Namibia's Natural Wonders: Season 1, Episode 1

1 - 1: Life at the Limit

Drought and heat determine life in the Namib. It has not rained here for years. The last desert elephants are suffering from the longest drought in decades. Only about 150 of these animals still roam the desert, led by a matriarch and living in small herds. Every day they wander long distances in search of food and water. But even in a dried-up river bed, in the middle of nowhere, they still find something to eat. The fruits of the camel thorn tree, which offers fruit, leaves and bark all year round, are particularly popular. The desert elephants move within the dry rivers, where plants are still most likely to grow.

In the language of the locals, Namib means "empty place". But if you look closely, everything here is full of life and animals that have managed to adapt to the extreme conditions.