Tourism, Accommodation and Historical Attractions in Natal, South Africa

The Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site

Advertise Now -it's Free!

Change text size:

The Requirements

World Heritage Parks are those that possess natural and/or cultural properties that are recognized for their outstanding value to mankind and include:

• an example of the major stages in the earth's evolutionary history
• an example of communities of plants and animals
• an area of superlative natural beauty
• an important habitat of threatened species

In addition, a site should:

• represent a unique artistic achievement
• exert an influence over subsequent cultural events
• be unique, rare or of very great antiquity
• be characteristic
• be associated with beliefs or events of outstanding historical significance

A site should also have long term protection and be of sufficient size to be self sustaining.

Its Meaning to the Drakensberg

Firstly it will increase the recognition of the outstanding beauty of the area which will in turn engender pride which will increase the level of protection for the site.

Secondly, there will be a concomitant increase in tourism related benefits such as funding and jobs.

Why Does the Drakensberg Qualify?

• The Drakensberg is a spectacular example of escarpment formation,
• There is a unique blend of vegetation types,
• More than 190 species of plant occur here and nowhere else,
• There are more than 550 known rock shelters containing more than 30,000 paintings - the richest concentrations of such art in the world.