Written by Zeldi Smulders

Home to more wildlife than any other wetland on earth, the ever-changing Okavango Delta is certainly an intriguing setting for a classic wildlife documentary. Its wildlife are bound together by this place that they call home and in this month’s binge, we follow the stories of the prides, the packs, and the herds of this amazing land. Follow along to explore the magnificence of Botswana in this month’s Channels for Change pick: Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale.

May’s binge – Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale

“In this land, family is everything”

Brief Summary 

Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale (2022) is a captivating story of all sorts of wildlife families on their journey to survive in the face of the challenges that come with a changing environment. This British nature documentary centres around those who have to find ways to survive in a world where late rains can spell disaster, a kill can change the course of a pride’s existence and there are very specific hierarchies that reign supreme.

Expect to be educated and delighted. See the frailness of the old lion leader threatened to be overthrown by ambitious young lions or a banished lioness who needs to use all her skills to survive. Follow the pregnant alpha wild dog who has to provide for a pack that’ll soon lose its leader or the mother wild dog relying on her pack to bring her food for her young. Witness a baby elephant’s jovial first visit to the endless floodplains and explore its waters. All of these parts make up a thriving ecosystem in which different species live and survive alongside each other in a fine-tuned balance.

Available on: Netflix

The Sustainability Factor

Overall: 5/5

The Okavango Delta sees some of the most dramatic and extreme seasonal changes on the planet. With the surrounding Kalahari desert facing the worst drought in decades, the film captures the wildlife escaping the parched region in search of water, joining those who live in the Okavango Delta year-round. The documentary explores and educates on how everything works together, like the elephants’ and hippos’ role as natural gardeners. The stoic grey giants knock down trees that become nurseries for fish. Similarly, hippos create a way for rivers to be connected to pools and pools to floodplains, which allows the water to keep flowing. Predators also play a crucial role – wild dog packs often take out the weak or injured, which can reduce disease and increase the longevity of herds. 

We watch as the Okavango becomes a paradise with high water levels and plenty of sustenance. Then, how the power can be given back to the predators when going from wet to dry. Drought sweeps in and elephants must rely on wisdom gained from the past to find water sources. In this search, wildlife comes together at the heart of the Delta where the last of the water sources remain. The documentary lays out how these animals try to survive a climate that is changing and becoming more hostile and extreme. However, there is a silver lining as we see dramatic thunderstorms and devastating fires all lead to new pathways as the Delta continues to heal thanks to the part that the inhabitants play. Grounds are revitalised from the rain and with the arrival of rain, baby animals come who contribute to the upkeep of this world in their own way.

The Viatu Review  

Themes

This film explores themes of family, perseverance, and hope in the face of adversity. We see the roles of the mothers, the elders and the underdogs, as well as the relationships within families and between families. As things come to an end and new beginnings are brought about, we witness how everyone, big and small, has a role in shaping and maintaining the land – even when it comes to the competition between rivals and new-found alliances. Young learn from watching, moving through obstacles and testing their boundaries, transforming rookies into a team. From loss and discouragement to new-found hope and victory, and with the ferocity of a mother lion protecting her cub, they fight to ensure one more day of survival.

Production 

The film, directed by Renée Godfrey and Matt Meech, makes you wonder: ‘How did they manage to capture that?’ The cinematography is stunning and the score is captivating, adding to the already existing beauty of this pristine wildlife area. The documentary features stunning visuals and crisp closeups and you get to admire how the sun rays seem to fall just in the right place. Narrated by Regé-Jean Page, the calm storytelling can captivate you for hours while you listen to the sounds of the wild.

The documentary features plenty of action-packed hunting scenes and time lapses and mixes it up with some cheeky and amusing segments. We see some strange and amazing wildlife habits, yet, there’s no shortage of endearing scenes of the cutest baby animals frolicking while learning how to forge their own path in this wilderness.

What Makes it Different 

This movie is unique in that it explores the relations between wildlife from a personal perspective. It shows how they adapt to survive and illustrates how endurance can prevail in the face of extreme adversity. With just the right amount of drama, emotions and determination are captured and it’s real, it’s heartbreaking and it’s amazing to see these weird and wonderful creatures fight on for survival.

Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale is a must-see for anyone who loves an awe-inspiring wildlife documentary. Celebrated as one of the greatest oases on the planet, the Okavango Delta and its surroundings are the perfect setting for a film like this that invites you to witness the fascinating lives of remarkable wildlife. Family life has its ups and downs but families can also be the strongest allies in survival. And at the end of the day, balance is maintained through the role these wild families play in sustaining this land. 

At Viatu, we’re all about discovering the extraordinary. Plan your trip to Botswana to see the wild families for yourself while contributing to the efforts to protect them through sustainable tourism. Follow us on Instagram to get inspired by Botswana’s unparalleled landscapes and wildlife superstars.