Life at the Waterhole

Waterholes are vital to the African ecosystem; bustling oases where elephants, lions, leopards and hundreds of other species meet and compete for water. But little is known about how they support so much life. The BBC Studios Natural History Unit and PBS worked with Mwiba Wildlife Reserve and local communities in Tanzania to build the world's first waterhole with a built-in specialist camera rig.

53:58

Part 1

Meet the first animal visitors to a new manmade waterhole in the African savannah. Using state-of-the-art cameras, scientists watch as warthogs and elephants discover the new oasis. But things become dangerous when leopards and lions close in.

S1E1 • 2021 • Nature

54:01

Part 2

Discover how hotter weather impacts the animals, as the waterhole becomes busier in the evening cool. Nocturnal activity brings a new predator out of the shadows: hyena, creatures so elusive it’s hard to know the size of the clan.

S1E2 • 2021 • Nature

54:11

Part 3

Learn how rain transforms the area into a lush grazing pasture, creating an abundance of food. Moderate weather makes it harder for predators, as prey can migrate further. With plenty of food available, mating and birthing seasons have arrived.

S1E3 • 2021 • Nature

Life at the Waterhole • 2021 • 3 episodes • 2h:41m