The thorn savannah is a transition zone of dry savannah and desert, (e.g., the Kalahari in southern Africa). Thorn savannah can be found in East Africa, e.g., in the north and the east of Kenya (with exception of the coastal strip) and in Ethiopia.

The vegetation mainly consists of grass, 1 - 3 m high thorn shrubs and trees with only few leaves that act as protection against evaporation loss. The annual amount of precipitation is 200 - 700 mm. The two dry seasons combined last 7 - 10 months.