UNESCO has officially named Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site. This announcement took place during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, in Paris from July 6 to 16, 2025. This is only the third site in Malawi to earn this important global recognition.
UNESCO’s official documentation highlights the area for its exceptional spiritual, ecological, and historical importance. According to TimeOut, this is particularly relevant to the Lhomwe, Yao, and Mang’anja communities. For a long time, these communities have used the mountain for sacred rituals, healing practices, and initiation ceremonies. “The site bears testimony to the long-standing and ongoing spiritual and cultural relationship between local communities and the mountain.”
Reaching over 3,000 metres in height, Mount Mulanje is not only the tallest point in Malawi but also a national symbol of pride. It has a unique ecosystem, which is home to the endangered Mulanje cedar, as well as endemic birds and reptiles. This feature contributes to its spiritual significance. The mountain also attracts adventure tourists, offering challenging hikes, natural waterfalls, and breathtaking views.
Furthermore, the acknowledgment of Mount Mulanje and other sites globally reinforces UNESCO’s mission to protect invaluable heritage for future generations. For Malawi, this label will help strengthen the eco-tourism, support local cultural identity, and encourage worldwide investment in conservation and heritage education.
The Other Sites Like Mount Mulanje
In addition to Mount Mulanje, UNESCO added 25 other sites to its World Heritage List this year. These additions include 21 cultural sites, 4 natural wonders, and 1 mixed site from various countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Some notable new entries include:
- Maranatha Military Landscapes in India, showcasing fort networks and military architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries.
- The megalithic alignments at Carnac, France, feature one of Europe’s largest collections of prehistoric standing stones.
- The Palatial Centres of the Minoan Civilization in Crete, Greece, reveal aspects of ancient urban life and ritual spaces.
- King Ludwig II’s Bavarian Palaces in Germany which include the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Møns Klint in Denmark is a stunning chalk cliff coastline shaped by glacial and oceanic forces.
- Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, Brazil, is recognized for its biodiversity and prehistoric cave art.
This year’s list has a strong representation from Africa. In addition to Mulanje, UNESCO recognizes
- The Gola-Tiwai Complex in Sierra Leone
- The Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape in Cameroon
- The Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau is noted for its pristine marine ecosystem and recognized as the country’s first UNESCO site
- An extension of South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique
