Africa

Two extraordinary deserts sit side by side in Africa's southwestern corner. Water is scarce, yet these deserts are full of life due to the ingenuity and survival skills of the unique creatures who call this arid landscape home.

East Africa, home to huge numbers of large mammals, features a wide variety of changing climates and terrain. Among the animals featured are lions and lizards that steal flies from their faces, catfish-hunting birds and elephants.

In the Congo rain forest, chimpanzees steal honey from bees and elusive picathartes tend to their chicks. After dark, the atmosphere changes and tiny frogs hide their precious eggs while large male elephants face off in combat.

Two great ocean currents collide off South Africa. The Agulhas current provides moisture to a rain forest, while giant kingfish live in the waters offshore. To the west, great white sharks thrive in the Benguela current.

On the edge of the Sahara, Grevy’s zebras battle over dwindling rivers and mole rats live underground. In the desert, camels and their herders seek water, as do tiny barn swallows. And silver ants have adapted to feed at midday.

A behind-the-scenes look at this stunning show demonstrates what it takes to make a natural-history series and follows the crews as they capture some memorable scenes.