Zimbabwe | World Heritage Explorer

Since 1982, Zimbabwe has participated in the World Heritage Convention. With five inscribed properties, the country maintains a well-established presence on the World Heritage List. Zimbabwe ranks 27th worldwide and 6th in Africa by number of World Heritage Sites. Its inscriptions include cultural and natural properties, representing a diverse heritage portfolio. One of these properties is shared with neighboring countries, demonstrating cooperation across borders in heritage conservation.

Zimbabwe as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention

State Party since: August 16, 1982

Status: Ratification

Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: 1997-2003, 2015-2019

Total of Mandate Years: 10

Total of Mandates: 2

WHC Electoral Group: V(a) (Africa)

World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe (5)

Cultural: 3 | Natural: 2 | Mixed: 0

Great Zimbabwe National Monument · Cultural
Khami Ruins National Monument · Cultural
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas · Natural
Matobo Hills · Cultural
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Natural (Transboundary)

Map of World Heritage Sites

This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe.

World Heritage Inscription Timeline

1984

Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas

1986

Great Zimbabwe National Monument

1986

Khami Ruins National Monument

1989

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

2003

Matobo Hills

Tentative World Heritage Sites (5)

Chimanimani National Park, Eland sanctuary, Rusitu and Haroni botanical reserves · submitted: December 19, 2025
Mavhuradonha Wilderness · submitted: December 19, 2025
Ziwa National Monument · submitted: December 19, 2025
Gonarezhou National Park · submitted: December 19, 2025
Naletale Cluster of Dzimbabwes · submitted: November 27, 2018

Source: UNESCO Tentative Lists

Country Profile Zimbabwe

Official Name: Republic of Zimbabwe

Continent: Africa

Subregion: Southern Africa

UNESCO Region: Africa

Capital: Harare

Population (2024): 16,634,373

Land Area: 386,850 km²

Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL)

Country Data Sources

Links

UNESCO World Heritage Convention: State Party Zimbabwe

About States Parties

States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention. They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.

World Heritage Insights

How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.

World Heritage Info

Background

Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.

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