Climate & Vegetation

Climate zones and biomes of South Africa

Climate Zones and Biomes of SA

South Africa has many different climates and vegetation types. The western coast is dry (desert). The east coast is wet and warm (subtropical). The interior has grasslands and bushveld. Each area has different plants and animals suited to its climate.

Example

SA Biomes

• Fynbos: Western Cape — unique shrubs and flowers • Savanna/Bushveld: Limpopo, Mpumalanga — thorny trees, grasses • Grassland: Free State, Highveld — mostly grasses • Desert: Northern Cape — very dry, few plants • Forest: Knysna, Tsitsikamma — tall trees • Karoo: semi-desert shrubs and succulents

Note

Remember

A biome is a large area with similar climate, plants and animals. SA has 9 biomes — more than most countries! Our Fynbos biome is found nowhere else on Earth.

Key Vocabulary

ClimateThe average weather in an area over many years

BiomeA large area with similar climate, plants and animals

VegetationThe plants that grow in a particular area

FynbosA unique type of shrubby plants found only in the Western Cape

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