Physical Features of

Africa

Sahara Desert
Large desert that extends
across most of the
northern 1/3rd of Africa.
The United States will fit
inside the Sahara Desert.
Spans 14 African
countries.
Receives almost no
rainfall.

The Sahel
Semi-dry region that
runs across northcentral Africa,
along the southern
edge of the Sahara.
Mostly sparse
grasses and thorny
bushes.

Nile River
Longest river in
the world.
Runs from the
mountains of
Ethiopia northward
to empty into the
Mediterranean Sea.

Ethiopian Highlands
Known as the "Roof
of Africa" due to its
mass of mountains
in Ethiopia, Eritrea
and Somalia.
Even though it is
close to the equator,
cooler temps are
found because of its
higher elevations.

Horn of Africa
A peninsula in East
Africa, also known as
the Somali Peninsula
(because of an ethnic
group who lives here).
Contains over 200
species of mammals
and over 5000
species of plants.

Gulf of Aden
Important part of
the Suez Canal
shipping route
Known for its acts
of piracy.

Great Rift Valley

Rift: A huge "crack" in
the earth.
Formed by divergent
plates.
Runs from the Red Sea,
4,000 miles south
through Tanzania.

Lake Victoria
Largest lake (by area) in
Africa.
2nd largest freshwater lake by
surface area in the world
(only behind Lake Superior, in
Michigan!)
Spans three countries: Kenya,
Uganda and Tanzania.
Lies between the east and west
portions of the Great Rift
Valley.
Supports Africa's largest inland
fishery.

Serengeti Plain
East of Lake Victoria, in
Tanzania.
A grassland region, or
savanna that is home to
zebras, lions and giraffes.
Twice a year, 2 million
animals migrate across the
plain. (North in the spring
and south in the fall)
Inspiration for the movie
"The Lion King."

Mt. Kilimanjaro
The highest
mountain in Africa.
Tallest freestanding
mountain in the
world at over
19,000 ft.
Actually, a dormant
volcano.

Congo Basin
A river valley that
surrounds the Congo
River, the 2nd longest
river in Africa.
Travel is not easy due
to many waterfalls.
Used for
hydroelectric power.

Cape of Good
Hope
The southwest tip
of Africa.

Home to a
preservation park,
with rugged and
wild, yet beautiful
scenes.