Travel the length and breadth of Africa with this updated guide to the continent’s most beautiful hotels. With a refined eye for the X-factor in accommodation, Angelika Taschen takes us to hidden gems across the continent, profiling each getaway through extensive photography and key information. A treasure trove of inspiration for your next Africa-bound getaway.
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AnimalsTranscript
00:01Life's about taking chances.
00:04For some creatures, it's just getting from A to B.
00:09Every day, plant-eaters run a gauntlet of predators.
00:18But there are some that push their luck.
00:21If they run into trouble, they have nothing but their wits and instinct to guide them.
00:27Luckily, sometimes that's enough.
00:31And when those emergency responses kick in, it can lead to some of nature's greatest escapes.
00:42Safety can be found beneath the ground, at least for a family of hamsters.
00:48They excavated their own palatial estate with multiple chambers.
00:57Now four weeks old, the youngsters are getting a bit big to bunk together.
01:02They need to start exploring the wider world.
01:13Virtually anything green is worth a nibble.
01:28As the little ones complete their transition from milk to an adult diet.
01:34But the outside world can be a dangerous place.
01:59A rodent slayer, a polecat, picks up their scent.
02:11The live predator tries breaking and entering.
02:27This entrance is a bit small, but he has a plan B.
02:36With a bendy body, he moves like a pipe cleaner through the tunnels.
02:58He's in.
03:02The nesting chamber is full of the scent of hamsters.
03:05But the litter has gone.
03:07...
03:11.
03:16.
03:21.
03:23.
03:27.
03:33the natural world is full of escape artists and they deploy all manner of
03:42tricks to get out of a tight spot the Amazon jungle is full of deadly hunters
03:49some might run from the threat but not this cool customer
04:03a snake flicks out its tongue to gather scent and locate its prey but its vision is based on
04:11movement it can smell the frog but as long as it keeps still the snake can't see it
04:33it escapes unseen some larger animals rely on the same technique roe deer fawns are weak and
04:52vulnerable at birth mother keeps a close eye on the baby but when she needs to feed she relies on
05:00the fawn to sit tight lying low and waiting for her to return but the little ones fidgety
05:14mum spots danger from the bushes her barks are clear instruction to her fawn it needs to hide
05:22the fox has caught a scent luckily its cover has worked the fox settles for a mouse
05:43and the fawn can make its way home
06:01an African riverbank doesn't look like a good
06:31place to lay delicate eggs but this is the nesting site for a nile crocodile
06:43the hippo heavyweights are not interested in the clutch only in a sunny spot on the bank where they
06:49can rest
06:49another close call
06:59another close call
06:59illusions
07:10escapes aren't always executed by running
07:15an adder is on the prowl
07:17But weighing less than a coin, the tiny harvest mouse can even climb blades of grass.
07:47It's soon out of reach of the snake.
08:10On the grasslands of East Africa, a cheetah mother stands guard while her cubs play.
08:17The cubs are well fed and contented, but having the remains of their last meal nearby is making
08:25their mother nervous.
08:39An easy meal rarely goes unnoticed on the plains.
08:58She watches nervously as the vultures descend.
09:04The birds fight angrily with each other, but they are not a threat to the cheetahs.
09:09However, the squabbling flock is like a beacon to other scavengers.
09:15The heavier hyena has a bone-crushing bite force that would make short work of the cubs.
09:23Cheetahs are built for speed.
09:25Unlike other cats, they lack retractable claws and so are less adept at climbing.
09:32But with the threat from below, they scramble out of reach.
09:41Luckily, the hyenas kept busy chasing vultures.
09:47And with the coast clear, the family can make their escape.
10:12One of the biggest survival challenges is winter itself.
10:16Some animals migrate or hibernate to escape the cold.
10:20But for those who are left behind, it's tough.
10:24Food is in short supply.
10:27And every opportunity to eat must be taken.
10:40With its built-in feathery snowshoes, the ptarmigan is light on its feet.
10:48For a hungry fox, it's too inviting to resist.
11:00But when it comes to quick getaways, the ptarmigan leaves the fox with an empty stomach.
11:14In this land of ice, another winter wanderer has a lucky break.
11:39With its sensitive nose, the mink discovers the body of a fish.
11:45In a land of ice, every meal counts.
11:50But it doesn't go unnoticed.
11:59A buzzard drops in for lunch.
12:27Luckily, the mink has emergency exits for times like this.
12:37In the scrubland forests of Africa, another hunter is on the prowl.
12:45The continent's largest snake, a rock python.
12:49This one's about five metres long.
12:51But its relatives have been known to reach an incredible 7.5 metres.
12:58Pythons are excellent climbers.
13:00Using muscular contractions of their bodies and rows of angled scales on their bellies
13:04to grip any surface.
13:12The flicking tongue tastes the air, its primary way of locating food.
13:20Like all snakes, it lacks ears, but can feel vibrations through its body.
13:28Pythons don't have fangs or venom like smaller snakes.
13:31They are constrictors, using their powerful bodies to squeeze their prey.
13:39And the loose bones of their skull are hinged so they can expand their jaws and swallow animals
13:44many times the size of their own heads.
13:47Prey up to the size of antelope and wild pigs can be on the menu.
13:51So all the creatures of the forest watch out for this deadly threat.
14:02Guinea fowl are like wild chickens and are the perfect snack to many African predators.
14:09To try and combat the threat, they live in noisy flocks, clucking to help keep the group together.
14:19As they feed, there is always at least one bird on the lookout for danger.
14:31The python picks up their scent.
14:40Pits around the end of his nose can detect the heat of his warm-blooded prey, helping
14:45him hone in on his target.
15:15His eyes are cloudy as he is preparing to shed his skin, something reptiles do throughout
15:20their lives as they grow.
15:24He is totally dependent on his other senses.
15:30But the guinea fowl don't flee.
15:39They want to tackle the threat head on.
15:42If they can see the snake, it's harder for it to lunge and take them by surprise.
15:51With its compromised senses, it can't tell where one bird ends and the next begins.
16:06Perhaps intimidated by this show of solidarity, the python is hesitant about attacking.
16:10Teamwork has led to an escape for the guinea fowl.
16:26And the snake retreats to the mud to help soak off its dead skin.
16:45The South American summer drains its grasslands.
17:14Fish are caught out in the shallows and soon all manner of fish eaters arrive to take advantage
17:19of them.
17:21fish are caught out in the shallows.
17:28The top predators, armed with power-tooth-filled jaws, are the caiman.
17:45The crocs line up, corralling the fish together.
17:52A few fish escape one set of jaws, but likely leap into another.
18:04.
18:23But they are not the only killer in the swamp.
18:37The jaguar, the muscular big cat of South America.
18:47Here, the hunter can easily become the hunted.
18:53I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
18:56I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
19:00Only the alert will escape.
19:07Only the alert will escape.
19:37Cliffs towering over the Arctic seas are alive with nesting seabirds.
19:49The long hours of sunlight bring creatures from all over the world.
19:54Birds cling to every ledge.
20:00But even in the Arctic summer, the weather is unpredictable.
20:22And when sea ice is washed against the shore, it creates a problem for baby birds.
20:29Something that doesn't go unnoticed by an Arctic fox.
20:36A muir chick has leapt from the cliff.
20:40Not yet ready to fly, it intended to jump into the sea.
20:46Now escorted by its father, it's a race for life.
20:57The conduct to water, the chicks in its element.
21:04And the fox must return to its own.
21:24Many birds nest high to be out of the reach of predators.
21:27But for some youngsters, that can mean a scary journey down.
21:35Barnacle geese, another Arctic cliff nester.
21:41But living further inland, they now have the challenge of getting their young to water.
21:49They are running out of time.
21:51The local gulls have spotted the fragile goslings.
21:55Trapped against the cliffs, they are an easy target.
22:01The parents do their best to drive them away.
22:10It's time to go.
22:11And there is only one escape.
22:13Down.
22:14Down.
22:15Down.
22:16Down.
22:17Down.
22:18Down.
22:19Down.
22:20Down.
22:21Down.
22:22Down.
22:23Down.
22:24Down.
22:25Down.
22:26Down.
22:27Down.
22:28Down.
22:29Down.
22:30Down.
22:31Down.
22:32Down.
22:33Down.
22:34Down.
22:35Down.
22:36Down.
22:37Down.
22:38Down.
22:39Down.
22:40Down.
22:41dizzy but all in one piece the geese can't be everywhere at once and now
22:50with more of their clutch at the bottom than the top they must keep the family
22:54moving
23:20gosling hesitated too long but four out of five have made it
23:44once they've reached water their chances of survival increase a quick getaway is
23:50what it's all about
23:51grasshoppers are a tasty treat to many insect eaters and so need to keep their wits about them
24:04a green lizard
24:06but the crickets legs are like a coiled spring
24:13when folded its knee joint is under tension storing up energy so when the leg is relaxed
24:22the tension can catapult it into the air its meter leap would be the equivalent of a human
24:29jumping 40 meters from a standing position but if the hop doesn't outsmart the attacker then it also
24:36has a pair of wings to assist in its getaway not all crickets of wings an easy option for the lizard
24:45many of the greatest escapes are to evade a predator
25:01it doesn't look like it would be too hard to get away from a sleepy wildcat
25:10but the scramble of squirrels brings him instantly to his senses
25:23the acrobatic rodents are perfectly at home on the vertical trunks using needle sharp claws to grip the bark
25:39the cat makes his approach
26:07but the inhabitants of the tree are wary still the squirrels must keep active hiding the nuts that
26:16will see them through winter with padded feet you can stalk in silence the cat can leave three meters
26:25into the air but he still can't outpace the speedy squirrel
26:40in Japan seeker deer can also use water to escape but they must return to the hillside to graze the autumn rut
26:51has begun and the herd has hormones on their minds
27:06young bucks are starting to practice their sparring techniques they don't notice a bear family nearby
27:12with two hungry mouths to feed it's a constant struggle for the mother to find enough food especially
27:21now as summer's drawing to an end
27:24the bears will sleep through winter but need to build up their fat reserves in order to make it through their slumber party
27:39a deer would offer a meaty feast that would boost the baby's bodies readying them to retire
27:46readying them to retire
27:48but the cubs don't seem to understand the importance of stealth
27:53the mum makes a last-ditch attempt but the games up
28:00the bears have blown their cover and the deer make their escape
28:08the bears have blown their cover and the deer make their escape
28:15to run back
28:31she tries once more
28:33bears can run as fast as a horse
28:36but uphill she can't catch up with the agile deer
28:39deer.
28:48The bears will have to turn their attention to leaves and berries, meals that are much
28:52less likely to escape.
29:08A peaceful scene on the African savannah. A small herd of wildebeest and zebra make their
29:14way to a water hole. But they are being watched. Not just by the giraffes, but by a pride of
29:27lions as well.
29:57The pack hunters are setting an ambush, spreading out to trap the herd. A coordinated attack
30:11that few animals could escape. Unless they have some help from the outside. Herd animals
30:23often stick close to giraffes. Like watchtowers, they are excellent at keeping an eye on goings
30:30on.
30:53They spot the unfolding plan.
31:18With advanced warning of the attack, the entire herd has the chance to make tracks.
31:29It is always good to have friends in high places when you are plotting an escape.
31:37The hungry lions can but watch as their lunch walks off.
32:02A stormy night has kept a litter of fox cubs inside their den to escape the weather.
32:23Though over a month old, everything still seems new and frightening to the young foxes.
32:32It takes their mother's milk to lure them out into the morning sun.
32:39They only have a few weeks left of this rich food supply and so lap it up.
32:46But as their interests start turning towards solid foods, so too does their sense of independence
32:53grow.
32:54If they are not playing using each other as target practice, then they are exploring the woods
33:00and looking for prey.
33:31the experimental cub tries the same.
33:32And the experimental cub tries the same.
33:38They are looking for prey.
33:39But the rustling of a mouse is a target too tempting for any fox cub to ignore.
33:45The pursuit is leading him further from the den and the woods can be a dangerous place.
34:12The lynx often prey on young foxes.
34:21But luckily, the family have a bolt hole where they can escape.
34:37The smaller you are, the more you have to watch your back or find someone to watch it for
34:44you.
34:45Meerkats are all about cooperation.
34:48And it's just as well.
34:50The plains in Namibia are full of danger.
34:53When eagles are overhead, the troops take shelter in their extensive burrow system.
34:59With just a brave sentinel watching the enemy and letting the rest of the gang know when
35:03it's safe to emerge.
35:05But there is a far greater foe in the neighbourhood.
35:14A jackal gets everyone on edge.
35:26The meerkats almost seem to be playing a game of chicken.
35:29They need to keep the predator in sight, but not go too far from their nearest bolt hole.
35:42The jackal needs an element of surprise if it's to succeed and tries to conceal itself in
35:48the long grass.
35:52But the meerkats know its tricks.
36:10The little dog's cunning is no match for the colony's combined forces.
36:15By the time it reaches the den, the troops are safely underground.
36:36They have multiple tunnels and chambers, keeping them well out of harm's way.
36:44They have multiple tunnels, keeping them well out of harm's way.
37:03Success for any predator is far from assured.
37:07Dozens of migrating wildebeest crowd the water hole.
37:20Crammed close together, their many hooves kicking up dust, they can barely make out their surroundings.
37:27The perfect time for an ambush.
37:30Even the king of beasts sometimes gets it wrong.
37:39The water hole is the perfect place for an ambush.
37:45With thick scrub, the cats can spread out among the herd, unseen.
37:54The migrating wildebeest are thirsty.
37:57Getting to water is the only thing on their minds.
38:00But they are not the only animals around the water hole.
38:04There are eyes in the skies, or at least the canopy.
38:07Sharp-eyed birds and monkeys sound the alarm.
38:13Chaos breaks out, and the lions are unable to regain their advantage.
38:19For the herd, it's a lucky escape.
38:32A 75-year-old son.
38:33A 75-year-old son, a 78-year-old son.
38:34A 70-year-old son.
38:35They are not the only animals in the first-year-old son.
38:36A 70-year-old son.
38:40A 70-year-old son will be gone.
38:42In the last-year-old son has been killed.
38:43That is a very important thing in the season.
38:44A 71-year-old son has killed a seven-year-old son.
38:57Plant eaters can't afford to drop their guard, but they've got to put their heads down to eat.
39:27They've got herd mates to keep an eye out for him. This Grant's gazelle hangs out by some ostriches.
39:42With long necks and huge eyes, they are usually quick to spot danger.
39:52The mother cheetah is feeling the pressure to make a kill. She has hungry mouths to feed.
40:04The perfect getaway.
40:13The disappointed cubs wonder where dinner is.
40:16Predators kill to make a living. But for every kill they make, many other potential victims will get away.
40:34Many more deaths will be killed against the men.
40:38Predators kill to make a living. But for every kill they make, many other potential victims will get away.
40:48Let's go.
41:18The rest of the herd continue their journey, but at the base of the food chain, the wildebeest
41:38are going to need more than luck on their sides if they are to survive the migration.
41:48Living near the equator, water is everything.
42:08It drives the animal's movements.
42:10But the same life-giving liquid can hide a deadly surprise.
42:15Every time they encounter a waterhole they pile in, hundreds of thirsty animals block each
42:39other into ever tighter spaces.
42:46But it's not a good idea to block your escape route.
42:57They seem to sense the danger.
42:59They are alert and nervous, but also thirsty.
43:04The crocodiles know they just need to bite their time.
43:16The bull fights with all his might.
43:38Other crocodiles are drawn in to help dispatch the victim.
43:50It seems that all is lost.
44:06But the crocodile lets go.
44:08A lucky escape.
44:09Perhaps it just wasn't this bull's time.
44:21Happy from the attack, the wildebeest are expecting the next strike.
44:25But they can't resist the urge to quench their thirst.
44:30Sooner or later, they must drink.
44:38And this time, the crocodiles are not so forgiving.
45:06And this time, the crocodiles are not so forgiving.
45:34With top speeds of more than 20 kilometers per hour and over 2,000 kilos of pressure in its bite, the crocodiles are relentless.
45:43And what should this?
45:49And what is this?
45:52I saw you for the most.
45:53Let's go.
46:23But even for all the crocodile's might, there are still escapees.
46:53The young wildebeest leaps for all it's worth.
47:17We can't win them all. Even the most effective predators have bad days.
47:25There will always be great escapes.
47:29We can't win them all.
47:39We can't win them all.
47:49We can't win them all.
48:01We can't win them all.