Africa's Hunters

At 13, Kamuti is one of the oldest leopards in the Luangwa region of Zambia. Old age brings many challenges, from hunting antelope to keeping a watchful eye on the lion pride nearby. Using a military-grade thermal camera, we lift the veil on the secret world of this enigmatic nocturnal predator for the first time.

Kamuti the leopard has reigned supreme over her corner of the Luangwa Valley for 10 years. She's defended her territory, hunted antelope for food, and even kept the nearby pride of lions at bay. But a younger leopard is determined to replace her. Can she survive one more challenge, or will this be her last stand?

At the height of the Zambian dry season, three lionesses in the Nsefu pride are pregnant. Even with protection from fellow lions, the stakes couldn't be higher, from cub-hungry predators like leopards and hyenas to the hunting duties necessary to sustain the group. Can the pride meet the demands of their growing population?

A six-week-old lion cub gets separated from his pride and has to face the nighttime terrors of the African bush. Cub-hungry predators, dehydration, and rival lions instinctively primed to kill are just some of the threats ahead. Can this intrepid little misfit find his way back to safety, or will the harsh rules of the wild prevail?

The Nsefu lion pride of Zambia are in an enviable position, with a litter of new cubs, control of the best territory on the Luangwa River, and strong males to protect them. But as the cubs grow older, pressure mounts as they begin to understand their roles and how every misstep can threaten the very existence of their family

In hyena society, the females call the shots--but they're also charged with making difficult decisions. So when drought pushes a spotted hyena clan to the brink of starvation, the matriarch has a call to make: wait in the Liuwa Plains for rain that will bring wildebeest, or set out in search of a nourishing kill?

Our epic journey through Zambia's Luangwa Valley continues with a new young leopard queen named Olimba taking over the wily Kamuti,s turf. Unlike her predecessor, Olimba has yet to acquire all the tricks of the trade, from hunting antelope to evading lions, hyenas, and even wild dogs. But the biggest threat to Olimba comes from yet another female leopard invading her space. Can she protect what is rightfully hers?

It's time to check up on the Nsefu lion pride as they welcome seven new cubs into the fold, but can these new arrivals survive the hardships ahead? One of the cubs, nicknamed The Dreamer, strikes up a friendship with the awkward, now-adolescent Misfit. Together, they forge a special bond that bodes well for their future. Do these two unlikely friends have what it takes to survive?

Twin lions Chief and Notch maintain a powerful bond, both to each other and to the famous Nsefu pride over which they preside. Enter a pair of nomadic rivals, flagrantly trespassing on pride land. Will the old allegiances hold or will the pride females be swayed by the lure of these bold interlopers? It falls on the brothers to demonstrate that they are the true kings of Nsefu.

The young spotted hyena Mizumu is high-born, the son of an alpha female who leads a troop of Luangwa Valley hyenas. Despite his royal blood, he must leave the clan and set out alone once he reaches adulthood. The wilds of Luangwa are dangerous, packed with ruthless predators. He eventually makes his way toward a rival bachelor clan-but can he convince them he's a worthy addition to their ranks?

The wild dogs of Luangwa Valley are organized, tenacious and strictly hierarchical under the leadership of an alpha pair. While cheetahs sprint and lions ambush, wild dogs rely on their stamina to wear prey out, sometimes running up to 20 miles at a time. But to maintain dominance, they'll need to train their youngest members to hunt effectively as part of the pack-and time is running out.

For spotted hyenas, Luangwa Valley is full of threats, including predatory lions, furtive leopards, and even resentful relatives. Meet Spotty, the youngest daughter of an alpha female hyena. She's the heir apparent to the powerful Chimbwe clan, but she'll need to assert herself if she's to assume her rightful place as matriarch-in-waiting. Will she survive to adulthood and take on the throne?

The Mwamba lion pride dominates the west bank of the river in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. But this family is facing an uncertain future.

Milo is a young cub in the mighty Mwamba pride, which rules a territory on the west bank of the Luangwa River. 20-strong it's ruled by the notorious Punks, a coalition of three strong brothers, it's the largest pride for miles around, giving Milo the best start in life. But, in lion society, cubs are the glue that binds a pride

The Misfit is a charismatic cub who's had a rough ride. A timid oddball once bullied by his big brothers and rejected by his mother, this plucky young lion is now a teenager

Zambia's extraordinary Luangwa Valley is the perfect hunting ground for some of Africa's most iconic predators. Prides of lions, packs of wild dogs, clans of hyenas and solitary leopards vie for the upper hand in a land where the dry season brings prey to their doorsteps.

Thandi and Lula are two-month-old wild dog pups, the only females in a litter of six. Lula loves to rough and tumble with her brothers, while Thandi is more of a loner, often exploring away from the others

The Mwamba Pride is one of the strongest lion families in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. At the helm is a trio of strong males, the most powerful lions in the land.