Africa

Africa is an awe-inspiring, rich, natural history documentary series that aired on BBC One in 2013. The six-part series was four years in the making and produced by the renowned award-winning team behind Planet Earth, Life and Frozen Planet. The series masterfully blends stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to bring viewers an unparalleled portrait of Africa, a territory that is as vast as it is varied and intriguing.

Africa covers the breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and untouched wildernesses of the continent. Spanning from the fiery volcanic landscapes of South Africa to the serene waters of the Okavango Delta, BBC captures the diverse topography and stunning ecosystems of Africa like never before. Each episode of the series takes us to a distinct part of this massive continent, revealing its strikingly different natural environments and the rich variety of life that dwells within them.

With its signature style of pairing intimate wildlife stories with epic landscapes, the series packs an emotional punch as it presents footage of both unique behaviors and extreme conditions. BBC's Africa is not just about what lies on the surface, rather, it brings forth the secrets of this vibrant continent, taking viewers on a journey into the unexplored corners of the African wilderness, revealing an intriguing side of Africa that many of us have not seen before.

Fronted by Sir David Attenborough, one of the globe’s most acclaimed broadcaster and natural historian, his genius in narrating enriches the content of Africa, making it more compelling to the viewers. Through his insightful commentary, he manages to deepen the sense of awe towards the splendors of the African landscapes and its remarkable inhabitants. Sir Attenborough discovers some interesting facts about the African climate and its effects on the local fauna and habitats, exploring new scientific revelations that were made possible through innovative shooting techniques and pioneering technology.

The cinematography in Africa is both intimate and grand, bringing viewers closer to the continent's scintillating landscapes and critters in unprecedented detail. The production team uses new technology such as ultra-high-speed cameras to capture rapid movements of creatures, hi-tech starlight-sensitive cameras for filming nocturnal activities, and state of the art drones and helicopters to canvass vast landscapes. This presents viewers unprecedented close-ups and panoramas of the far-reaching depths of Africa.

Each episode of Africa is a revelation of sorts featuring a plethora of unique wildlife - the camouflaged hunters on the Savannah, the gorillas of the Congo, the elephants of the Okavango, or the lesser-known creatures like the blind baby rhinos or the lizards that hunt on the backs of lions. The series captures behavioral traits and survival tactics of these creatures that have never before been filmed.

The series does not shirk from presenting a realistic view of Africa. While it shows the majestic beauty of the diverse continent, it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities that some of the animals face, with Sir Attenborough exploring the threats and challenges of living in the wild.

In addition to the main episodes, the series is accompanied by a 10-minute "Eye to Eye" making-of featurette at the end of each episode, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the extraordinary efforts made by the production crew to capture the elusive wildlife footage.

Accompanied by a powerful, evocative soundtrack, every episode finds a perfect harmony, stoking the viewers' sense of wonderment and pulling at their heartstrings.

In conclusion, Africa is an unmatched wilderness adventure, merging superb cinematography, scientific discovery, and emotive storytelling. It presents an immersive viewing experience, transporting viewers into the heart of the African continent, and offering them a front-row seat to witness the enchanting, often surprising, world of its diverse flora and fauna. It’s a series that, in true David Attenborough style, is both enchanting and enlightening and will appeal to nature lovers and general viewers alike. The series is not just simply about observing wildlife, it's a journey, a marvel of our natural world that passionately illuminates the challenges and miracles of nature in the majestic continent of Africa.