Although this is not a large group of chelonians, they are very widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, both in lakes and rivers and in temporary bodies of water. Several species are also found on Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles.
| Genus | Common Name | No. of species | Location | Notes |
| Pelomedusa | Helmeted/ Marsh Terrapins | 1 | Most of sub-Saharan Africa | No plastron hinge: usually found in temporary water bodies. |
| Pelusios | Hinged Terrapins | 15 | Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and islands in the Indian Ocean | Plastron hinge present. |
Turtles and Tortoises of the World, David Alderton, Blandford, London 1999.
Schildkröten, Gerhard Müller, Eugen Ullmer, Stuttgart 1995.
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa, Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Robert Drewes and James Ashe, Natural World/Academic Press, London 2002.
Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa, Bill Branch, Struik, Capetown 1998.
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