Question 5: What are the THREE MAJOR Climate Zones of Aftica?

Africa’s vast size means its weather and environments vary considerably, but when grouping its climates broadly the continent is usually divided into three major zones: 1. Tropical Zone – This area, found around the equator, includes regions with high temperatures year‐round and marked wet and dry seasons. It covers both the lush, humid rainforests (like the Congo Basin) and the adjoining savannas, which experience seasonal rainfall. 2. Arid (Desert) Zone – Dominated by extremely low rainfall, this zone covers much of northern Africa (the Sahara) as well as significant portions of southern Africa (such as the Namib and parts of the Kalahari). Here, temperatures often soar during the day and can drop sharply at night. 3. Mediterranean Zone – Found in relatively small, but distinct regions (for example, parts of North Africa along the Mediterranean coast and portions of South Africa’s Western Cape), this zone is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. These three zones capture the major climatic patterns that shape Africa’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.