Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage SIte

The Barberton Makhonjwa World Heritage Site protects the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the oldest and best-preserved geological formations on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Located near Barberton in Mpumalanga, the site provides exceptional insight into the early evolution of the planet, including the origins of continents, oceans and life. It consists of a series of protected areas rather than a single reserve and is valued primarily for its geological significance rather than wildlife viewing. The landscape includes rugged mountains, valleys and ancient rock formations, making it an important scientific, educational and heritage destination.