Wilderness With Simon Reeve
An epic adventure into the unknown. Simon Reeve's toughest journey yet — into the heart of Earth's last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
Wilderness with Simon Reeve takes middle and high school students into some of the world's most remote and spectacular environments, meeting the people and wildlife that call these places home. Along the way, they’ll explore how geography, climate, human activity, and conservation shape fragile wilderness areas.
Ages 11-18
In Protecting Raja Ampat’s Ecosystem, Simon explores Raja Ampat, a marine paradise with over 2,000 fish species and coral reefs. While exploring, marine rangers board Simon’s boat to check permits and ensure no one is breaking the law in this protected area. The rangers share their vital work, like stopping illegal fishing of sea turtles and baby sharks which harms the ecosystem. New laws are a game-changer, saving Raja Ampat from the devastation caused by overfishing just a few decades ago. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Deep Breath: The Bajau’s Incredible Diving Adventures, Simon explores the world of the Bajau, a community of sea nomads who live in homes built on stilts above the coral reefs. He meets Bari, a skilled diver who shows him the underwater world of the coral triangle. Bari dives 50 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters) deep on a single breath, and Simon learns the Bajau have evolved to hold more oxygen in their blood, allowing them to stay underwater for long periods of time! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Discovering Patagonia's Pumas, host Simon Reeve and his guide embark on a hike through Patagonia, searching for the region’s biggest cat — the puma. While pumas can be found across the Americas, Patagonia has one of the highest concentrations of these elusive predators. They spot a herd of guanacos, which are often hunted by pumas, and use a heat-seeking scope to track the big cats. Soon, a family of three pumas are found, offering a rare glimpse into their world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Resharking the Oceans, host Simon Reeve learns about the struggles sharks face due to overfishing, with millions killed each year. Sharks in Raja Ampat were on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the area’s now protected status, their numbers have increased 25 times. Simon also discovers "resharking," a conservation effort to repopulate the oceans with sharks. This initiative not only helps save sharks but also creates jobs for the local community. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Majestic Whale Shark host Simon Reeve sails through Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay, searching for the elusive whale shark. These gentle giants can grow as long as a bus and weigh up to 30 tons, yet much about them, like where they breed, remains unknown. At a fishing platform called a bagan, Simon spots one and marvels at its size and grace. He discovers how this area helps scientists study and protect these mysterious creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Whale Sharks and Fishermen’s Bond, host Simon Reeve explores Cenderawasih Bay, where fishermen have a special bond with local whale sharks. The fishermen believe the sharks bring them good luck and have cared for the sharks for years. Simon dives into the water to see these massive creatures up close and learns that whale sharks feed on tiny fish and plankton, not humans. He also discovers how vital it is for the community to protect the ocean and its ecosystem for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Congo Adventures: Tracking Bonobos, host Simon Reeve treks through the rainforests of the Congo in search of bonobos, a gentle species of apes only found in this region. Along the way, he battles swarms of bees and tough terrain but finally discovers a family of bonobos living peacefully in the trees. These animals play a crucial role in the rainforest’s survival by spreading seeds as they eat, helping new plants and trees grow. Without the bonobos and other wildlife, the rainforest wouldn’t be able to thrive! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In How Animals and Humans Coexist in the Desert, host Simon Reeve explores the Kalahari Desert with Don, a member of the San people. The Kalahari is a semi-desert and one of the largest sand basins on Earth, stretching across Africa. Despite its tough environment, animals like elephants, lions and jackals thrive here, thanks to seasonal rains that bring food. The San have lived here for thousands of years and are known for their incredible survival and tracking skills, and deep knowledge of the land. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Animals That Rule the Desert, host Simon Reeve journeys through the Kalahari in Botswana, where he encounters lions, elephants, and jackals. Botswana has become a safe haven for African elephants, holding nearly a third of the population after decades of poaching and habitat destruction. With only 400,000 elephants left from an original 25 million, Simon emphasizes the urgency to protect these majestic creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Honey Hunters of the Congo, host Simon Reeve spends time with the Baka community in the Congo, learning their way of life. He joins the men on a hunt through the rainforest, where they collect fruits, nuts, and fresh honeycomb from a towering tree using a smoker. Back in the village, the Baka share everything they gather, showing unity as a community. Simon gets a taste of the honey and a glimpse of how deeply connected the Baka people are to each other and the rainforest. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Baka People Confront Deforestation and Disease, host Simon Reeve spends time with the Baka people in the Congo, who live peacefully in the rainforest. He learns their biggest challenges aren't from nature, but from medical issues like malaria and conflicts with neighboring people. The dense rainforest canopy helps protect them from mosquitoes, but deforestation is making the situation worse. They share their struggles, including the long trek to get medical help and the violence they face from the Bantu. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The First People of the Congo, host Simon Reeve travels through the Congo and meets the Baka community, the first Indigenous people of the Congo Basin. The Baka people are skilled at building huts quickly, with the women doing most of the work while the men hunt. They live simply, taking only what they need from the forest and sharing everything with one another, a lifestyle that has survived despite the challenges they faced from European colonists. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Protecting Raja Ampat’s Ecosystem, Simon explores Raja Ampat, a marine paradise with over 2,000 fish species and coral reefs. While exploring, marine rangers board Simon’s boat to check permits and ensure no one is breaking the law in this protected area. The rangers share their vital work, like stopping illegal fishing of sea turtles and baby sharks which harms the ecosystem. New laws are a game-changer, saving Raja Ampat from the devastation caused by overfishing just a few decades ago. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Deep Breath: The Bajau’s Incredible Diving Adventures, Simon explores the world of the Bajau, a community of sea nomads who live in homes built on stilts above the coral reefs. He meets Bari, a skilled diver who shows him the underwater world of the coral triangle. Bari dives 50 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters) deep on a single breath, and Simon learns the Bajau have evolved to hold more oxygen in their blood, allowing them to stay underwater for long periods of time! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Discovering Patagonia's Pumas, host Simon Reeve and his guide embark on a hike through Patagonia, searching for the region’s biggest cat — the puma. While pumas can be found across the Americas, Patagonia has one of the highest concentrations of these elusive predators. They spot a herd of guanacos, which are often hunted by pumas, and use a heat-seeking scope to track the big cats. Soon, a family of three pumas are found, offering a rare glimpse into their world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Resharking the Oceans, host Simon Reeve learns about the struggles sharks face due to overfishing, with millions killed each year. Sharks in Raja Ampat were on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the area’s now protected status, their numbers have increased 25 times. Simon also discovers "resharking," a conservation effort to repopulate the oceans with sharks. This initiative not only helps save sharks but also creates jobs for the local community. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Majestic Whale Shark host Simon Reeve sails through Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay, searching for the elusive whale shark. These gentle giants can grow as long as a bus and weigh up to 30 tons, yet much about them, like where they breed, remains unknown. At a fishing platform called a bagan, Simon spots one and marvels at its size and grace. He discovers how this area helps scientists study and protect these mysterious creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Whale Sharks and Fishermen’s Bond, host Simon Reeve explores Cenderawasih Bay, where fishermen have a special bond with local whale sharks. The fishermen believe the sharks bring them good luck and have cared for the sharks for years. Simon dives into the water to see these massive creatures up close and learns that whale sharks feed on tiny fish and plankton, not humans. He also discovers how vital it is for the community to protect the ocean and its ecosystem for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Congo Adventures: Tracking Bonobos, host Simon Reeve treks through the rainforests of the Congo in search of bonobos, a gentle species of apes only found in this region. Along the way, he battles swarms of bees and tough terrain but finally discovers a family of bonobos living peacefully in the trees. These animals play a crucial role in the rainforest’s survival by spreading seeds as they eat, helping new plants and trees grow. Without the bonobos and other wildlife, the rainforest wouldn’t be able to thrive! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In How Animals and Humans Coexist in the Desert, host Simon Reeve explores the Kalahari Desert with Don, a member of the San people. The Kalahari is a semi-desert and one of the largest sand basins on Earth, stretching across Africa. Despite its tough environment, animals like elephants, lions and jackals thrive here, thanks to seasonal rains that bring food. The San have lived here for thousands of years and are known for their incredible survival and tracking skills, and deep knowledge of the land. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Animals That Rule the Desert, host Simon Reeve journeys through the Kalahari in Botswana, where he encounters lions, elephants, and jackals. Botswana has become a safe haven for African elephants, holding nearly a third of the population after decades of poaching and habitat destruction. With only 400,000 elephants left from an original 25 million, Simon emphasizes the urgency to protect these majestic creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In Honey Hunters of the Congo, host Simon Reeve spends time with the Baka community in the Congo, learning their way of life. He joins the men on a hunt through the rainforest, where they collect fruits, nuts, and fresh honeycomb from a towering tree using a smoker. Back in the village, the Baka share everything they gather, showing unity as a community. Simon gets a taste of the honey and a glimpse of how deeply connected the Baka people are to each other and the rainforest. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Baka People Confront Deforestation and Disease, host Simon Reeve spends time with the Baka people in the Congo, who live peacefully in the rainforest. He learns their biggest challenges aren't from nature, but from medical issues like malaria and conflicts with neighboring people. The dense rainforest canopy helps protect them from mosquitoes, but deforestation is making the situation worse. They share their struggles, including the long trek to get medical help and the violence they face from the Bantu. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The First People of the Congo, host Simon Reeve travels through the Congo and meets the Baka community, the first Indigenous people of the Congo Basin. The Baka people are skilled at building huts quickly, with the women doing most of the work while the men hunt. They live simply, taking only what they need from the forest and sharing everything with one another, a lifestyle that has survived despite the challenges they faced from European colonists. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.