Take a sneak peek behind the scenes at some of the incredible filming locations used in David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III – plus we spoke to the makers of the show about the most incredible places to watch wildlife on the planet
16 October 2023
David Attenborough’s BBC Planet Earth series has been gracing our screens for the last 17 years – and we’re still as obsessed now as we ever were. The first episode of Planet Earth II, featuring racer snakes chasing a baby iguana, has been hailed as one of the greatest wildlife moments captured, and other sequences are equally awe-inspiring, from the survival tactics of penguin chicks to extravagant mating rituals of birds of paradise. To celebrate the release of Planet Earth III (on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.15pm on Sunday 22 October 2023), we asked the makers of the show – producers, directors, researchers, and camera operators – about their favorite locations in the world to see wildlife.
African National Parks in Zakouma, Chad
Kiri Cashell, Producer and Director, Deserts and Grasslands
“This must be Africa’s most exciting safari destination – a place to witness remarkable wildlife gatherings on the continent. Home to vast concentrations of game and birds, here you encounter the big 5 alongside a variety seen almost nowhere else. A headline attraction is the giant herds of elephants, some of the largest in central Africa. Observing 550 individuals together is a jaw-dropping experience for even the most seasoned safari traveler. We decided to film here for Planet Earth III to showcase this rare spectacle, but also to highlight what Zakouma has become – a model of modern wildlife conservation. In 2010, the government of Chad invited NGO African Parks to take over management due to rampant poaching that threatened Zakouma’s renowned elephant population. Through robust security and community engagement, the park has become a stronghold for many endangered species. It is a beacon of hope for conservation, and by taking a responsible holiday here, you too can be part of Zakouma’s success story.”
What you will see: Elephants, game, and birds.
Where to stay: Depending on your budget, there are two options. Stay at Tinga Camp for a more affordable trip, or indulge in their luxury fly camp, Camp Nomade, located on prime viewing plains with meals prepared by chefs from Michelin-star restaurants under the stars every night. Remember that access to this park is only during the dry season (December – May), as it becomes inaccessible due to flooding the rest of the year.
Pousada Trijuncao, Brazil
Tom Greenhalgh, Assistant Producer and Director
“This property lies in the heart of the Brazilian Cerrado, the most biodiverse savannah on Earth. It is truly one of the most beautiful filming locations I have experienced. Join expert guides from the well-known ecotourism and research organization Oncafari, and search for rare maned wolves using radio telemetry – the chances to see one are good! You can spot many of the 250 bird species found here, and kayak to find dwarf caiman on a misty lake. Tapirs can be seen early in the morning, and there is ongoing research to track jaguars, including a large melanistic male. With sustainable tourism as a priority, local produce is used to create delicious meals. For an incredible wildlife experience, I can’t recommend this place enough.”
What you will see: Maned wolves and black jaguars.
Where to stay: Pousada Trijuncao is stunning, surrounded by colorful birds and marmosets. Maned wolves have even been spotted near the swimming pool!
The Okavango Delta in Botswana
Charlotte Bostock, Producer and Director, Freshwater
“The best place to watch wildlife is the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It feels like the last remaining ‘true’ wilderness. The utter peace struck me most – you can go an entire day without encountering many vehicles or hearing human noise. I spent five weeks filming the wild dog hunt for the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode, experiencing incredible wildlife encounters. One memorable moment was lying in bed, gazing through the tent’s mesh to see a herd of elephants feeding under a full moon. Another was witnessing wild dogs chase an impala through our camp just before dinner. The diverse wildlife due to the habitat is fantastic – through the regular sighting of lions, leopards, huge herds of elephants and buffalo, it offers an unparalleled wildlife experience.”
What you will see: Wild dogs, elephants, impala, buffalo, birds, lions, and leopards.
Where to stay: Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, an off-grid lodge in the private Chitabe concession, offers twice-daily game drives for sightings of lion, cheetah, wild dog, red lechwe, and elephant.
The Maldives
Steve Greenwood, Producer and Director, Heroes
“If you wish to see spectacular wildlife, go to a coral reef. My favorite destination is The Maldives. All marine life is present here, from vibrant nudibranchs and extraordinary fish shoals to stunning manta rays, including top predators: sharks (but fret not – they are completely safe). Scuba diving is excellent, but snorkeling offers an equally fantastic experience. Some visitors stay in resorts, while others prefer liveaboard boats or many islands, offering a taste of village life (if you don’t mind forgoing alcohol). We stayed on the island of Fulidhoo and made wonderful friends from the local community.”
What you will see: Coral reefs, nudibranchs, shoals of fish, manta rays, whale sharks.
Where to stay: Various eco-lodges are available across the islands, but for a more upscale experience, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort features numerous wildlife watching activities and excursions.
Pembrokeshire, Cornwall, West Coast of Scotland
Matt Brandon, Series Producer
“Locations in the UK are often overlooked; however, they rank among the world’s most spectacular. Despite unpredictable weather, sunny days on the UK coast rival views anywhere globally. My family has enjoyed countless joyful, windswept days playing in surf, then huddling around a fire at a campsite or cozy pub. When my filming schedule allows, this is my go-to place to unwind, take a break, and explore breathtaking landscapes.”
What you will see: Beautiful beaches, coastal walks, seals and dolphins, basking sharks, and diverse sea birds.
Where to stay: Numerous campsites are available. Alternatively, consider staying in one of the UK’s lovely Airbnbs or sharing a holiday home with friends to reduce costs. Summer and early autumn (when the sea is warmest) are the best times to visit.
Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica
Abigail Brown, Assistant Producer
“We filmed the gliding tree frog sequence from the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. It’s described as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth – a paradise for wildlife lovers. I assure you, you will see frogs; just hope you’re not standing chest-deep in a pond as I was!”
What you will see: Gliding tree frogs and sea turtles.
Where to stay: Osa Conservation Campus offers immersion in nature and wildlife, surrounded by ancient rainforest, mangrove forest, and nestling beaches for sea turtles.
Wild Camping in the French Pyrenees
Amy Cavender, Junior Researcher
“The French Pyrenees offer abundant wildlife and protected ecosystems. In summer, alpine valleys fill with rare mountain butterflies. If lucky, you might spot golden eagles or the rare Pyrenean Chamois. Wild camping is permitted in most regions, allowing flexibility with your hiking route. Ax-Les-Thermes, located at the mountains’ foot, is an excellent starting point with numerous trails catering to all abilities. Mountain refuges along the way offer water and hot food for breaks from camping meals. Camping provides an affordable way to explore while minimizing your carbon footprint.”
What you will see: Rare mountain butterflies, golden eagles, and the rare Pyrenean Chamois.
Where to stay: This mountain lodge is nestled in the Wild Fauna National Reserve of Orlu, between deep valleys of Ariège and the majestic peaks of the Pyrénées Orientales.
Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Theo Webb, Producer and Director: Extremes
“Few locations in my travels for wildlife documentaries have taken my breath away like Hang Son Doong Cave in Vietnam. Hidden within a dense jungle, this monumental cave offers both intimacy and awe. To reach it, one must first navigate through another cave, Hang En – the world’s largest cave opening. The further trek leads you to darkness, where the scale of the cave becomes evident, expanding continuously. In sections, the darkness creates an intimate ambiance, contrasting with waves of an adjacent swift river. Marvel at the dolines – ceiling openings allowing vibrant forests to flourish. At specific seasons, the Earth aligns the sun with one of these dolines, producing a spectacular light show. It is truly breathtaking, culminating in one of Earth’s incredible natural wonders.”
What you will see: Spectacular geology.
Where to stay: Accommodation and cave tours are managed by Oxalis Adventures.
Saturna Island, Gulf Islands, British Colombia, Canada
Estelle Cheuk, Assistant Producer
“Saturna Island, located in the middle of the Salish Sea, is predominantly mountainous and a haven for wildlife with over 50% of its land protected. The ocean’s currents churn violently near its eastern point, bringing lots of plankton to the surface, which subsequently attracts various birds and marine mammals, including whales. East Point is ideal for land-based whale watching in the Southern Gulf Islands. Killer whales pass close to the island’s cliffs from May to November – you can even hear them before spotting them! Additionally, the Planet Earth III team filmed wandering garter snakes that dive into the waters at East Point. The local community is dedicated to wildlife, with groups like SIMRES conducting scientific research and education initiatives.”
What you will see: Bald eagles, oystercatchers, killer whales, humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, garter snakes.
Monkey Bay, Malawi
Sam Lewis, Camera Operator
“Monkey Bay, located on Lake Malawi’s shoreline, offers great access to the astonishing Cichlid species that inhabit the lake and their unique behaviors. This is where we filmed the ‘play dead’ Cichlid sequence for the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode. Mouth brooding, where fish protect their young within their mouths, was another behavior captured frequently during filming.”
What you will see: Cichlid fish.
Where to stay: During the shoot, we stayed at Mufasa Eco Lodge, an excellent place with knowledgeable staff eager to help you find Cichlid species and behaviors. They are also committed to community development and minimizing their environmental impact.
Kri Island, Raja Ampat
Yoland Bosiger, Assistant Producer
“Raja Ampat in the Indonesian archipelago is situated at the center of the Coral Triangle, featuring hundreds of jungle-covered islands adjacent to some of the world’s richest coral reefs. The Planet Earth III team stayed at Kri Eco Resort, an isolationist and pioneering resort on Kri Island. A SCUBA diver’s paradise, Kri’s reefs host sharks, manta rays, and more fish than imaginable. Kri also provides access to unique blue water mangroves, where juvenile fish find a sanctuary in pristine coral reefs. Filming the juvenile archerfish was fascinating as they learn to dislodge insects from the mangrove leaves. Through such experiences, their ability to jump over double their body length into the canopy to catch insects became a highlight of our trip.”
What you will see: Coral reefs, sharks, manta rays, fish, blue water mangroves, archerfish.
Tambopata Nature Reserve, The Amazon Rainforest of Peru
Alex Walters, Assistant Producer
“For the Forest episode of Planet Earth III, we wanted to showcase the stunning pristine Amazon rainforest. I traveled with a team to Tambopata Nature Reserve in eastern Peru, staying at the Tambopata Research Station with Rainforest Expeditions. Despite a 3-day journey from the UK, it was an experience worth every minute. The station is among the most remote eco-lodges in South America, completely enveloped by nature; the chorus of wildlife surrounds you constantly. Many rainforest trails are available to explore, and guided tours are highly rewarding. Early morning river tours offer the chance to witness flocks of colorful macaws soar overhead, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a camera filled with wildlife photography.
What you will see: Parrots, bright scarlet macaws, and blue-and-yellow macaws.
Where to stay: The Tambopata Nature Reserve features luxurious accommodations alongside a committed wildlife research station, where staff members ensure the immediate connection between guests and nature through immersive experiences.
Planet Earth III will begin on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.15pm on Sunday 22nd October
