abomey)	Cultural:BenRoy (iii), (iv)	7005480000000000000♠48 (120)	1985	The city held the seat of twelve kings who ruled the Kingdom of Dahomey between 1625 and 1900. All but one king built their palace within the area.[145]
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara		TanKilwa District,  Tanzania, United Republic of 8°57′28″S 39°31′22″E / 8.957780°S 39.522780°E / -8.957780; 39.522780 (Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara)	Cultural:TanRui (iii)	0 !—	1981	The site features the remains of two ports used extensively for trade across the Indian Ocean from the 13th and 16th century.[146] It was placed onto the list of List of World Heritage in Danger by the World Heritage Committee in 2004, citing "the continuing deterioration and the serious threats affecting the property of the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara".[147] Conditions subsequently improved and the site was removed from the World Heritage in Danger list in 2014.[148]
Ruins of Loropéni		BurLoropéni,  Burkina Faso 10°15′00″N 3°35′00″W / 10.25°N 3.583333°W / 10.25; -3.583333 (Ruins of Loropéni)	Cultural:BurRui (iii)	7004110000000000000♠1.1 (2.7)	2009	More than a thousand years old, Loropéni is the best-preserved of ten fortresses in Lobi, which were part of about a hundred stone enclosures built during the trans-Saharan gold trade.[149]
Rwenzori Mountains National Park		UgandaBundibugyo District, Kabarole District, and Kasese District,  Uganda 0°13′25″N 29°55′27″E / 0.223611°N 29.924167°E / 0.223611; 29.924167 (Rwenzori Mountains National Park)	Natural:UgandaRuw (vii), (x)	7008996000000000000♠99,600 (246,000)	1994	Covering most of the Rwenzori Mountains, including Mount Margherita, Africa's third-highest peak, the park features glaciers, waterfalls and lakes in an Alpine landscape. It also features various endangered species and unusual flora.[150]
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests		KenCoast Province,  Kenya 3°55′55″S 39°35′46″E / 3.931944°S 39.596111°E / -3.931944; 39.596111 (Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests)	Cultural:KenSac (iii), (v), (vi)	7007153800000000000♠1,538 (3,800)	2008	The site comprises eleven forests spread 200 km (120 mi) along the coast of Kenya. They hold the remains of villages built during the 16th century by the Mijikenda, and are now considered sacred sites.[151]
Saint Catherine Area		EgySouth Sinai Governorate,  Egypt 28°33′22″N 33°58′32″E / 28.556230°N 33.975430°E / 28.556230; 33.975430 (Saint Catherine Area)	Cultural:EgySai (i), (iii), (iv), (vi)	7008601000000000000♠60,100 (149,000)	2002	The orthodox monastery from the 6th century is positioned near Mount Horeb where, according to the Old Testament, Moses received the Tablets of the Law. The region is sacred for Christians, Muslims and Jews.[152]
Salonga National Park		DemManiema and South Kivu,  Democratic Republic of the Congo 2°S 21°E / 2°S 21°E / -2; 21 (Salonga National Park)	Natural:DemSal (vii), (ix)	7010360000000000000♠3,600,000 (8,900,000)	1984	Africa's largest tropical rain forest reserve is situated at the heart of the Congo River basin and only accessible by water. It is the habitat of endangered species such as the bonobo, the Congo peafowl, the forest elephant, and the slender-snouted crocodile.[153] The site was deemed to be in danger in 1999, due to increased poaching activities and encroachments.[154]
Saloum Delta		Sen Senegal 13°50′07″N 16°29′55″W / 13.835278°N 16.498611°W / 13.835278; -16.498611 (Saloum Delta)	Cultural:SenSal (iii), (iv), (v)	7009145811000000000♠145,811 (360,310)	2011	The area has sustained human life thanks to fishing and shellfish gathering, for which there are 218 shellfish mounds across the site.[155]
Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park		Sdn Sudan 19°44′10″N 37°26′35″E / 19.73611°N 37.44306°E / 19.73611; 37.44306 (Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park)	Natural:SdnSan (vii), (ix), (x)	7009199524000000000♠199,524 (493,030)	2016	Situated in the central Red Sea, Sanganeb, Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island feature a diverse system of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, beaches and islets, and host populations of seabirds, marine mammals, fish, sharks, turtles, manta rays and dugongs.[156]
San Cristóbal de la Laguna		SpaProvince of Santa Cruz de Tenerife,  Spain 28°28′40″N 16°18′42″W / 28.477889°N 16.311778°W / 28.477889; -16.311778 (San Cristóbal de La Laguna)	Cultural:SpaSan (ii), (iv)	7005600000000000000♠60 (150)	1999	The city contains two centres: the unplanned Upper Town, and the planned Lower Town, laid out according to philosophical principals. Many of the buildings date from the 16th to the 18th centuries.[157]
Sangha Trinational		CamX Cameroon*  Central African Republic*  Congo* 2°36′34″N 16°33′15″E / 2.609444°N 16.554167°E / 2.609444; 16.554167 (Sangha Trinational)	Natural:CamCen (ix), (x)	7009746309000000000♠746,309 (1,844,170)	2012	[158]
Selous Game Reserve		TanLindi Region, Morogoro Region, Mtwara Region, Pwani Region, and Ruvuma Region,  Tanzania, United Republic of 9°00′S 37°24′E / 9°S 37.4°E / -9; 37.4 (Selous Game Reserve)	Natural:TanSel (ix), (x)	7010500000000000000♠5,000,000 (12,000,000)	1982	The park's vegetation varies from dense thickets to open wooded grasslands, and features large numbers of elephants, black rhinoceros, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles.[159] It was placed onto the list of List of World Heritage in Danger by the World Heritage Committee in 2014 due to widespread poaching, especially of elephants and rhinoceros.[160]
Serengeti National Park		TanArusha Region, Mara Region, and Shinyanga Region,  Tanzania, United Republic of 2°20′00″S 34°34′00″E / 2.333330°S 34.566670°E / -2.333330; 34.566670 (Serengeti National Park)	Natural:TanSer (vii), (x)	7010147630000000000♠1,476,300 (3,648,000)	1981	The vast savanna is known for the annual migration for herds of wildebeest, gazelle, zebras, and their predators.[161]
Simien National Park		EthAmhara Region,  Ethiopia 13°11′00″N 38°04′00″E / 13.183333°N 38.066667°E / 13.183333; 38.066667 (Simien National Park)	Natural:EthSem (vii), (x)	7008220000000000000♠22,000 (54,000)	1978	The eroded Ethiopian plateau comprises jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices dropping about 1,500 m (4,900 ft).[162] The decrease of the walia ibex, bushbuck, and bushpig populations, as well as an increase of the human population in the park prompted the World Heritage Committee to place it on their List of World Heritage in Danger in 1996.[163]
Stone Circles of Senegambia		GamXCentral River Division and Kaolack Region,  Gambia*  Senegal* 13°41′28″N 15°31′21″W / 13.691111°N 15.522500°W / 13.691111; -15.522500 (Stone Circles of Senegambia)	Cultural:GamSto (i), (iii)	7005100000000000000♠10 (25)	2006	The groups of stone circles are among over 1,000 different monuments along the Gambia River. Used as burial grounds, they were erected between the 3rd century BCE and the 16th century CE.[164]
Stone Town of Zanzibar		TanZanzibar,  Tanzania, United Republic of 6°09′47″S 39°11′21″E / 6.163060°S 39.189170°E / -6.163060; 39.189170 (Stone Town of Zanzibar)	Cultural:TanSton (ii), (iii), (vi)	7005960000000000000♠96 (240)	2000	A prime example of an East African coastal trading town, its urban fabric and townscape remains intact.[165]
Sukur Cultural Landscape		Niger2Madagali,  Nigeria 10°44′26″N 13°34′19″E / 10.740560°N 13.571940°E / 10.740560; 13.571940 (Sukur Cultural Landscape)	Cultural:Niger2Suk (iii), (v), (vi)	0 !—	1999	The site features the Palace of the Hidi, terraced fields, and the remains of a former iron industry.[166]
Taï National Park		CoteGuiglo and Sassandra,  Côte d'Ivoire 5°45′00″N 7°07′00″W / 5.750000°N 7.116667°W / 5.750000; -7.116667 (Taï National Park)	Natural:CotTai (vii), (x)	7009330000000000000♠330,000 (820,000)	1982	One of few remaining sections of the West African tropical forest, the park features a rich flora, including eleven species of monkeys.[167]
Tassili n'Ajjer		AlgIllizi and Tamanrasset,  Algeria 25°30′N 9°00′E / 25.5°N 9°E / 25.5; 9 (Tassili n'Ajjer)	Mixed:AlgTas (i), (iii), (vii), (viii)	7010720000000000000♠7,200,000 (18,000,000)	1982	The site is in a landscape with 15,000 cave engravings that record climatic changes, animal migrations, and the evolution of human life, dating from 6,000 BCE to the first centuries CE.[168]
Teide National Park		SpaProvince of Santa Cruz de Tenerife,  Spain 28°16′17″N 16°38′37″W / 28.271389°N 16.643611°W / 28.271389; -16.643611 (Teide National Park)	Natural:SpaTei (vii), (viii)	7008189900000000000♠18,990 (46,900)	2007	The national park features the Teide stratovolcano, which at 3,718 m (12,198 ft) is Spain's tallest mountain and the world's third-tallest volcano.[169]
Timbuktu		MaliTimbuktu Cercle,  Mali 16°46′24″N 2°59′58″W / 16.773333°N 2.999444°W / 16.773333; -2.999444 (Timbuktu)	Cultural:MaliTim (ii), (iv), (v)	0 !—	1988	The city was a centre for the propagation of Islam in the 15th and 16th centuries, and features three mosques and many madrasahs.[170] The sites were deemed endangered after the Battle of Gao in June 2012, which followed several weeks of constant threats to the area. Days later, some sites within Timbuktu were destroyed by Ansar Dine, an Islamist group, citing religious reasons.[171]
Timgad		AlgBatna Province,  Algeria 35°29′03″N 6°28′07″E / 35.484167°N 6.468611°E / 35.484167; 6.468611 (Timgad)	Cultural:AlgTim (ii), (iii), (iv)	7002400000000000000♠0.04 (0.099)	1982	A military colony built by Emperor Trajan in 100 CE, the site features cardo and decumanus streets, typical of a Roman town.[172]
Tipasa		AlgTipaza,  Algeria 36°35′31″N 2°26′58″E / 36.591944°N 2.449444°E / 36.591944; 2.449444 (Tipasa)	Cultural:AlgTip (iii), (iv)	7005520000000000000♠52 (130)	1982	First a Carthaginian trading center, Tipasa was converted into a military base by the Romans. Heavy Christian influences can be seen from the 3rd and 4th centuries, though Tipasa went into steady decline in the Byzantine period.[173]
Tiya		EthSouthern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region,  Ethiopia 8°26′06″N 38°36′44″E / 8.434910°N 38.612100°E / 8.434910; 38.612100 (Tiya)	Cultural:EthTiy (i), (iv)	0 !—	1980	The archaeological site contains 36 monuments, which includes 32 carved stelae covered with symbols hard to decrypt.[174]
Tomb of Askia		MaliGao Region,  Mali 16°17′23″N 0°02′40″E / 16.289800°N 0.044560°E / 16.289800; 0.044560 (Tomb of Askia)	Cultural:MaliTom (ii), (iii), (iv)	7004400000000000000♠4 (9.9)	2004	Built in 1495, the pyramid was built as a tomb for Emperor Askia Mohamed. It represents the power of an empire that controlled the trans-Saharan gold trade.[175] The site was deemed endangered after the Battle of Gao in June 2012, which followed several weeks of constant threats to the area.[176]
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi		UgandaKampala District,  Uganda 0°20′55″N 32°33′05″E / 0.348611°N 32.551389°E / 0.348611; 32.551389 (Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi)	Cultural:UgandaTom (i), (iii), (iv), (vi)	7005270000000000000♠27 (67)	2001	The tombs, built after 1884, are a major example of prime architecture using organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, and wattle and daub.[177] The tombs were almost completely destroyed by a fire in March 2010, prompting the World Heritage Committee to reluctantly mark the site as being in danger. The Ugandan government has since called for the reconstruction of the tombs, and UNESCO has agreed to mobilise funds for the project.[178][179]
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve		MadMelaky,  Madagascar 18°40′00″S 44°45′00″E / 18.666670°S 44.75°E / -18.666670; 44.75 (Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve)	Natural:MadTsi (vii), (x)	7009152000000000000♠152,000 (380,000)	1990	The canyon of the Manambolo River comprises karstic and limestone landscapes cut into peaks and a forest of limestone needles. It also holds undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps, which are the habitat for lemurs and birds.[180]
Tsodilo		BotNorth-West,  Botswana 18°45′00″S 21°44′00″E / 18.75°S 21.733333°E / -18.75; 21.733333 (Tsodilo)	Cultural:BotTso (i), (iii), (vi)	7007480000000000000♠4,800 (12,000)	2001	The site features more than 4,500 rock art paintings in the Kalahari Desert. Archaeological records provide evidence of human and environmental activities ranging over 100,000 years.[181]
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes		NamTwyKunene,  Namibia 20°35′44″S 14°22′21″E / 20.595583°S 14.372583°E / -20.595583; 14.372583 (Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes)	Cultural:NamTwy (iii), (v)	7005570000000000000♠57 (140)	2007	The site has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa, which range from a period of over 2,000 years.[182]
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve		SeyPraslin,  Seychelles 4°19′45″S 55°44′15″E / 4.329170°S 55.737500°E / -4.329170; 55.737500 (Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve)	Natural:SeyVal (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	7005200000000000000♠20 (49)	1983	The natural palm forest is preserved in almost its original state.[183]
Virunga National Park		DemNorth Kivu and Orientale,  Democratic Republic of the Congo 0°55′00″N 29°10′00″E / 0.916667°N 29.166667°E / 0.916667; 29.166667 (Virunga National Park)	Natural:DemVir (vii), (viii), (x)	7009800000000000000♠800,000 (2,000,000)	1979	The park comprises swamps, savannas, and snowfields.[184] Virunga was inscribed on the World Heritage Committee's List of World Heritage in Danger in 1994, due to the war in Rwanda and the subsequent increase of the refugee population in the park, deforestation, poaching, departure of park staff, and depletion of forests.[185]
Vredefort Dome		SouthFree State and North West,  South Africa 26°52′S 27°16′E / 26.86°S 27.26°E / -26.86; 27.26 (Vredefort Dome)	Natural:SouthVre (viii)	7008300000000000000♠30,000 (74,000)	2005	The crater, with a diameter of 190 km (120 mi), is the largest, oldest, and most deeply eroded astrobleme found on Earth, dating back more than two billion years.[186]
W National Park of Niger		Niger1Say Department,  Niger 12°21′N 2°21′E / 12.35°N 2.35°E / 12.35; 2.35 (W National Park of Niger)	Natural:Niger1WNa (ix), (x)	7009220000000000000♠220,000 (540,000)	1996	The park is in the zone between savanna and forest lands, and is an important ecosystem for the biogeographical area.[187]
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)		EgyFaiyum Governorate,  Egypt 29°20′00″N 30°11′00″E / 29.333330°N 30.183330°E / 29.333330; 30.183330 (Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley))	Natural:EgyWad (viii)	7008200150000000000♠20,015 (49,460)	2005	Located in western Egypt, the site contains fossil remains of the now extinct Archaeoceti, mapping the evolution of the whales from a land-based to an aquatic mammal.[188]

See also

• Lists of World Heritage Sites

Notes

References