Nat Geo Wild Celebrates Untamed Africa With Powerful Films On Species And Natural Landscapes

From the depths of the Okavango Delta to the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean and the rugged rainforests of Central Africa, these documentaries offer a look at some of Africa's most extraordinary species and wildest habitats, says National Geographic.

Premiere programming will include:

Diving with Crocodiles — Sunday,17 August 14:37.

In 'Diving with Crocodiles' cameraman and crocodile expert Brad Bestelink dives into the waters of the Okavango Delta. Without a cage or any other protection, he gets up close and personal with these creatures in this film, says National Geographic.

Madagascar: Africa's Galapagos — Saturday, 23 August at 13:34.

This documentary explores the unique wildlife Darwin missed when he passed Madagascar in 1836, asking how these animals arrived, why predators are so few and what their strange adaptations reveal about evolution. Featuring the lemur that eats cyanide-rich bamboo, a hedgehog-like creature more closely related to elephants and the orchid that led Darwin to predict a moth with a 30-centimetre tongue. Madagascar is evolution's oddest case study. Had Darwin stepped ashore, would it have changed the course of his thinking? Science is still grappling with the same questions today, says National Geographic.

Africa's Secret Creatures — Saturday, 23 August at 14:37.

Journey into the hidden world of seven animals as they navigate the challenges of survival amidst the thorny bush of the Greater Kruger National Park. We uncover the clandestine lives of the Serval, Aardvark, Pangolin, Genet, African Wildcat, Civet and Porcupine, creatures seldom witnessed in action, let alone captured on film. Set against the backdrop of the Thornybush Game Reserve, these elusive beings coexist with the Thornybush pride and the leopards, evading threats at every turn, says National Geographic.

Ragged Tooth: An Incredible Journey — Sunday, 24 August at 14:07.

The Ragged Tooth shark's secret 1 500 kilometre breeding migration along the South African coastline is punctuated with various dramatic beats, predatory events and hardships. For the first time, footage of the actual act of mating is revealed, says National Geographic.

Secret Ways of a Whale Shark — Sunday, 24 August at 14:54.

An ocean odyssey, following in the wake of the largest and perhaps most enigmatic fish in the sea. From the crystal-clear waters of the Seychelles to the frigid, rough South Atlantic seas, take an incredible journey following the world's largest fish as she traverses 6 000 kilometres of ocean, says National Geographic.

Ghost of the Silverback — Saturday, 30 August at 13:54.

A team tracking an elusive 180-kilogram silverback gorilla must journey to a distant war-torn forest to find the holy grail they need to safeguard him and — the rainforest itself, says National Geographic.

Pride in Battle — Sunday, 31 August at 13:44.

'Pride in Battle' is the story of the rapidly growing Xakanaxa pride as it battles to survive through one of the Okavango's harshest winters. Twenty-one adults and cubs now make up the group, and because of such a rapid expansion in their numbers, the adults concentrate their hunting efforts on the prey guaranteed to provide the most food — buffalo, says National Geographic.

Leopards Of Dead Tree Island — Sunday, 31 August at 14:47.

Telling the real-life tale of three leopards in Botswana's Okavango Delta — this is prime habitat for Africa's most secretive big cat. Leopards normally avoid each other but this island is the common hunting ground for all three individuals as they are drawn together by the changing seasons and the movement of their prey. What unfolds is an in-depth look into their lives; following the tension, drama and tragedy, as all three seek a common goal — to dominate one of Okavango's leopard territories, says National Geographic.

Each documentary is carefully selected with an aim to reflect the depth and diversity of Africa's natural world, highlighting behaviours, rare encounters and urgent conservation challenges. With episodes airing back-to-back each weekend, the August premiers offers gripping storytelling and cinematography that reveal the intricacies of life across land and sea. They aim to create an immersive experience for the viewer that is thought-provoking and visually captivating, concludes National Geographic.

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*Image courtesy of contributor