The Currents of South Africa

By David Raezer

South Africa’s two prevailing currents — Benguela and Algulhas, which meet at the Cape of Good Hope — make it one of the most dynamic landscapes in the world. Nowhere else are two contrastingly different ecosystems found in such close proximity.

“This Cape [of Good Hope] is a most stately thing, and the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth …”

Sir Francis DrakeAs recorded in the account of his explorations "The World Encompassed" (1628).

Currents (Live)

Winds (Live)

The Currents

The incredible live graphic to above shows the temperatures and movements of the two currents.

Benguela current: a cold, slow-moving current that moves northward up South Africa’s west coast. It is driven by prevailing southeasterly trade winds that create coastal upwelling: the rising of cold, nutrient-rich waters from 200–300 m depth in turn to fuel high rates of phytoplankton growth that nurture an abundant marine ecosystem.
Agulhas current: a warm, fast-moving high-saline current that moves southward down the east coast, its flow directed by topography. As you can see, the Algulhas breaks from South Africa’s coastline at Port Elizabeth and begins its anticyclonic path, turning back (retroflecting) into the Indian Ocean, while spiraling off in select zones along the way.

The Meeting of the Seas

These two currents are effectively the meeting of the seas — where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans come together at Africa’s tip — creating an exceptionally dynamic, one-of-a-kind environment.

Weather: These currents and the associated winds shape coastal weather: the Benguela creating drier, cooler conditions; the Algulhas creating wetter, warmer conditions.
Flora: They shape the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Cape Floral Kingdom, known for its famous fynbos shrubland.
Fauna: They nurture its marine wildlife, which includes Cape Gannets, squid, African penguins, sharks (even Great Whites!), dolphins and whales among many others.

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