Africa

Africa takes viewers on a journey through various regions of the continent, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes and the incredible adaptations of the animals that inhabit them.. Narrated by David Attenborough, the series consists of six hour-long episodes that are structured thematically around different environments, ranging from arid deserts to lush jungles and sprawling savannahs.

The first episode, “Kalahari,” features the wildlife of the Kalahari and Namib deserts, including rarely seen nocturnal behavior of black rhinos and fierce battles between male giraffes. It also unveils the mysterious fairy circles of Namibia and the world’s largest underground lake in Dragon’s Breath Cave.

“Savannah,” the second episode, focuses on East Africa, from the Rwenzori Mountains to the Great Rift Valley. It highlights the challenging decisions animals must make in this ever-changing environment, showcasing scenes such as agama lizards daringly approaching sleeping lions and the heart-wrenching effects of drought on elephant populations.

The third episode, “Congo,” ventures into the vast Congo Basin, revealing the diverse life in its two million square miles of jungle. Viewers witness chimpanzees using tools to extract honey, the nesting behavior of rare Picathartes birds, and the gathering of forest elephants at Dzanga bai.

“Cape,” the fourth episode, demonstrates how Southern Africa is influenced by two contrasting ocean currents. It features the courtship of butterflies on Mount Mabu, the struggles of African penguins in the Western Cape, and the rich marine life along the Atlantic coast.

The fifth episode, “Sahara,” showcases the harsh beauty of Africa’s greatest desert. From the isolated Barbary macaques in the Atlas Mountains to the incredible survival techniques of silver ants in the scorching midday sun, the episode reveals how life persists in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

The final episode of Africa takes a broader look at the environmental issues affecting the continent’s wildlife. It profiles the work of conservationists and scientists across Africa, highlighting projects aimed at protecting threatened species and addressing challenges such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Throughout the series, Attenborough’s narration provides context and insight into the behaviors and adaptations of Africa’s diverse fauna, bringing to life the complex ecosystems and the intricate relationships between species and their environments. The series not only showcases the beauty and drama of African wildlife but also raises awareness about the conservation challenges facing the continent’s natural habitats and the efforts being made to preserve them for future generations.