Final answer:
The Swahili trading ports were limited by the capabilities of the dhows in rough waters and the weakening of monsoon winds in the southern regions of the coast of Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trading ports of the Swahili coast did not extend along the full length of the coast of Africa primarily due to geographic limitations. The standard ships of the region, known as dhows, were not capable of handling the rougher waves near the southern tip of the continent. Moreover, the monsoon winds, which facilitated much of the maritime trade, became weaker the farther south they traveled. These natural barriers prevented the establishment of trading ports throughout the entire coastline.