What geographic area did the Bantu migration primarily extend from?

The Bantu migration primarily extended from the southern tip of Africa, where the Bantu-speaking peoples originally began their movement. This migration took place over many centuries, starting around 1000 BCE to about 1000 CE, and led to the spread of Bantu languages and cultures across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

This area is significant because it marks the starting point of a transformation in the demographics and cultures of the continent as the Bantu peoples moved through regions such as East and Southern Africa. Through this migration, they spread agricultural practices, ironworking technology, and a common linguistic heritage, which are crucial elements in shaping the societies they encountered. The movement was a major factor in the population distribution, influencing the societal structures and interactions with various indigenous groups along the way.

Other geographic areas listed do not encompass the origin of the Bantu migration. The Horn of Africa, the Sahara Desert, and the Nile River Valley, while important in African history, do not represent the starting point of the Bantu expansion, rather they are areas that experienced significant changes due to Bantu interactions or other migratory patterns over time.