Planet Earth III Filming Locations: Episode 4 - Freshwater
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.
Best time to go: December - April
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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.