Top Wildlife Documentaries Filmed in Tanzania

Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity have long made it a favorite location for wildlife filmmakers. From the sweeping Serengeti plains to the lush depths of the Selous and the volcanic majesty of Ngorongoro, Tanzania offers cinematic beauty and raw animal behavior that captivates audiences worldwide. Here are some of the top wildlife documentaries filmed in Tanzania:

Serengeti (BBC, 2019–2021)
Narrated by Lupita Nyong’o, this visually stunning series follows the lives of individual animals in the Serengeti using a character-driven storytelling approach. Filmed entirely in Tanzania, it showcases dramatic storylines among lions, cheetahs, hyenas, baboons, and elephants, providing an emotional and intimate look at the struggles of life in the wild.
The Great Migration (National Geographic)
This documentary captures the epic annual journey of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti ecosystem in search of greener pastures. The film focuses on the harsh realities of survival as these animals face predators, treacherous river crossings, and natural obstacles.
Africa (BBC, 2013)
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this sweeping six-part series includes powerful footage from northern Tanzania, particularly the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Natron. The series showcases rare animal behaviors and the rich diversity of East Africa’s ecosystems, with Tanzania featuring prominently throughout.
The Hunt (BBC, 2015)
Also narrated by Attenborough, this documentary explores predator-prey relationships. Several episodes include footage from Tanzania, particularly focusing on the stealth and strategy of Serengeti lions and cheetahs, as well as the harsh conditions of the dry season.
Dynasties (BBC, 2018)
This series offers in-depth looks at the lives of individual animal families, and Tanzania is featured prominently in the lion and painted wolf episodes. The filming provides a gripping look at leadership, conflict, and survival in the animal kingdom.
Planet Earth II (BBC, 2016)
A landmark nature series, it includes scenes filmed in Tanzania’s savannas and mountains. The episode on grasslands highlights the vast open plains of the Serengeti, with high-definition sequences of hunting lions and the great migration in action.
African Cats (DisneyNature, 2011)
Filmed in Kenya and Tanzania, this emotional documentary follows the lives of a lioness named Layla and a cheetah named Sita, bringing attention to the challenges and beauty of raising young in the wild. The Serengeti serves as the main setting, providing incredible visuals and a heartfelt storyline.
The Serengeti Rules (PBS, 2018)
While this documentary is more focused on ecological science, it features important research and conservation work in Tanzania’s Serengeti. It examines how keystone species help maintain balance in ecosystems, drawing from decades of study in the region.

These documentaries not only entertain but also educate viewers on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation. Through powerful visuals and compelling storytelling, they spotlight Tanzania as one of the last great wild frontiers on Earth.