Nama Karoo Desert
The Nama Karoo marks the western fringe of the summer rain area. It is wedged between the tree and shrub savannah in the east and the Namib Desert in the west. Rains are scarce (on average 80-220 mm per year) and usually come as a vehement, brief thunderstorm limited to a small area. The air is very dry. Temperatures may soar to over 40 degrees in summer, while they may also drop below zero in winter.
Plant life is dominated by annual grasses, dwarf shrubs and stem succulents such as the quiver tree and milk bush; larger trees are only found along the dry riverbeds. Typical animals are oryx antelope, ostrich and kudu.