Nature Season 7 Episode 11

Nature Season 7 Episode 11 Beyond Timbuktu

  • February 5, 1989

Beyond Timbuktu is an episode of the award-winning documentary show Nature's seventh season. The episode takes the viewers on an exciting expedition to the remote deserts of Mali, Africa.

The episode starts with an introduction to Timbuktu, one of the most ancient and renowned trading cities of Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The viewers are introduced to the history and cultural significance of Timbuktu, which has long been a center for Islamic scholarship, trade and cross-cultural exchange.

The main focus of the episode is on the nomadic people of the Sahara, the Tuareg. The Tuareg have traversed this vast desert for centuries, adapting to the harsh environment and living in harmony with the natural world. The episode explores their way of life, from their nomadic lifestyle and traditions to their music and art, and how they are coping with the challenges of the modern world.

The Tuareg people have a deep connection to the land, and their unique way of life is influenced by the rhythms of the desert. The episode showcases their remarkable ability to navigate and survive in an environment that is harsh and unforgiving. The viewers get to see how the Tuareg have developed an intricate knowledge of the land, from reading the stars at night to understanding the subtlest changes in the wind and sand dunes.

The episode also explores the impact of climate change on the Tuareg people and their way of life. Ongoing droughts due to climate change have affected the region, leading to widespread loss of livestock and crops, and making it difficult for the Tuareg to maintain their traditional way of life. The viewers get to see how the Tuareg have adapted to the changing environment and developed techniques to cope with the challenges of climate change.

Beyond Timbuktu also showcases the beauty and diversity of the Sahara and its wildlife. The episode features stunning aerial footage of the Sahara, capturing its vastness and remoteness. The viewers get to see the fascinating creatures that inhabit this harsh environment, from the desert fox to the fennec, a small nocturnal fox with oversized ears. The episode also introduces the viewers to the remarkable plant life of the desert, from the giant baobab trees to delicate desert lilies.

The episode ends by highlighting the importance of preserving the Tuareg way of life and the Sahara's unique ecosystem. The viewers are reminded of the fragility of this delicate ecosystem and the need to protect it for future generations. Beyond Timbuktu leaves the audience with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the Sahara and the resilience of the Tuareg people.

In conclusion, Beyond Timbuktu is a must-watch episode of Nature's seventh season. It is a stunning visual treat that takes the viewers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sahara and the lives of its people. The episode is a testament to the power of nature and the human spirit and leaves a deep impression on the viewers' minds.

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Description
  • First Aired
    February 5, 1989
  • Language
    English