World Heritage Identification Number: 1575
World Heritage since: 2018
Category: Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇿🇦 South Africa
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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Unraveling the Geological Secrets of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, nestled in northeastern South Africa, have captivated scientists and researchers for decades due to their exceptional significance in understanding Earth's history. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, this region represents a unique window into the planet's earliest chapters, offering insights into various geological phenomena that shaped our world.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Situated in north-eastern South Africa, the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains comprises 40% of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s oldest geological structures. The property represents the best-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock dating back 3.6 to 3.25 billion years and forms a diverse repository of information on surface conditions, meteorite impacts, volcanism, continent-building processes and the environment of early life.
Encyclopedia Record: Makhonjwa Mountains
The Makhonjwa Mountains or Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains are a range of small mountains and hills that covers an area of 120 by 60 kilometres, about 80% in Mpumalanga, a province of South Africa, and the remainder in neighbouring Eswatini. It constitutes 40% of the Barberton Greenstone Belt.Additional Site Details
Area: 113,137 hectares
Coordinates: -25.9738888889 , 31.0138888889
Image
© Dion Brandt. Used with permission.
