ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
Location: Northern Cape, South Africa
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is a vast area of sand dunes and rocky outcrops located in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. It is home to the ǂKhomani San people, one of the oldest indigenous communities in the world, who have lived in the area for over 100,000 years. The landscape is significant as a living testament to the traditional culture and way of life of the ǂKhomani San people.
Prominent Features: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is characterized by its unique desert environment, which includes sand dunes, salt pans, and rocky outcrops. The landscape is also home to numerous important cultural sites, including rock art sites, burial grounds, and traditional hunting and gathering grounds.
History: The ǂKhomani San people have lived in the Kalahari Desert for over 100,000 years. They have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the landscape and the environment. However, their traditional way of life has been threatened by a number of factors over the years, including colonialism, forced removals, and the loss of land and resources.
Fun Fact: The ǂKhomani San people are famous for their knowledge of the Kalahari Desert and their ability to survive in this harsh environment. They have traditionally lived as hunters and gatherers, and have developed a deep understanding of the plants and animals of the area.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the ǂKhomani San community and learn about their traditional way of life, including hunting and gathering techniques, cultural practices, and beliefs. Visitors can also explore the unique desert landscape of the area, including sand dunes, salt pans, and rocky outcrops.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, near the border with Namibia and Botswana. The nearest town is Upington, which has an airport and is located approximately 270 kilometers from the ǂKhomani San community. Visitors can hire a car or join a guided tour to reach the area. Public transport is limited
Where to Stay: There are a few different options for accommodation in the area, including camping sites, guesthouses, and lodges. Some of the recommended places to stay include the Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve, the Kgalagadi Lodge, and the Kokerboom Motel.
Next Stop: Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is a vast area of sand dunes and rocky outcrops located in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. It is home to the ǂKhomani San people, one of the oldest indigenous communities in the world, who have lived in the area for over 100,000 years. The landscape is significant as a living testament to the traditional culture and way of life of the ǂKhomani San people.
Prominent Features: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is characterized by its unique desert environment, which includes sand dunes, salt pans, and rocky outcrops. The landscape is also home to numerous important cultural sites, including rock art sites, burial grounds, and traditional hunting and gathering grounds.
History: The ǂKhomani San people have lived in the Kalahari Desert for over 100,000 years. They have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the landscape and the environment. However, their traditional way of life has been threatened by a number of factors over the years, including colonialism, forced removals, and the loss of land and resources.
Fun Fact: The ǂKhomani San people are famous for their knowledge of the Kalahari Desert and their ability to survive in this harsh environment. They have traditionally lived as hunters and gatherers, and have developed a deep understanding of the plants and animals of the area.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the ǂKhomani San community and learn about their traditional way of life, including hunting and gathering techniques, cultural practices, and beliefs. Visitors can also explore the unique desert landscape of the area, including sand dunes, salt pans, and rocky outcrops.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, near the border with Namibia and Botswana. The nearest town is Upington, which has an airport and is located approximately 270 kilometers from the ǂKhomani San community. Visitors can hire a car or join a guided tour to reach the area. Public transport is limited
Where to Stay: There are a few different options for accommodation in the area, including camping sites, guesthouses, and lodges. Some of the recommended places to stay include the Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve, the Kgalagadi Lodge, and the Kokerboom Motel.
Next Stop: Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape