The Wild Chronicles: Africa's Enigmatic Through Top 10 Documentaries

May 3, 2023

"If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa." - John Hemingway

 

a herd of wildebeest walk across the plains

 

Africa, an indomitable land that defies the silence, has long captivated the hearts and minds of those who dare to explore its enigmatic depths. This diverse continent, steeped in tradition and teeming with wild fauna, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the mysteries that have shaped our world. In these films’ you will have a cinematic journey through Africa's untamed soul, as we uncover the stories and legends that have inspired countless documentaries and docuseries on this fascinating land.

Covering an expansive 30.37 million square kilometers, Africa is the world's second-largest continent and boasts an incredibly diverse array of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Home to 54 countries, it is a melting pot of traditions that have evolved over millennia, shaping the unique character of this extraordinary land.

From the Sahara Desert's unforgiving sands to the lush tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, Africa presents an unparalleled variety of habitats that support a staggering collection of flora and fauna. This untamed wilderness has captured the imagination of filmmakers and documentarians, who have endeavored to bring these stories to life through the magic of the screen.

 

a tree on top of a dune in the desert

 

The enchanting realm of Africa has captured the imagination of documentarians and filmmakers providing us with an unforgettable glimpse into the continent's enigmatic depths. As you watch these compelling documentaries and docuseries, you will be transported to a world where the wild reigns supreme and the spirit of adventure beckons.

 

Top 10 Documentaries and Docuseries About Africa:

 

 

Africa

a very cute monkey with long hair staring off to the side

Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this mesmerizing BBC documentary series takes viewers on a riveting journey through Africa's awe-inspiring landscapes, unveiling the captivating tapestry of wildlife that thrives within its borders.

 

I, Afrikaner

two men and three women on the roof of a pickup truck

In the opening scene of "I Afrikaner," director Annalet Steenkaamp converses with her grandfather about their family's longstanding connection to their land. His declaration that it's better to die standing on the land resonates throughout the film, as Steenkamp intimately explores her family's roots and racial distinctions.

 

Hairat

a person holding a hyenna that has it's tongue sticking out

Emerging from the shadows beyond the walls of Harar, an Ethiopian city, a man calls out various names. The faint glow of a flashlight unveils a gathering of spotted hyenas. Set against the backdrop of these striking black-and-white visuals, Elias Shagiz Adonay Tesfaye's poignant poem on love and loss resonates as a haunting lament.

 

Virunga

a person is holding a baby gorilla in a forest

This compelling Netflix docudrama brings to light the valiant endeavors of park rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who courageously battle adversity to safeguard the world's dwindling population of mountain gorillas.

 

Gondwana

insects fossil

Artifacts displayed in Venice's Natural History Museum and arid sediment deposits in Porderone, Italy, frame this exploration of Tuareg culture from a distant perspective. Director Riccardo Giacconi blends geology, family memories, and paleontology to depict Italy's sole Tuareg community. No longer nomadic, these individuals embark on a mystical journey to their roots within their European settlement.

 

The Ivory Game

 

 ivory burning

This captivating Netflix original documentary uncovers the nefarious realm of the ivory trade, revealing the dire consequences this illegal commerce inflicts upon Africa's endangered elephant communities.

 

Dignity

there is a lady sitting down writing on the chair

In the village of Chitima, Mozambique, an orphanage serves as a sanctuary for twenty young women, empowering them to overcome adversity and forge a brighter future. Through their journey, these resilient women challenge traditional gender norms, transcending their roles as mere objects of male abuse, and ultimately attain lives filled with dignity and self-worth.

 

Lampoko

two kids standing next to each other with goat behind them

A young English girl, known as "Lampoko," adapts to life in Bissiga, a humble Burkina Faso community. As the locals welcome her, they remain curious about the potential for mutual learning through interaction. In one poignant scene of this observational documentary, the villagers compare their dark skin to Lampoko's light complexion, reflecting on the marks life leaves on their bodies. This moment symbolizes the beauty of diversity and the power of human connections to foster equitable cultural exchanges.

 

Serengeti

lion and cubs stand in tall grass with sunset in background

An enthralling docuseries that delves into the lives of diverse animal families inhabiting the Serengeti, providing a rare and up-close perspective on their day-to-day challenges, heartwarming bonds, and awe-inspiring triumphs against the backdrop of this majestic ecosystem.

 

Night on Earth: Shot in the Dark

several cheetah walking in the grassy field under an umbrella

This visually captivating Netflix documentary employs groundbreaking camera technology to unveil the enigmatic world of nocturnal creatures thriving in Africa's rich and varied ecosystems. By transcending the boundaries of darkness, it provides an unprecedented glimpse into the fascinating behaviors, unique adaptations, and complex interactions of these often-overlooked species as they navigate their moonlit domains.

 

 

a man holding an item is walking with another man

 

As we venture into the heart of Africa through these extraordinary documentaries and docuseries, we cannot help but be awestruck by the enigmatic beauty and raw power of this wild land. These visual masterpieces, available on platforms such as Guidedoc, Netflix, and YouTube, provide us with an invaluable window into the continent's untamed soul, allowing us to bear witness to the stories that have shaped the world as we know it.

So, whether you stream online or gather around the screen with friends and family, prepare for a cinematic journey that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the untamed beauty of Africa.

 

“Watch more great documentaries on Guidedoc”


Join GuideDoc