Out of Africa (1985)
A sweeping romance set against the backdrop of colonial Kenya, Out of Africa is perhaps the most iconic safari-inspiring film. Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, the movie showcases breathtaking landscapes of the Ngong Hills and Maasai Mara. It’s a classic love letter to Africa’s beauty and drama and the safari landscapes are unchanged today, so go visit Kenya!
The Lion King (1994 / 2019)
Whether you prefer the animated classic or the stunning live-action remake, The Lion King captures the soul of Africa’s wildlife. Inspired by the Serengeti and other East African landscapes, the film celebrates the circle of life in a setting that feels both mythical and real. Many safari professionals will be upset to see this film on our list, but there’s no question that it has inspired generations of travelers to take a safari, even if it did give Hyenas a misguided reputation.
The God’s Must Be Crazy (1981)– For all of us who grew up in Africa, this movie written and directed by Jamie Uys, was one of the funniest movies we had ever seen. It still holds up, but it may be a bit too slapstick for the younger generation. Set in Botswana, the story follows a young San bushman called Xi, as he tries to find the end of the earth in order to throw away a bottle of coca cola that mysteriously fell from the sky. A parallel plot follows the budding romance between a shy biologist studying the local environment, and a school teacher.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Based on the true story of primatologist Dian Fossey, this powerful film follows her work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. It’s a moving tribute to wildlife conservation and the bond between humans and animals.
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
This gripping thriller, set in colonial-era Kenya, tells the true story of two man-eating lions that terrorized railway workers during the building of a bridge over the Tsavo River. The film combines suspense with stunning African scenery.
The Constant Gardener (2005)
Set primarily in Kenya, this political thriller showcases more than just the slums of Nairobi — it also features the breathtaking beauty of Lake Turkana and the Great Rift Valley. It’s a gripping story with a visual backdrop that’s unforgettable.
Movies set in Africa that we love (but may not specifically inspire you to take a safari) include: Hotel Rwanda, Cry Freedom, Last King of Scotland, Invictus, Cry Beloved Country, Tsotsi, I dreamed of Africa, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Queen of Katwe, Battle for Algiers, Blood Diamond, District 9, Long Walk to Freedom, African Queen ...
Best Nature Documentaries to Watch
Many of our clients have been inspired to go on safari because they’ve seen some of the nature documentaries featured below. These documentaries will deepen your understanding of conservation, climate change, and cultural resilience—lessons that will truly resonate during a real safari.
Africa: The Serengeti (1994) – James Earl Jones narrates filmmaker George Casey’s spotlight on the region’s natural beauty and timeless cycles. See the varied wildlife of the Serengeti, from antelope and wildebeest, to zebras, crocodiles and cheetahs.
The Last Lions (2012) – Filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert follow the epic journey of a lioness named Ma di Tau (“Mother of Lions”) as she battles to protect her cubs against a daunting onslaught of enemies in order to ensure their survival. This excellent documentary was made in collaboration between National Geographic and their Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who are filmmakers from Botswana. The film is narrated by Jeremy Irons.
Planet Earth: Africa (2013, BBC Earth)
This six-part series captures the diverse regions of Africa — from the Sahara to the Congo rainforest — with breathtaking detail.
Virunga (2014) – The Oscar-nominated true story of the rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas. The director of the National Park (in the DRC) is one of Anouk’s close friends and this is her top pick!
Our Planet (2019)
A Netflix original series that dedicates multiple episodes to Africa’s ecosystems — from desert lions in Namibia to wildebeests in Kenya.
Dynasties (2018)
Each episode follows one animal family. The lion episode, filmed in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, offers intimate access to a struggling pride.
The Elephant Queen (2019)
Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this heartwarming documentary follows a matriarch elephant leading her herd through Kenya’s harsh landscapes in search of water.
Return of the Cheetah (2024)
Produced by Discovery Channel and tied to International Cheetah Day, this documentary follows conservation work in Namibia by the Cheetah Conservation Fund, capturing cheetah rehabilitation and release efforts.
Big Cats 24/7 (2024–25, BBC/PBS)
A thrilling series filmed in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It follows lions, leopards, and cheetahs around the clock—day and night—for intimate access to their lives in one of Earth’s wildest places.
To the Ends of the Earth: East Africa (2023)
Narrated by Jane Goodall, this visual journey highlights East Africa’s wildlife—from lions to giraffes—and brings you up close with dramatic moments of survival, birth, and bonding.
Living with Leopards (2024) – Excellent Netflix documentary – A film crew follows two leopard cubs as they make the fascinating journey from infancy into adulthood in this up-close-and-personal nature documentary. One of Vanessa’s favorites!
