UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia: Marvel The Wonders

By Azure Lee | Update on: Mar 20, 2024

Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife but also for its rich cultural heritage. This African gem boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that encapsulate the nation's historical significance and natural beauty. 

In this article, we embark on a journey to explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zambia. Each tells a unique story that contributes to the global tapestry of heritage and preservation.

Learn About UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia

The UNESCO sites in Zambia result from the designation of 1 cultural and natural site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia and 7 sites on the Zambia UNESCO tentative list. 

There are numerous additional destinations in Zambia that are being considered for UNESCO designation, in addition to the one site on the UNESCO list. These locations, which are on the tentative list, showcase the nation's rich cultural legacy and are awaiting permission to be included to the esteemed and well-known World Heritage Sites list.

We have put together a list of the UNESCO sites in Zambia to help visitors discover these remarkable tourist attractions.

There is 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls is the only place in Zambia that made the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This site is natural and was added to the list in 1989.

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Situated on the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mosi-oa-Tunya, often known as Victoria Falls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is widely recognized for its breathtaking natural splendor. The famous Victoria Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the world, is located here. It is locally referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to "The Smoke that Thunders."

Victoria Falls is an amazing natural wonder - a wall of falling water with a sound so loud it can be heard for miles around. The location is also home to a rich cultural heritage, varied animals, and gorgeous rainforests. Visitors can experience exhilarating sports like white-water rafting and bungee jumping and take in the breathtaking panoramic vistas and distinct ambiance of this amazing natural wonder.

Zambia UNESCO Tentative List

1. Dag Hammarskjoeld Memorial (Crash site)

The Dag Hammarskjoeld Memorial site is located in the Ndola West Forest Reserve, 10 kilometers from Ndola. There is a prominent sign indicating the turn-off for the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway. The memorial is located at the scene of the aircraft disaster on September 17, 1961, which claimed the life of Dag Second, the United Nations Secretary General from 1953 to 1961, who was trying to restore peace to the Congo Republic (now Zaire). 

As a historical landmark, the location was declared as a national monument under notice number 14 of 1970. To guarantee that the memory of this global leader endures forever in the nation where he met his tragic end, the Dag Hammarskjoeld Foundation Committee was established in 1964. A memorial garden was built at the crash site, featuring a cairn in the middle, a lawn surrounding it, and a ring of trees and bushes around the periphery. 

2. Kalambo Falls archaeological site (prehistoric settlement site)

The prehistoric Kalambo Falls town is situated in the Northern Province, approximately 30 kilometers to the northwest of the Mbala district. Professor John Desmond Clark excavated the site between 1956 and 1959. A succession of stone ages, from the early stone age to the iron age, was uncovered by the excavations done in the lake beds. The majority of this sequence was stratified in dwelling floors.

The location was gazetted as a national monument with the designation 454 of 1964. The site is governed and preserved by Zambian legislation under the National Heritage Conservation Act, No. 23 of 1989, same like many other national monuments.

Visitors to this site not only marvel at the natural grandeur of the falls but also embark on a journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of cultures that have left their mark on the banks of the Kalambo River

3. Chirundu Fossil Forest

Chirundu Petrified Forest National Monument contains fossilized or petrified tree trunks from the Karoo period. It is located on Chief Sikoongo's customary territory in the Gwembe District of Zambia's Southern Province, 21 kilometers from the Chirundu border, which divides Zambia from Zimbabwe.

Chirundu Petrified Forest National Monument contains fossilized or petrified tree trunks

4. Mwela Rock Paintings

About 5 kilometers from Kasama town, the Mwela Rock paintings cover the rock outcrops of Mwankole, Sumina, Mulundu, Fwambo, and Changa Mwibwe to the east, and the Lwimbo rock outcrops to the west, 10 kilometers from the town. The paintings are associated with the later Stone Age.

While the middle portion of the site is generally level, the topography is generally somewhat undulating, with deeper soils being more common. The main plateau areas' boundary is partially formed by the outcrops.

The site was designated as a National Monument under Government notice No. 255 of 1964 carrying the name Mwela, and is protected under the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) Act, Cap 173 of the laws of Zambia. Because it is a part of the Kasama Forestry Reserve, which is governed by Senior Chief Mwamba of the Bemba people of northern Zambia, a portion of the region is additionally protected under the Forestry Act.

5. Kalambo Falls

In addition to being the second-deepest waterfall in Africa, Kalambo Falls is also a cultural site with a wealth of archaeological resources. It has continuous waterfalls and a depth of 221 meters.  At an elevation of 1150 meters, the falls are located southeast of Lake Tanganyika on the border of the Tanganyika Rift Escarpment. They are roughly 35 kilometers north of Mbala District in northern Zambia.

In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, the area is significant archaeologically, offering insight into thousands of years of prehistoric human occupation. Reachable by picturesque paths, the falls provide an enthralling encounter that blends the splendor of the terrain with the abundant cultural heritage of the region. Kalambo Falls, which draws tourists looking for both natural beauty and historical exploration, is a monument to the profound geological wonders found inside the Great Rift Valley.

Kalambo Falls is a cultural site with a wealth of archaeological resources

6. Zambezi Source

Mwinilunga, one of the seven districts in Zambia's northwest province, is home to the Zambezi Source National Monument. The Zambezi River Source is situated around 53 kilometers northwest of Mwinilunga in the Mukangala region. The site spans 36 hectors in total.

The site, which is roughly 36.8 hectares in size, was declared a national monument in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 162 of 1983. The location is protected twice: it is part of the Zambezi Source National Forest No. P.80 and was also designated as a National Forest by Statutory Instrument No. 106 of 1984. This forest is one of the fifty (50) botanical reserves chosen as the finest maintained example of major vegetation. It is registered under Section C1 of the International Biological Programme.

The Zambezi River Source is situated around 53 kilometers northwest of Mwinilunga

7. The Barotse Cultural Landscape

The Barotse Cultural Landscape is a huge area of gently sloping open ground, carved out by a network of canals that are periodically breached by the Zambezi River at the peak of the rainy season, which runs from October to May. It is one of Africa's great wetlands and is also known as the Bulozi Plain, Lyondo, or the Zambezi Floodplain. Its outstanding conservation value has led to its designation as a potential Ramsar site.

Visitors to the Barotse Cultural Landscape have the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Barotse people, witness traditional ceremonies, and appreciate the unique architecture and environmental sustainability practices.

To fully immerse yourself in Zambia's cultural mosaic and learn about UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia, consider applying for a visa via our Zambia Immigration Services website. Uncover the wonders of Zambia, from the archaeological treasures to the vibrant traditions of communities. By applying for a Zambia e visa through our convenient online platform, you initiate a seamless process that propels you into the immersive exploration of Zambia's diverse heritage.