Africa map-reading and compass activity
Practise compass directions and map symbols using real selected locations in Africa.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- PDF pages
- 2
- Places or points
- 6
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Choose the paper size and version that work for your lesson.
A4 · Colour2-page PDF with source credits and the reference material shown on this page.A4 · Ink-saving2-page PDF with source credits and the reference material shown on this page.US Letter · Colour2-page PDF with source credits and the reference material shown on this page.US Letter · Ink-saving2-page PDF with source credits and the reference material shown on this page.
For printing, select the paper size shown on your download. Check the print preview before making classroom copies. Printing guide
Using this activity
- Use the north arrow and numbered places to answer the direction questions.
- Choose north or south by comparing latitude, and east or west by comparing longitude within this map view.
- Read the symbol key, then check the worked answers on page 2.
What to practise
- Use a compass rose and interpret map symbols.
- Compare the relative positions of source locations.
Map data: Natural Earth. Source snapshot retrieved 22 October 2026; reference geography, not live data. Boundaries are simplified for printing. Sources and licences
