Attenborough’s Dynasties: Journeys That Follow the BBC Natural History Unit

The BBC’s Dynasties gave viewers an intimate look at some of the world’s most compelling animal families — chimpanzees battling for supremacy, emperor penguins enduring the Antarctic winter, and the famous Marsh Pride lions of the Masai Mara. For travellers inspired by the series, here are three destinations where you can witness these species in the wild.

Chimpanzees in Uganda

The opening episode followed a chimpanzee troop on the edge of the Sahara, with the crew tracking the animals on foot and contending with wildfires during the dry season.

Uganda offers one of the finest opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, best known for its mountain gorillas, also supports a healthy chimpanzee population. A tailor-made itinerary combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and savannah game viewing typically runs for around nine days.

Emperor Penguins in Antarctica

For the second episode, the BBC team travelled to Antarctica to film emperor penguins forming their vast protective huddles against the frozen landscape. The crew spent nearly a year in one of the most hostile environments on Earth to capture the footage.

A voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula brings travellers close to that same world. A typical expedition of around 16 days includes a ten-day cruise aboard an ice-strengthened ship, with RIB boat excursions and shore landings offering sightings of several penguin species, alongside whales spotted from the vessel.

Lions in Kenya

The third episode centred on the Marsh Pride, filmed over 420 days on the savannah of Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Kenya remains the classic destination for lion watching, and the Mara’s open grasslands make sightings relatively easy. The arid landscapes of Samburu, to the north, offer a contrasting safari experience with its own resident big cats. An eight-day itinerary combining game drives and guided walks across both reserves gives a thorough introduction to the region’s wildlife.

Know Before You Go

• Uganda: Chimpanzee tracking permits should be arranged well in advance, particularly in peak season.
• Antarctica: Expedition voyages operate during the southern summer, with departures typically between November and March.
• Kenya: The Great Migration draws the largest crowds to the Masai Mara between July and October; the quieter months offer excellent game viewing with fewer vehicles.