Top 7 Picks for Safari Documentaries

The charm of animals is unmatched on our planet. From adorable Golden Retriever pups to the legendary wolves of ancient folklore who have now become pop culture icons, animals have captured our imagination for ages. They come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments and have amazed us with their beauty, power, and, of course, cuteness. Luckily, Netflix has a fantastic selection of wildlife documentaries that showcase a wide range of creatures, from the most exotic to the most familiar. Here are ten of the best ones to watch right now.

#1 Disney Nature Elephant

Join a family of elephants on an unforgettable adventure through Botswana’s Okavango Delta in this heartwarming nature documentary. Narrated by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, Elephant is a charming tale of survival in the wild. Follow matriarch Gaia, her sister Shani, and Shani’s son Jomo as they brave the elements in search of food and water. Perfect for kids who prefer story-driven shows, this film offers a fun and engaging look at the annual journey of elephants in the Delta. Watch it now on Disney+ and don’t miss the behind-the-scenes story In the Footsteps of Elephants for an even deeper understanding of these incredible animals.

#2 Night on Earth

Experience the rare spectacle of nocturnal animals in action with Netflix’s Night on Earth. This extraordinary documentary series offers never-before-seen footage of animals from freezing tundras to mysterious jungles, narrated by Samira Wiley. Witness the impressive film-making skill required to capture some of the world’s most secretive creatures in pitch darkness. Perfect for late-night viewing, Night on Earth will satisfy your curiosity about animal night-time routines.

#3 Savage Kingdom

Discover the thrilling world of predators in Botswana’s Savuti marshes with National Geographic’s Savage Kingdom! Follow lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs as they battle for dominance in this unforgiving land. With three seasons already available, narrated by Charles Dance, this epic TV series not only showcases the beauty of the marshland but also the harsh reality of life in the wild.

If you like wildlife in Africa, then Netflix is the way to go. There is one caveat – not all documentaries may be available on Netflix in your region. You will need a VPN to watch Netflix so you can change your region. With VPN for Netflix, you can switch between servers and access more documentaries. One of the best options is VeePN. It offers 2500+ servers, so your choice of documentaries on Netflix would be almost limitless.

#4 The Ivory Game

An elephant is killed every 15 minutes for their tusks, contributing to a thriving illegal ivory trade. The Ivory Game documentary delves into this dark world, shedding light on the devastating impact this industry has on thousands of elephants each year. This powerful film highlights the ongoing efforts to combat this crime and urges us to take action to protect these majestic creatures.

#5 Brothers in Blood: Lions of the Sabi Sand

Mention the moniker ‘Mapogo’ in a South African game reserve and every ranger will recognize the reference. This was a group of five colossal male lions that held sway over the Sabi Sands for an extended period. The Mapogo’s usurpation was unprecedented since no other coalition had ever been documented of this size. Nonetheless, it was the savagery of these lions that set them apart from the rest. The Mapogos were among the most ferocious lions to have ever roamed in the Greater Kruger area. They took down over a hundred other lions, including cubs and females. These lions, without a doubt, were a formidable adversary not to be underestimated.

#6 Relentless Enemies

Explore the fascinating world of the Tsaro lions in the stunning documentary, narrated by Jeremy Irons and directed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Filmed in the Duba Plains concession of the Okavango River Delta, these lions have adapted to their unique environment to become formidable predators. Unlike their Serengeti counterparts, these lions are aggressive and dangerous, often attacking even when the odds are against them. Witness the intense showdowns between these fearsome beasts and the clever, resourceful buffalo who have learned how to survive despite their isolation on a five-year-old island. Don’t miss Relentless Enemies, where the action is always heart-pounding and the stakes are high.

#7 Eye of the Leopard

Discover the incredible journey of Legadema, a tiny leopard from Botswana’s Okavango Delta, in Eye of the Leopard. Witness her struggles and triumphs as she grows from a vulnerable cub to a courageous adult over three years. Watch as she navigates through danger, from escaping baboons to honing her hunting skills. This visually stunning documentary provides a rare glimpse into the life of one of Africa’s most elusive creatures. Rent or purchase Eye of the Leopard on the Wildlife Films website or get your own copy of the DVD on Amazon.

Conclusion

From the legendary Mapogos to Legadema’s heroic journey, there is no shortage of amazing wildlife documentaries from Africa. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling action series or a captivating tale of survival, these shows will surely delight and mesmerize viewers of all ages. So grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the wild.

And that’s your lot for our round-up of safari documentaries. Have you had the opportunity to watch any of these for yourself? Or know of any other safari documentaries that should make this list? Please share your experiences in the comments section below!