Basic Geography – Great Rift Valley, East Africa

East Africa generally encompasses the countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Most of these countries are close to straddling the equator and therefore are home to a huge variety of ecosystems – everything from highlands, deserts, jungles, to open savannas and mountain ranges.

East Africa sits in the Great Rift Valley, East Africa, a geographical area that that CUT A THATwas a result of the separation of Africa and Arabia tectonic plates, stretching all the way from Dead Sea near Syria to Mozambique. As a result, many areas are marked by volcanoes, such as Mt. Kilimanjaro or the Crater Highland in Tanzania, or by a lakes high with a high mineral content. These are usually found in Kenya, such as Lake Magadi or Lake Nakuru.

Lake Victoria, bordering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is the largest lake in Africa, with an area covering more than 70,000 square miles. It’s home to an abundant amount of islands, wildlife, fish, and unique people. Lake Victoria is becoming a major transportation hub, and the fastest growing region, for shipping goods and people between Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Just southeast of Lake Victoria is another geological wonder. Lake Tanganyika, named after the original name of Tanzania, is one of the deepest lakes in the world.

Questions?
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