Africa has some geographical, historical and natural records that sound exaggerated until the numbers are checked. The continent contains enormous lakes, ancient civilizations, unusual ecosystems, extreme landscapes and cities with skyscrapers that reach hundreds of metres into the sky.

Here are 15 African facts that sound made up but are backed by geographical and historical records.

1. Africa Has Snow Near the Equator

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is only a few degrees from the Equator, yet its summit has snow and ice.

At 5,895 metres, it is Africa’s highest mountain. Here's an article on 10 African Places Where You Can See Snow

2. Lake Victoria Belongs to Three Countries

Lake Victoria is shared by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

It is Africa’s largest lake by surface area and the world’s largest tropical lake.

3. Lake Tanganyika Is One of the World’s Deepest Lakes

Lake Tanganyika reaches about 1,470 metres at its deepest point.

ESA identifies it as the world’s longest freshwater lake and the second-deepest lake on Earth.

4. Victoria Falls Is More Than a Kilometre Wide

Victoria Falls stretches about 1,708 metres across the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

UNESCO describes it as the world’s greatest sheet of falling water.

5. Madagascar Has Species Found Nowhere Else

Madagascar has been isolated for tens of millions of years, producing an extraordinary level of endemism.

National Geographic reports that about 90% of Madagascar’s plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth.

6. Six of Madagascar’s Seven Baobab Species Are Unique to the Island

Madagascar has seven recognised baobab species.

Six occur only on Madagascar, while one species also occurs across mainland Africa.

7. The Sahara Is the World’s Largest Hot Desert

The Sahara covers much of North Africa and is the largest hot desert on Earth.

National Geographic estimates its area at roughly 9 million square kilometres.

8. The Sahara Is Not Just Sand

Despite its popular image of endless dunes, only a fraction of the world's deserts are covered by sand.

The Sahara contains rocky plateaus, gravel plains, mountains and other landscapes alongside its famous sand seas.

9. Zanzibar Had a War That Lasted Less Than an Hour

The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is generally recognised as the shortest war in recorded history.

The conflict ended within less than an hour after fighting began.

10. A Lake in Cameroon Released Deadly Carbon Dioxide

Lake Nyos in Cameroon released a massive cloud of carbon dioxide in 1986.

The gas moved into surrounding areas and caused a catastrophic loss of life. Scientific studies later established the unusual geological mechanism behind the disaster.

11. Egypt Has a Skyscraper Nearly 400 Metres Tall

Cairo is now home to the Iconic Tower, which reaches approximately 394 metres.

The Skyscraper Center currently lists it as Africa’s tallest completed building.

12. Nairobi Has Buildings Taller Than 180 Metres

Kenya’s capital has developed a substantial high-rise district.

The Britam Tower reaches approximately 200 metres, while the Global Trade Center Office Tower reaches 184 metres.

13. South Africa Sent an Invention to the Moon

South African engineer George Pratley developed Pratley Putty, an adhesive that was associated with the Apollo 11 mission.

South African historical records identify it as a South African product used on the Eagle lunar module.

14. Africa Has a Lake Larger Than Some Countries

Lake Victoria covers roughly 68,000 square kilometres.

Its size is difficult to visualise, but it is so large that it forms a major geographical feature spanning three countries.

15. Africa Has a City With a 228-Metre Skyscraper

Johannesburg’s Leonardo rises approximately 228 metres.

The Skyscraper Center currently lists Johannesburg as Africa’s second-tallest city by completed buildings of at least 150 metres, behind Cairo.