The Great Lakes are located in nine countries that surround the Great Rift Valley.
Earth's surface cracked deeply as Africa separated from the Arabian Peninsula.
These cracks flooded. This geologic process formed the world's largest and deepest lakes.
The African Great Lakes region features a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
The 100-pound Nile perch and 2.5-centimeter (one-inch) cichlid are fish.
Rainforest and savanna plant communities border the Great Lakes.
Wildebeest and other savanna animals drink from the lakes. Hippos and crocodiles live there.