Many species are restricted to this zone. Afro-Montane grassland and heath above 1500m and up to 3000m. Mostly along the crest of the Drakensberg. Rugged countryside with erratic but generally high rainfall. Several species are restricted to this biome in southern Africa, but also occur in the Rift Valley and Ethiopian Highlands.
Forests dominated by large evergreen trees, forests contain few mammals but many birds.
Coastal and lowland forests occur along the eastern seaboard, white montane forest occurs in pockets about 1200m. High rainfall is a feature. Fynbos restricted to the south-western Cape, and one of the world's six floral kingdoms. Generally hilly country, dominated by proteas, heaths, restios, and bulbous plants. Receives rainfall in winter only.