There are moments when a film or television series captures the wild so truthfully that it stirs something deeper. A pause. A longing. A sense that it might be time to return to Africa, or perhaps to experience it for the first time.

This season brings a particularly strong line-up of wildlife documentaries and series. Some are freshly filmed, others are trusted favourites returning with new episodes, but all offer thoughtful storytelling and a renewed connection to the natural world. At the heart of it all is Botswana.

Mashatu: Land of Leopards

If there is one wildlife documentary to watch right now, this is it. Mashatu: Land of Leopards is a beautifully observed film entirely shot in Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve. Filmed over three years, it follows the intimate journey of a leopard mother raising her cubs in a demanding and ever-changing landscape.

This is not just wildlife viewing. It is a quiet, patient portrait of survival, resilience and family life in one of southern Africa’s most compelling wilderness areas. Currently airing on National Geographic Wild, it feels especially meaningful for anyone who has travelled through Botswana, or is dreaming of doing so.

For us, it speaks directly to the landscapes we know so well and the stories that unfold there every day.

Pole to Pole With Will Smith. This ambitious series blends global exploration with thoughtful reflection, as Will Smith travels through diverse ecosystems across the planet. The celebrity presence draws viewers in, but it is the scale of nature and the conversations around conservation that linger.

My Best Friend’s An Animal

My Best Friend’s An Animal is Fresh, warm and engaging, this new series explores the bonds between people and animals in unexpected ways. It offers a lighter, more personal perspective while still celebrating the wild.

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, A trusted name in wildlife storytelling, this modern conservation-focused series continues to highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable species and habitats around the world.

Nature on PBS

Nature: With decades of thoughtful storytelling behind it, Nature remains one of the most reliable and wide-ranging wildlife documentary series, regularly releasing new episodes that explore diverse ecosystems and species.

Kingdom

Kingdom: Narrated by David Attenborough, this powerful series focuses on lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas competing for survival in Zambia. It is cinematic, intense and deeply immersive, and continues to feature in current BBC Earth schedules.

Wildlife documentaries have a quiet way of shaping future journeys. They remind us of places we have loved, or introduce us to landscapes we have yet to explore.

What are you watching this season? Which films or series are inspiring your next travel ideas, or bringing back memories of time spent in the wild?