Watch Nomads of the Serengeti

Nomads of the Serengeti is a spectacular wildlife documentary from Smithsonian Earth that offers an enthralling insight into the lives of the wild animals of Africa's Serengeti region. The documentary series comprises six episodes, each of which takes the viewers on an unforgettable journey through the untamed wilds of the Serengeti.

The series employs state-of-the-art camera technology, which captures stunning photography of the vast grasslands, majestic wildlife, and incredible battles that happen in the wild. The series is narrated by actor and producer Lupita Nyong'o, who imparts her rich voice to this epic wildlife adventure.

The show follows the incredible seasonal migrations of the Serengeti's most iconic animals, from the great herds of wildebeest that roam the savannas, to the formidable predators that prowl the plains, to the smaller creatures that share the land with the continent's mightiest beasts. The viewers will witness how the animals' lives are closely intertwined, and how they adapt to the ever-changing landscape.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nomads of the Serengeti is how it takes the audience right into the heart of the action. The cameras capture up-close footage of the lions on the hunt, and the whispered conversations of the hyenas as they circle their prey. We see the wildebeest as they navigate river crossings, the elephants as they migrate through the savannah, and the cheetahs as they chase down their prey. The shot angles and slow-motion effects elevate the experience of watching the show to the next level.

Another aspect of Nomads of the Serengeti that sets it apart is the show's attention to detail. The creators of the show spent years documenting the Serengeti's vast landscape, which spans over 12,000 square miles. They filmed in all seasons and weather conditions, both during the day and at night, to provide an inclusive view of the region's wildlife. The show helps the viewers understand how the terrain and climate shape animal behavior and how their movement patterns follow nature's calendar.

Several stories from the show stand out. One of the most incredible must be the journey of a young elephant called Shani. The audience watches as Shani struggles to keep up with her herd on their migration, due to her broken foot. For Shani, it's an epic journey, with real danger at each turn, as she faces the difficult terrain, golden jackals, and a group of hyenas that are following her group. This story will undoubtedly leave viewers cheering during the gripping final scenes.

Another popular segment is the story of the cheetah mothers who are looking after their cubs in the heart of the Serengeti. The show follows these mothers as they raise their children and teach them how to capture prey. The footage captures an incredible amount of detail, and viewers can see how the cheetah's teach their young about hunting technique, stealth, and determination. As the cheetah cubs learn to hunt, viewers can see how they become more confident and develop their hunting skills.

The show's soundtrack is another notable feature. The music is a fitting complement to the breathtakingly dramatic scenes. The score was created by Will Bates, who has scored top-notch documentaries, TV shows, and films. His music is enchanting, uplifting, and heart-wrenching, creating a sense of feeling as the drama unfolds on the screen.

At its core, Nomads of the Serengeti gives a strikingly intimate view of how African wildlife lives, dies, and survives in the wild. The show is educational while being highly entertaining, and the cinematography elevates it to an art form. It is an extraordinary documentary, and a great recommendation for anyone looking for a thrilling experience.

Nomads of the Serengeti is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between and on Smithsonian Earth