Major Climatic Zones of East Africa

1. Tropical Rainforest Zone

Found along the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, and in western Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. High temperatures (25–30°C) and heavy rainfall (>2,000 mm annually) support dense, biodiverse forests.

2. Tropical Savanna Zone

Covers vast inland areas of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. Distinct wet (March–May) and dry (June–February) seasons. Temperatures 20–25°C; rainfall 500–1,500 mm. Iconic grasslands host wildlife migrations.

3. Temperate Highland Zone

In the elevated regions of Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia (e.g., Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Ethiopian Highlands). Cooler year-round (10–20°C) with high rainfall (>1,000 mm). Supports unique afro-alpine vegetation and intensive agriculture.

4. Desert and Semi-Desert Zone

Northern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti. Hot (>30°C average), extremely arid (<250 mm rain). Sparse vegetation; pastoralism dominates livelihoods.

These zones are shaped by altitude, latitude, ocean proximity, and wind patterns (e.g., Intertropical Convergence Zone, monsoons). They dictate vegetation, farming systems, and human settlement across the region.