REGIONS OF AFRICA

SAHARA DESERT

Where is the Sahara Desert located? Describe its relative location. It is about 3,500,000 square miles. That is about the same size as the United States (the 48 connecting states).

The Sahara Desert is very HOT, and extremely arid (very dry). The average summertime temperature is in the 90s. It rains fewer than 8 inches per year. WEATHER The weather rarely changes from one day to the next.

WEATHER A person walking through the Sahara on an average summer day will sweat up to 4 gallons in 10 hours!

WATER Finding and storing water while in the Sahara Desert is essential for survival. Desert animals rely on plants for food - as well as water (which is stored in the plant).

OASIS Oases are places in the desert where underground water comes to the surface, either through springs or wells. Oases supply water for drinking, cooking, washing, and also farming. More than one oasis is called an “oases.” Pronounced “oh-ay-cees.”

OASIS People have found ways to live in the Sahara Desert – by building villages and towns around oases.

Early residents came when the Sahara was lush and teeming with wildlife. For nearly 500,000 years, the Sahara has attracted people from throughout North Africa. PEOPLE (of the past) As the region became desert, the Sahara's residents turned to livestock herding.

DESERT TRAVELERS People have traveled across the desert for thousands of years – often carrying goods over long distances. Nomads Camel caravans trading gold, ivory, grain, salt, and slaves made the Sahara the world's first gateway to Africa.

SALT MINING The salt found in the desert was once as valuable as gold!

CAMELS Camels were first introduced to the Sahara around 200 AD as part of trade caravans from the Arabian Peninsula.

CAMELS The camel is perfectly suited to the desert's harsh climate. Its soft feet are aligned so that it can move quickly and easily through sand. It can go for up to 17 days without drinking water or eating. A camel can move at speeds between 8 and 10 mph for 18 hours straight.

SCORPIONS There are 30 different species of scorpion in Africa. 4 of the species are lethal to humans!

HORNED VIPER It is one of the most poisonous snakes of the desert. It can grow to lengths of up to 2 feet long!

MALI

NIGER

DESERTIFICATION The spreading of a desert caused by loss of vegetation and soil moisture. Mostly caused by HUMANS!

RAINFORES T

Where are Africa’s tropical rainforests located? Describe its relative location. Equator

Animals The rainforests of Africa contain about HALF of the entire continent’s animal species. Chameleon Gorilla African Forest Elephant Driver Ants

PLANTS There are an estimated 8,000 different plant species found in this region. Scientists believe to have only identified just 10 percent of the plants living in the Congo rainforests.

Fun Facts About the Rainforest… It rains almost every day in the rainforests of Africa. African rainforests get over 8 ft. of rain each year! Rainforests cover only 7% of the continent.

more Fun Facts About the Rainforest… The rainforests contain plants used to make powerful medicines. The Rosy Periwinkle is found only on the island of Madagascar. This valuable plant is used to create medicines that treat childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer!

SAVANNAS

Where are Africa’s savannas located? Describe its relative location.

When most non-Africans think of “Africa” they think of the African Savanna. SAVANNAS

What is a savanna? Savannas are grasslands with very few trees.

In the African savannas it is warm every day, all year long, and there is no cold weather. Weather Savannas have a wet season and a dry season. There will be many months with no rain, then several months with lots of rain, flooding, and even mud slides. Savannas have a wet season and a dry season.

The wildlife has long been the focus of filmmakers, photographers and writers.

The people survive by hunting small animals and collecting honey and wild fruits and vegetables. The People

The Maasai Although there are many different ethnic groups in the area, few have traditions more colorful than the Maasai. Historically a nation of warriors and herdsmen, the Maasai place great emphasis on courage and valor. Historically a nation of warriors and herdsmen,

The Maasai are also skilled craftsmen. The Maasai Red is used for everything from jewelry to shields to symbolize bravery.