The variety of landforms and vegetation zones have resulted in a remarkably high diversity of species in southern Africa. These vegetation habitats determined the type of animal species found. The Big 5 Ten vegetation zones cover Southern Africa. The largest zone is the Kalahari Savannah , which comprise of grasslands and small groups of trees and covers most of Botswana, Namibia and part of South Africa.
Deep sands underlie the vegetation.
Fossil dunes, dry river valleys and salt pans. It has no surface water. The second largest zone is the Karoo Schrubland area, which covers most of South Africa. Rugged in parts, with canyons and valleys. Few perennial rivers.