National Geographic has unveiled the official trailer and premiere date for Africa Earth’s Wild Home, a seven-part natural history series that showcases the continent’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems through cutting-edge filmmaking technology and computer-generated imagery.
Presented by Rolex, the series will premiere on National Geographic on 2 October, followed by its streaming debut on Disney+ and Hulu on 3 October.
The series marks the beginning of an ambitious multi-year franchise that will explore the natural world continent by continent at a time of rapid environmental and ecological change. The production combines National Geographic’s natural history expertise with the National Geographic Society’s global network of Explorers and scientists, alongside Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative.
Filmed over nearly four years across almost 30 countries, Africa Earth’s Wild Home captures rare wildlife behaviour and species rarely seen on camera. Highlights include the elusive black rain frog, Congo hyenas hunting elephants after dark, a rare wild African black panther and chimpanzees using specialised tools to feed on algae.
Across seven episodes, the series journeys through Africa’s deserts, forests, jungles, mountains and islands, examining the unique relationship between the continent’s diverse environments and the animals that inhabit them. The programme explores themes of adaptation, resilience and survival, while advanced filming techniques and CGI reveal the geological and environmental forces that have shaped Africa’s landscapes.
Each episode will conclude with an Explorer Spotlight, highlighting the scientists, photographers and National Geographic Explorers behind the discoveries featured in the series. Among those profiled are Rolex National Geographic Perpetual Planet Explorers Steve Boyes, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Matt Shirley and Ingi Agnarsson.
The final episode shifts the focus from wildlife to the people working to protect it. Featuring African conservation leaders, researchers and community-led initiatives, the finale highlights local efforts to safeguard the continent’s ecosystems and wildlife while showcasing the partnerships driving conservation on the ground.
The series builds on a partnership between National Geographic and Rolex that spans more than 70 years. Since 2019, their National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions programme has supported Explorer-led scientific research, conservation and storytelling around the world.
Academy Award nominee Wunmi Mosaku, known for her roles in Sinners, Loki and Lovecraft Country, serves as executive producer and narrator. She guides audiences through stories of wildlife survival and adaptation, as well as the work of the people dedicated to protecting Africa’s natural heritage.
Commenting on the series, Courteney Monroe, President of National Geographic, said: “Africa is home to some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife and dramatic landscapes, and Africa Earth’s Wild Home captures them through breathtaking, blue-chip landmark natural history storytelling. Across seven extraordinary episodes, the series reveals never-before-seen behaviours, explores the forces that shaped the continent and celebrates the remarkable ways life adapts and thrives.”
Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Rolex, added that the series represents a new chapter in the company’s long-standing relationship with the National Geographic Society, highlighting the importance of understanding and protecting Africa’s fragile ecosystems.
Africa Earth’s Wild Home is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit for National Geographic. Simon Blakeney serves as executive producer for BBC Studios NHU, while Pam Caragol is executive producer for National Geographic. Janet Han Vissering is Senior Vice President of Production and Development, and Tom McDonald is Executive Vice President of National Geographic Content.
