Each August thousands of carmine bee-eaters depart their winter feeding grounds in Kenya and fly over 12 000 treacherous miles to be one of the first to arrive at their breeding colonies in the Luangwa valley in Zambia. Before they migrate, the birds must bulk up on insects and greedily exploit the free meals offered up as large game move through the grassland and disturb the invertebrates. Even after their epic journey the minute carmine bee-eaters are not safe from danger and must square off against hungry baboons and fish eagles.
Up Next in Season 1
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MAA05 - Desert Chameleon
To survive in the ancient hyper-arid dune fields of the Namibian Desert, life has had to evolve some rather unique physical traits and behaviour. This is most apparent in the lives of smaller and more secretive creatures, like the Namaqua chameleon. Despite being the world’s fastest and most heat...
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MAA06 - Cape Clawless Otter
Surviving the first few months of independence represents a steep learning curve for one of Southern Africa’s most secretive creatures, the Cape Clawless Otter. Whether it’s learning how to catch and devour slimy, agile prey underwater or impressing a potential mate- these are all vital skills th...
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MAA07 - Luangwa Fishing Parties
In Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, the dry season has all but drained the life force of the once mighty river. Leaving a trail of isolated ox bows in its wake. The shrinking waters are the last refuge for the plentiful fish left behind. And a buffet offering for the hundreds of Nile crocodiles and vario...
