Michael Palin's Pole to Pole Season 1 Episode 5 Crossing the Line

Michael Palin's Pole to Pole season 1 episode 5 is named Crossing the Line. In this episode, Michael continues his journey towards the southern hemisphere. He starts in South Africa and travels to the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek. Here, he meets a group of young Namibian women who have formed their own business, making traditional African pottery. Michael witnesses their process and even tries his hand at making a pot himself.

From Windhoek, Michael continues his journey and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. He visits a ranch in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, where he learns about the traditional lifestyles of the Bushmen people. These people have been living in this harsh environment for tens of thousands of years and have adapted to survive with very little water.

Next, Michael travels to Zimbabwe, where he visits the majestic Victoria Falls. He takes a helicopter ride and witnesses the spectacular sight of the falls from above. He also meets the people who live and work around the falls, including a group of fisherman who take Michael on a fishing trip to catch bream.

Michael's journey takes him further south, to Botswana. He visits a game reserve and meets a conservationist who works with the endangered African wild dog. Michael goes on a safari and gets up close and personal with various animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Finally, Michael arrives in Cape Town, South Africa. He visits the famous Table Mountain, where he takes a cable car to the top and enjoys the stunning views of the city below. He also meets a group of students at the University of Cape Town who are fighting against apartheid and advocating for racial equality.

Throughout the episode, Michael showcases the natural beauty and cultural diversity of southern Africa. He also highlights the struggles faced by local communities, such as poverty, discrimination, and conservation challenges. Crossing the Line is a captivating and informative episode that leaves viewers with a deeper appreciation for the rich history and vibrant cultures of this fascinating region of the world.