Africa
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Zimbabwe map · historical landmarks in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has 4 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 3 cultural and 1 natural inscriptions, inscribed between 1984 and 2003. This map of UNESCO sites in Zimbabwe covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Zimbabwean World Heritage Sites range from Great Zimbabwe National Monument onwards; Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas was the country's first inscription, added in 1984; Matobo Hills is the most recent, listed in 2003; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations.
Start with Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Khami Ruins National Monument and Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 4
- Cultural
- 3
- Natural
- 1
- First inscribed
- 1984
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- BUQBulawayo3 sites
- KABKariba1 site
Keep exploring
All 4 sites in Zimbabwe
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Zimbabwe National MonumentThe ruins of Great Zimbabwe – the capital of the Queen of Sheba, according to an age-old legend – are a unique testimony. | 1986 | Cultural | The ruins of Great Zimbabwe – the capital of the Queen of Sheba, according to an age-old legend – are a unique testimony. |
| Khami Ruins National MonumentKhami, which developed after the capital of Great Zimbabwe had been abandoned in the mid-16th century, is of great… | 1986 | Cultural | Khami, which developed after the capital of Great Zimbabwe had been abandoned in the mid-16th century, is of great archaeological interest. |
| Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari AreasOn the banks of the Zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains. | 1984 | Natural | On the banks of the Zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains. |
| Matobo HillsThe area exhibits a profusion of distinctive rock landforms rising above the granite shield that covers much o. | 2003 | Cultural | The area exhibits a profusion of distinctive rock landforms rising above the granite shield that covers much o. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Zimbabwe
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Zimbabwe?
- Zimbabwe has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 cultural and 1 natural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe?
- Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas was inscribed in 1984. On the banks of the Zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe?
- Matobo Hills, inscribed in 2003. The area exhibits a profusion of distinctive rock landforms rising above the granite shield that covers much o.
- Which sites in Zimbabwe are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 1 of the 4 listings is natural: Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas.
- Which UNESCO sites in Zimbabwe are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Zimbabwe.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Zimbabwe?
- The 4 UNESCO-listed sites above are Zimbabwe's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (1984). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Zimbabwean World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 4 Zimbabwean UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.