Africa's Hidden Kingdoms: Series 1

The Drakensberg is a gargantuan range of pointy peaks that cuts across the South African plains, more than living up to its Zulu name Ukhahlamba - or 'Barrier of Spears.' Take an exhilarating journey among its massive sandstone buttresses, grass-covered slopes, and wealth of diverse wildlife.

On the western coast of South Africa, a unique desert landscape experiences the contrasts of a punishing 10-month dry period, followed by a brief flurry of rain and floral bloom. Follow the speckled padloper, mole snake, and other species that call Namaqualand home, as they celebrate their reward for months of resilient survival.

For the wildlife of South Africa's rugged coastline, life is a constant balance of extremes. While some species have the luxury of choosing between the dangers of the Atlantic or the severity of the land, all of its inhabitants learn to cope with the area's unyielding, yet beautiful, landscape.

Journey high into the sky to a remote mountain world, swirling in silver mist. These are the Cloud Mountains of South Africa, a hidden enclave of indigenous "Afromontane" forests, packed with giant prehistoric plants and the native species that rely on them - a true window into an ancient era.

Take a trip along the mountainous coast of South Africa's Western Cape, a botanical wonderland where rare plants are interspersed across a carpet of species-rich fynbos vegetation. On land and sea, life here is both intricate and spectacular.

In the Western Cape province of South Africa, De Hoop Nature Reserve is bringing back countless endangered species from the brink of extinction. From the docile bontebok to gargantuan southern right whales, meet some of the world's most vulnerable creatures as they battle against overwhelming odds.