Planet Earth III Filming Locations: Episode 4 - Freshwater
Without freshwater, life on land wouldn't exist.
Freshwater is the most precious resource on our planet, but it's finite. Vital to life, only 2.5% of all Earth’s water is fresh and less than 1% of that is accessible. Planet Earth Three’s episode on freshwater documents its importance for selection of species.
From gliding tree frogs in Costa Rica, mugger crocodiles in Sri Lanka and African jacana birds on the Chobe River, to wild dogs in the Okavango Delta and Lake Malawi’s cichlids. We show you where to discover these animals and the best times to see them.
In the southern region of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The area is covered in a thick layer of rainforest, much of which is found inside Corcovado National Park. Home to half of all species in Costa Rica - including giant anteaters, Baird's tapirs, and an abundance of South American cats - , this is the last big stretch of pristine tropical rainforest remaining in Pacific Central America.
From gliding tree frogs in Costa Rica, mugger crocodiles in Sri Lanka and African jacana birds on the Chobe River, to wild dogs in the Okavango Delta and Lake Malawi’s cichlids. We show you where to discover these animals and the best times to see them.
In the southern region of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The area is covered in a thick layer of rainforest, much of which is found inside Corcovado National Park. Home to half of all species in Costa Rica - including giant anteaters, Baird's tapirs, and an abundance of South American cats - , this is the last big stretch of pristine tropical rainforest remaining in Pacific Central America.
Gliding Tree Frogs: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
During the wetter months, known as green season, lasting from May to November, 10,000 gliding tree frogs make their yearly descent from the rainforest canopy to breed. Being nocturnal creatures, they typically only come down to the ground during mating season. With males outnumbering females 9:1, this world's largest frog gathering will only last one day. Males often battle among themselves for a chance to reproduce during this nocturnal breeding frenzy. During this time of year you have the chance to discover large groups of frogs congregating at makeshift ponds that have been flooded by the rains. We recommend taking a night tour to witness the sleeping patterns of tropical birds and frogs, as well as the activities of other species like tarantulas, bats and scorpions.
Best time to go: December - April
Best time to go: December - April
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Where to Stay: Lapa Rios
Lapa Rios is set in a private nature reserve in the tropical rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, in southern Costa Rica. There are 17 private bungalow lodges to choose from, each offering unfettered access to the surrounding landscape and a sublime luxury eco-lodge experience.
Mugger Crocodiles Hunting Chital Deer: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Alongside some fabulous birdlife and tusked elephants, Yala is said to have one of the highest densities of leopard in the world, drawing thousands of wildlife enthusiasts here each year to try and spot these elusive predators. Flying slightly under the radar in the face of their more illustrious counterparts though, the unique behaviour of the dense mugger crocodile population is a captivating sideshow.
As the dry season reaches its peak, the last remaining waterholes for miles around become magnets for these prehistoric reptiles. Nearly five metres long, they lurk in wait patiently beneath the surface, for thirsty chital deer to approach for a drink.
Best time to go: December - April
As the dry season reaches its peak, the last remaining waterholes for miles around become magnets for these prehistoric reptiles. Nearly five metres long, they lurk in wait patiently beneath the surface, for thirsty chital deer to approach for a drink.
Best time to go: December - April
Sri Lanka
Where to Stay: Leopard Trails Yala
This classic tented camp with a luxury twist is a calm and tranquil retreat set in the heart of the Sri Lankan bush. Enjoy the jungle, rivers and lagoons of Yala National Park by day, then come nightfall, you’ll head back to camp where you can recount the day’s adventures, warmed by the glowing firepit and surrounded by delicate lanterns that illuminate the surrounding trees.
African Jacana: Chobe River, Namibia
During the dry season, water-dependent animals (especially elephants, buffalo and predators) crowd the banks of the Chobe River. It is the scene for some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa and boat safaris offer awe-inspiring angles for wildlife photography.
The African Jacana, one of the most unique birds of the continent, is a wader; its feet are perfectly adapted to walk on floating vegetation. Nestled amongst flowering water lilies, newly hatched ‘lily-trotter’ chicks begin to learn this skill. Their oversized feet - almost double the length of their body - often make for a wobbly start! While the jacana’s nest all year round, the best time to spot the chicks on the lilies would be between March and June.
Best time to go - December - April
The African Jacana, one of the most unique birds of the continent, is a wader; its feet are perfectly adapted to walk on floating vegetation. Nestled amongst flowering water lilies, newly hatched ‘lily-trotter’ chicks begin to learn this skill. Their oversized feet - almost double the length of their body - often make for a wobbly start! While the jacana’s nest all year round, the best time to spot the chicks on the lilies would be between March and June.
Best time to go - December - April
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Where to Stay: Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Chobe Chilwero has been constructed right over the Chobe River and is just a stone’s throw from the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. Guests can enjoy walking safaris and cruises, as well as a range of kid-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and pizza-making.
Wild Dogs Hunting Lechwe: Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a vast, pristine region of floodplains, waterways, lagoons, forested islands and savannah. It’s estimated that there are 200,000 large mammals here, including elephant; giraffe; brown and spotted hyena; lion; cheetah; leopard and countless antelope. Okavango landscapes transform magically as water levels rise and fall - whatever time of year you visit, you’re guaranteed awe-inspiring wildlife sightings.
Water can appear, vanish, or transform rapidly, so survival in this dynamic environment can be challenging and hinges on adaptation. The arrival of the great annual flood poses a significant challenge for African painted dogs who must find innovative ways to master hunting lechwe in this fluctuating water world.
Best time to go: August - October
Water can appear, vanish, or transform rapidly, so survival in this dynamic environment can be challenging and hinges on adaptation. The arrival of the great annual flood poses a significant challenge for African painted dogs who must find innovative ways to master hunting lechwe in this fluctuating water world.
Best time to go: August - October
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Where to Stay: Atzaro Okavango
Accessible by helicopter, Atzaro Okavango is a newly built, beautifully designed and supremely comfortable camp offering an exclusive safari experience in the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s prime wildlife location. This exquisite property combines superb wildlife viewing with unrivalled levels of luxury.
Cichlid, or ‘Play Dead Fish’: Lake Malawi, Malawi
Undoubtedly the jewel in Malawi’s crown, the breathtaking Lake Malawi is fringed by beaches of golden sand and sapphire water as far as the eye can see. This incredible ‘inland sea’ is not only a scenic wonderland, but also a holiday and water sports mecca.
Part of the tumble of mountains and lakes that make up the Great Rift Valley, shoals of brightly coloured fish teem in the gin-clear shallows.
The BBC filmed the "play dead" sequence for Planet Earth III's "Freshwater" episode in Monkey Bay. This is the perfect access point for snorkelling trips and dives; the best way to get up close to the kaleidoscopic array of cichlid species in the lake. Talk to our team to plan the perfect itinerary around the lake.
Best time to go: May - October
Part of the tumble of mountains and lakes that make up the Great Rift Valley, shoals of brightly coloured fish teem in the gin-clear shallows.
The BBC filmed the "play dead" sequence for Planet Earth III's "Freshwater" episode in Monkey Bay. This is the perfect access point for snorkelling trips and dives; the best way to get up close to the kaleidoscopic array of cichlid species in the lake. Talk to our team to plan the perfect itinerary around the lake.
Best time to go: May - October
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Where to Stay: Kaya Mawa
Conde Nast listed Kaya Mawa as one of their 10 most romantic places in the world, and it’s hard to disagree. The lodge is the epitome of rustic chic and has an unbeatable location right on the edge of Lake Malawi.