Where is it commonly accepted that Africa begins?

The commonly accepted point at which Africa begins is not at the Pyrenees, as this mountain range is located in Europe, specifically between Spain and France. The traditional understanding is that Africa is considered to start along the northern boundary defined by the Sahara Desert, which serves as a natural dividing line between the more arid northern regions and the sub-Saharan areas rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity.

The Sahara Desert is significant as it spans across several countries and creates a stark contrast in climatic and ecological features. The other geographic points, such as the Nile River and the Cape of Good Hope, do not serve as starting points for the continent in the same context. The Nile is a vital river flowing through northeastern Africa, and the Cape of Good Hope is a geographical landmark at the southern tip of the continent. Thus, the accepted notion is that Africa begins at the Sahara Desert.