The biggest continent in the world reveals itself in mysterious ways and is home to 129 world heritage sites. Though lesser-known and lesser visited by tourists, these sites are blooming with a mix of mystery and marvel. Africa’s mystery attracts people who chase sensation and adventure in their travel. But what awaits them in the form of African heritage sites are natural and cultural doorkeepers of history, civilizations, a variety of terrains and universe’s secrets wrapped in deserts, oasis, and wetlands.
May 5 was adopted as African World Heritage Day by UNESCO during its 38th General Conference, in November 2015. However, some statistics regarding African World Heritage are a little worrying. For example, this largest continent only has a small share in the list of heritage sites around the world; a mere 12%. Out of these, 39% sites are in danger.
While your general perception of African will dictate that conflict has endangered these sites, fact is that a combination of “climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest and instability” are putting these sites in danger.
Forty out of the total 129 sites are known for their outstanding natural qualities while eighty four are listed as cultural sites, and the remaining five satisfy both natural and cultural criteria. The list is definitely long but lets cut the chase and tell you about the five must-visit heritage sites of Africa.
Old Towns of Djenné, Mali
Almost 2000 houses of the Old Towns of Djenné have survived centuries later; houses which were first inhabited in 250 B.C. This archeological site consists of four villages/towns named Djenné-Djeno, Hambarkétolo, Kaniana and Tonomba. These towns were a market hub of trans-Saharan gold trade and from an architectural point of view, they hold within them the glimpses of Islamic era in the sub-Saharan Africa. The movement of gold traders through these towns made them a center of propagation of Islam as well. In modern day terminology, the houses that have survived were designed in a climate-resilient way. They were built on hillocks (toguere) as a protection from seasonal floods.
Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
Who wouldn’t love a castle on the sandy shores with a view of mighty waters. But what if the castle was used for slave trade? That, precisely, is the short history of the Cape Coast Castle of Ghana. The Castle is the largest standing reminder of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Yet there are good things that happened here too. The first formal education system was born here, in the name of Castle Schools. A tour inside the Castle will definitely offer you some unforgettable views while your walks down the hallways and alleyways will literally feel like a taste of good against bad, and how far the human civilization has come. For the lovers of museums, the West African Historical Museum is also housed within this white Castle.
Meroe Pyramids, Sudan
While the most sought-after pyramids in the world are the pyramids of Egypt but nothing will stick with you longer than walking through a desert, along the banks of River Nile, where 200 ancient pyramids are scattered at small distances, called the Nubian pyramids. This is Eastern Sudan and these pyramids are tombs of kings and queens, who ruled the Meroitic Kingdom for more than 1000 years. It is interesting to note that Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt, though smaller in size than the Egyptian pyramids, but because of active conflict, the site is not attracting tourists in large numbers. Meroe is the most extensive site among all the Nubian sites, and around forty Kings and Queens are believed to buries here.
Ancient Thebes Egypt
Visiting the Thebes in Egypt, you will find yourself transported back to the Middle and New Kingdoms. This place was Egypt’s capital and was known as the city of god Amon/Amun. It lies 700 km south of the present day capital of Egypt. Ancient Thebes was the richest, most powerful, and most important cities back in the day. It was the civilization’s religious center, like the Vatican when the Church had political powers and the secular state wasn’t born yet. The UNESCO designated site spans over two temples; Karnak and Luxor, and a large area consisting of seven named temples or complexes. The site is very popular among tourists and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria
Africa’s marvels are not just scattered across miles of deserts, they are also hidden inside dense forests. One such heritage site is the undisturbed forest in the city of Osogbo in southwestern Nigeria. It wasn’t long since UNESCO recognized it as a world heritage site, in 2005. The recognition has brought the otherwise hidden gem into spotlight. This place is the last remnant of a primary dense forest and as you walk in, you see this giant grove welcoming you into the forest. Some new art has also been introduced in the area while keeping the religious sanctity that people attach to the grove. Back in the day, groves were abundant but most of them have now diminished or completely vanished.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
