Top 10 UNESCO countries in Africa: Did SA make the list?

Africa is blessed with an abundance of cultural and natural sites, with many recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and protected under an international convention.

A World Heritage Site has cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Forty-three African countries have at least one World Heritage Site.

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These sites often represent major tourism opportunities. A list of the top 10 African countries with the highest number of protected World Heritage Sites has been compiled by The Independent in Uganda.

Unesco sites Top 10

Tenth Place: Democratic Republic of Congo (5)

The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts a total of five entries on the World Heritage List, highlighting its abundant natural wealth, primarily consisting of wildlife reserves and national parks. Additionally, three more sites are currently under review, presenting potential future additions to the prestigious World Heritage List.

Ninth Place: Senegal (7)

Senegal leads among West African nations, with a noteworthy seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, predominantly of cultural significance, complemented by two natural sites. Furthermore, the country has eight additional sites under review.

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Eighth Place: Tanzania (7)

The East African nation is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, comprising three culturally significant locations, three natural wonders, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area classified as a mixed site. Additionally, six more sites are under consideration for potential UNESCO recognition, emphasising their commitment to preservation and protection.

Seventh Place: Kenya (7)

As the newest addition to the World Heritage Committee, Kenya hosts seven sites, including four cultural and three natural treasures. Currently, UNESCO is evaluating 20 additional sites for potential inclusion, with 15 nominations submitted in 2023 alone.

Sixth Place: Algeria (7)

The North African country houses seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, consisting of six cultural sites and one mixed site. Additionally, six more sites are being considered for inclusion on this esteemed list.

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Fifth Place: Egypt (7)

Egypt features six cultural sites and one natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Notably, the Pyramids are part of the ‘Memphis and its Necropolis’ UNESCO site, showcasing the country’s rich history as a bridge between East and West. With an astonishing abundance of both natural and cultural sites, Egypt has 34 sites under review for potential inclusion.

Fourth Place: Morocco (9)

Renowned for its cultural wealth and diverse heritage, Morocco boasts nine cultural sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage roster as of 2023. Additionally, 13 sites are in the tentative phase as future additions.

Third Place: Tunisia (9)

Tunisia proudly presents nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, predominantly cultural (8), with the Ichkeul National Park being the sole natural World Heritage site in the North African country. Currently, 15 sites are under consideration for inclusion, solidifying Tunisia’s prominent position on the UNESCO list.

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Second Place: South Africa (10)

Ranked second on the continent, South Africa boasts 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, encompassing five cultural, four natural, and one mixed site – the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. The country’s diverse geography and climate contribute to a wide range of natural heritage sites, with UNESCO evaluating two additional sites: the Pleistocene occupation sites and the Nelson Mandela legacy sites.

And the winner is…

First Place: Ethiopia (11)

Ethiopia secures the top spot with 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most recent addition, Bale Mountains National Park, houses the Ethiopian wolf. Other notable sites include the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, the obelisks of Aksum, and the lower reaches of the River Omo. With an overwhelmingly rich list of natural and cultural sites, Ethiopia continues to attract local and overseas tourists, while UNESCO assesses seven more sites for potential inclusion.

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