The eastern African region encompassing Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda and Tanzania is characterized by tropical (Aw) to subtropical climates (Cwa). With the exception of a narrow coastal strip in Tanzania, most of the region can be classified as highland above about 900 m a.s.l. (including the Kilimanjaro, which stretches to 5895 m a.s.l.). Temperature distribution is rather uniform throughout year and ranges between 20 to 25 °C. Rainfall is strongly seasonal. Over the northern parts of the region (located just south of the equator) the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) crosses twice a year leading to two distinct wet periods - the “short rains” in the October to December period and the “long rains“ from March to May. The southern parts of the region experience only one rainy season extending from September/October to April/May. Annual rainfall amounts vary from about 600 mm in some central parts of Tanzania to about 2000 mm at the border between Malawi and Tanzania
