Drakensberg: Barrier of Spears
Video: Full Episode

The Drakensberg Mountains are Southern Africa’s Alps, rising more than 11,000 feet into the sky. But beneath their shimmering beauty lies an incredibly hostile environment for the creatures that manage to live there. Each spring, drenching rains destroy the grasslands at the base of the mountains, and those who would survive must climb up sheer cliffs of volcanic rock, through gauntlets of storms and snow, to reach the carpets of new grass on the plateau. The baboons that make their home halfway up the heights may have the advantage of agility, but eland, the world’s largest antelope, have long, spindly legs and heavy bodies, which make their climb to the top all but unbelievable. All have babies at their sides. And the vultures circle overhead. Buy the DVD. This film premiered February 8, 2009.

43 Responses to “Video: Full Episode”
  1. Willie Jimbo says:

    What a great show.

  2. Alex Millar says:

    This show brought me back to the very special place the Drakesberg is,to my time as Officer-in-Charge, Monk’s Cowl Section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park between 1998 and 2002, very well presented and narrated. No doubt a jewel of Africa.

  3. Anthony Slaton says:

    this show really touched my heart.

  4. Ann roberts says:

    Phenominal production! For some reason the narration was missing from Sunday’s GPB broadcast; we have no idea why. So glad I could watch it on the computer and get the narration. Very unusual story and amazing things I never heard of before. Amazing is our planet earth!

  5. David Hart says:

    The soundtrack’s Zulu? choir — who is that?

    Is this information on the website somewhere?

  6. Kitty Mae says:

    If you like the soundtrack — look up Ladysmith Black Mambazo :)

  7. Musharraf Alyami says:

    wonderful show

  8. William Northey says:

    It was great!

  9. JUAN C TURCIOS says:

    THE BEST SHOW I EVER SEE BEFORE

  10. Carloby says:

    I was deeply impressed.
    Can I get the full script?

  11. Carole Manges says:

    I’m looking for a way to buy the music from Drakensberg:Barrier of Spears.
    Thank you so much.

  12. Marilyn Wyss says:

    Loved it. I grew up at the foot of the Drakensberg and it really took me home.

  13. Elimar says:

    Very subtle and powerful nature movie.
    I loved that it didn’t impose any ideas “about” but just narrated mother nature in its workings, thank you!

  14. Katherine Bolman says:

    I would love to add one of the video clips to the art history site I am creatine.
    http://www.ahaafoundation.org
    I am putting “a walk about” the world of art online because art is important to life

  15. jj says:

    I learned so much from this. Thanks.

  16. Brenda says:

    I just love all the episodes that PBS has.

  17. Jackie says:

    Wonderfully done.

  18. Mary Qliety says:

    this brought sorrow to my heart

  19. Malik Browder says:

    This episode is so uplifting and exhilarating, it captured the true heart and essence of what an untamed, unspoiled wilderness is, a paradise. The narrator was fantastic and the background music, along with the scenery of Drakensberg, was just simply profound.

    Thank you,

    PBS/NATURE

  20. zulu jackson says:

    The best I have ever seen of mother Africa, thank you and remain blessed.
    ZJ

  21. Jenny Schwartz says:

    We would love so much to have the opportunity to watch these videos in Canada. How and when it will be possible?
    Thank you so much

  22. Jez Field says:

    Jenny,
    In the UK the BBC broadcast this episode in a subtly refashioned version on the date of your posting. If you can access the BBC’s iPlayer or otherwise then search for ‘Africas Dragon Mountain’.

  23. Ernie Osadchuk says:

    Can’t view the video. We were only home to see a part of the program last night but wanted to see the rest. ….message says “cannot show due to ‘rights restrictions’”. We are and have been for several years, subscribers in Alberta. What are these restrictions?
    Secondly, Asked for Zip code, here it is called Postal Code and consists of both letters and numbers, could you adjust the question so that both numerals and letters are accepted..

  24. Elaine Springer says:

    Beautiful program. Thank you so much ! I would also be interested in the knowing the origin of the music used in the video. I love it !
    South Africa is one of my favorite countries on the world.

  25. francois williams says:

    South africa is just the most amazing country in the world with regards to geography, wildlife and culture…

  26. Ivan says:

    I’m dessapointed, not even in Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the U.S. and has its own PBS station, I’m allow to watch the program. Same thing, “rights restrictions”.

  27. david robert says:

    m I WISH THEY WOULD BRING UP THE LEPORDS EPISODE ALREADY

  28. Zook says:

    I find it amazing the Elan have no predators preying on them!

  29. HGH says:

    I carry on listening to the reports speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

  30. Mpho Mogadingoane says:

    This is show just fills my heart with nostalgia, a long for my homeland, a beautiful place on the face of this planet.

  31. Jose Loja says:

    Amazing place..
    I love Nature, thanks PBS..

  32. MWiser says:

    The Drakensberg is my favorite place on earth, the place my heart calls home. As a young child I spent numerous summers camping and hiking there with family and friends. I enjoyed seeing places in the video that I have actually been to. It has been ten long years since I have seen those beautiful mountains in person. Thanks PBS for this video. I can’t wait for my American-born children to watch it.

  33. Diego del Cid says:

    Great. Thanks PBS

  34. SJ says:

    This is stupid, Won’t let us watch it. :(

  35. You’re in point of fact a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent job on this matter!

  36. tub says:

    I will right away snatch your rss as I can’t find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me know in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.Cast Iron Bed´s last [type] ..1

  37. Zulma Torsiello says:

    Hey, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  38. Magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector don’t realize this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!|What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its aided me. Good job.

  39. boots outlet says:

    *It’s hard to find knowledgeable folks on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  40. louis vuitton says:

    Most what i read online is trash and copy paste but i believe you offer something different. Maintain it like this.

  41. Eileen Emami says:

    I’m watching “Invincible” in my room. Waiting for the kids to finish up with club :) I have everyone packed and ready to head home!

  42. It is really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  43. Drankesberg says:

    the soundtrack vocals were done by Zimbabwean vocal group called Insingizi. Check them on http://www.insingizi.net

Leave a Reply

Please note that the THIRTEEN editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness. No solicitations or advertisements will be allowed. Users may link to other Web sites relevant to discussion, but most often links to commercial Web sites will not be permitted.

Produced by THIRTEEN    ©2012 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.