Life at the Waterhole

Learn how rain transforms the area into a lush grazing pasture, creating an abundance of food. Moderate weather makes it harder for predators, as prey can migrate further. With plenty of food available, mating and birthing seasons have arrived.

A variety of insect species – from hoverflies to leaf roller moths – explode in population at the waterhole. Lured by the steady food source, a pair of swallows moves into the adjacent hide to build a new nest from the surrounding mud. These migrating birds have traveled from the south of the African continent to breed in Tanzania. And our hidden cameras are there to capture this new family.

With an abundance of food growing around the waterhole, the herbivores have come to feast. Wildlife Cameraman Bob Poole closely observes the social dynamics within herds of giraffe and zebra. Love is in the air as the giraffes select their mates by sniffing out pheromones. Meanwhile, among the zebra, a male stallion must keep a close eye on the females or another male will move in.

In the middle of the night, M. Sanjayan finds himself nose-to-nose with a young bull elephant at the waterhole. Out of the darkness the elephant creeps ever closer, aware of the presence of humans but gaining trust with each step. Eventually M. Sanjayan gets a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of Africa's giants.

Discover how hotter weather impacts the animals, as the waterhole becomes busier in the evening cool. Nocturnal activity brings a new predator out of the shadows: hyena, creatures so elusive it’s hard to know the size of the clan.

At the end of the dry season with temperatures rising and food resources dwindling, the waterhole has become more important than ever. Water has become scarce, and the waterhole must now service animals from further and further away. With more animals and increasing competition for water, what will happen when a spotted hyena comes to drink?

Explore the daily drama as African wildlife flock to a manmade waterhole rigged with cameras. Dr. M. Sanjayan and his team uncover the complex dynamic of this bustling oasis where elephants, lions, leopards and more meet and compete for water.