What is the Great Escarpment and why is it significant?

The Great Escarpment is a geological formation that runs almost the entire length of the eastern coast of South Africa, extending for over 5,000 kilometers from southwestern Angola to the northeastern corner of South Africa. The escarpment is a massive wall of steep cliffs and high ridges that separates the coastal lowlands from the inland high plateau known as the Highveld.

The Great Escarpment is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is an incredibly impressive geological feature, with towering cliffs that plunge down to the Indian Ocean. Second, the escarpment has played an important role in shaping the climate and ecosystems of southern Africa, creating distinct microclimates and habitats for plants and animals. Third, the escarpment has had a major impact on the history and development of southern Africa, with its rugged terrain making travel and settlement difficult for early human populations.

The Great Escarpment is also home to a number of important natural and cultural sites, including national parks and world heritage sites. These sites showcase the incredible beauty and diversity of the escarpment and its surrounding areas, from towering waterfalls and deep canyons to rare and endangered wildlife.