Am a great fan of documentaries and especially those centred around nature and opera. The large and remarkably consistent filmography of David Attenborough being particularly well known and high in quality, but his documentaries are not the only ones that are good and more. There are many that are just as good, and the 'Wild' and 'Wildest' documentaries are primary examples. For instance 'Wild Russia' is as good a documentary as one can get on Russian wildlife and it's the same for others in both series in their respective subjects.
While there may not be an awful lot new in terms of some of the content, 'Wildest Africa' is still among the best, most comprehensive and most must see documentaries on African wildlife and one of the standouts of the 'Wildest' series. With there being thirteen episodes of the perfect length each, a lot is covered. Yet it never feels like there is too much information given and the episodes don't feel rushed or cluttered.
It is not just the wildlife that's covered, and there is a good mix of big and small, prey and predator and adorable and dangerous. Memorable ones being elephants, baboons and lions. There are a wide range of habitats that include the Nile, the Congo, the Sahara and Madagascar. And also various different weathers, cultures (i.e. the Himba people) and dangers.
This is all handled in a way that is entertaining as well as informative, even though there is familiar territory that didn't stop me from still learning a lot. Primarily with the cultural aspects. Colin Salmon narrates with enthusiasm and sensitivity, his narration adding to any tension and emotion. Especially with the lions.
Visually, 'Wildest Africa' looks remarkable, with all the different habitats seldom looking this amazing on film. It is more than just beautiful scenery, almost all of them are unforgiving too. All the thirteen episodes are gorgeously filmed and makes for moments that are not forgotten in the long run, like with the lions and migrations. How such a lot of it managed to be filmed so intimately with such full impact is anybody's guess, meant in the best possible way. The music rouses and also has edge.
All in all, wonderful. 9/10
