Watch Africa's Secret Seven

Africa's Secret Seven is a riveting wildlife documentary from 2003 that takes us deep into the heart of the African wilderness to explore the lives of some of the continent's most elusive and mysterious creatures. The movie is directed by Kim Wolhuter, a renowned wildlife filmmaker and researcher, and stars Nick Boraine, a South African actor and narrator.

The title of the movie comes from the fact that there are seven small carnivores that inhabit the African savannahs, forests, and mountains that are rarely seen by humans. These animals are the aardvark, bat-eared fox, civet, genet, honey badger, mongoose, and serval. They are known as the Secret Seven because they are nocturnal, solitary, and have perfected the art of hiding in plain sight.

The movie begins with Wolhuter and his team setting up motion-activated cameras in various parts of the African wilderness to capture footage of these elusive animals. We see stunning shots of the savannah, the forest canopy, and the mountainous terrain that make up the habitats of the Secret Seven. The narration by Boraine is informative and engaging, providing a wealth of knowledge about these unusual creatures and their habits.

As the movie progresses, we get to see each of the seven animals in action. We see the aardvark, a strange-looking creature with a long snout and powerful claws, digging for ants and termites in the dead of night. We see the bat-eared fox, so named because of its large ears that help it hunt for insects in the dark. We see the civet, a cat-like creature that feeds on fruits and small animals and is famous for producing a musky scent that is used in perfumes.

We also get to see the genet, a tree-dwelling carnivore that feeds on birds and insects. We see the honey badger, a fearless animal with a thick hide and sharp teeth that can take on animals many times its size. We see the mongoose, a small, agile hunter that feeds on snakes and other venomous creatures. And we see the serval, a graceful cat-like creature that hunts rodents and birds in the dense undergrowth.

The cinematography in Africa's Secret Seven is simply stunning. We see the animals in their natural habitats, moving through the grasslands, climbing trees, and navigating rocky terrain with ease. The camera captures every detail, from the fur and claws of the animals to the stars in the sky above. The use of night-vision cameras and infrared sensors allows us to see the Secret Seven in action even in complete darkness.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers also provide fascinating insights into the behavior and ecology of the Secret Seven. We learn how the aardvark avoids predators, the bat-eared fox communicates with its mate, the civet marks its territory, the genet navigates the jungle canopy, the honey badger defends itself from danger, the mongoose avoids venomous snakes, and the serval hunts in the dark. We see how each of these animals has evolved unique adaptations to survive in its environment and how they have managed to remain hidden for so long.

Overall, Africa's Secret Seven is an enthralling documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the lives of some of the most secretive animals in the African wilderness. The movie is filled with stunning visuals, fascinating insights, and a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. It is a perfect film for both wildlife enthusiasts and anyone who loves to explore the beauty and mystery of the world around us.