Big Cat Country

Journey to one of Africa's last lion strongholds. Here, every pride is in a constant battle to keep its territory. The mighty lionesses of the Hollywood pride have held onto power for years, but without any males to mate with, they are at risk of dying out. Nearby, the 17-member MK pride is ruled by aging males who are struggling to maintain their reign. When four young nomadic males show up, they bring with them disruption and violence.

An attack leaves matriarch Ava incapacitated; Sam finds a tiny hyena cub all alone; the hyenas and the MK pride battle over a buffalo; Nathan discovers the MKs are hiding more cubs.

A group of four young lions search for a pride to take over on the western bank of the Luangwa River.

After the dry season lowers the waters, siblings Kimba and Maya risk crossing the river to search for their parents; they run the gauntlet of the densest populations of crocs and hippos in Africa.

During the last few weeks of the dry season, the prides stick close to the only available water in the river; in Luangwa, the scent of a hippo kill compels the Hollywoods to cross the river.

The dry season is approaching its end, and the MK pride faces its toughest moment yet; their matriarch and best hunter, Surabi, is gored by a buffalo and her survival hangs in the balance; one of the youngest members of the pride is lost and alone.