Story Compiled by By Timothy Nsubuga
Table of Contents
The story of Darren Britz
For Darren Britz, a 28-year-old South African wildlife filmmaker, the Discovery Channel was more than a window into the natural world—it was a spark that ignited a lifelong passion for adventure and conservation. “The Discovery Channel offered me the opportunity to see the natural world around me,” Britz reflects during a Google Meet interview with The Observer on a chilly Friday morning, as the channel celebrates its 40th anniversary. What began as childhood evenings watching Deadliest Catch and Man vs. Wild with his father has evolved into a career dedicated to capturing the beauty and struggles of wildlife through his camera lens, advocating for their conservation.
Growing up in South Africa, Britz’s television options were limited to one to three local channels. That changed when his father brought home a DSTV decoder, expanding their access to 300 channels. “I would spend lots of time watching sports and cartoons, just like any other child,” Britz recalls. “But when I flipped to the Discovery Channel, it exposed me to wildlife. I got excited about the adventure I would see, which made me run off into the garden and imagine I was a character in a wildlife discovery show.” That early exposure planted the seeds for his adventurous spirit, shaping his connection to nature and laying the foundation for his career.
Britz’s work as a wildlife filmmaker has taken him to some of Africa’s wildest landscapes, where he has produced acclaimed documentary series like Pride Rules, which explores lion dynamics, and Brave Heart: The Leopardess, chronicling the journey of a leopard raising her cubs along Zambia’s Luangwa River floodplain. His films, produced for major broadcasters like Warner Brothers, Discovery, and National Geographic, reflect his commitment to telling authentic stories about wildlife while advocating for their protection.
How Darren Britz found this A Winding Path to Wildlife Filmmaking
Britz’s journey to becoming a wildlife filmmaker was not straightforward. Initially, Britz built a career as an entrepreneur in Berlin’s music industry, working with musicians and events while supporting conservation groups. These efforts reignited his childhood passion for animals. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point, giving him the chance to pursue his dream of filming wildlife in Southern Africa. From macro shoots of insects to tracking leopards and lions, Britz has established himself as a senior wildlife filmmaker.
One of his key filming destinations is South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, which he describes as “one of the last truly wild natural locations” due to its thriving hippopotamus and crocodile populations. “That place is phenomenally abundant,” he says. “It represents what I imagine the world was like before large-scale human impact. To be out there for three months at a time, with my own vehicle and the freedom to explore one of the wildest places on the planet, is incredible.”
Tools of the Trade
Filming in the wild requires specialized equipment, and Britz’s gear is a testament to his dedication. “I always leave fellow travelers at the airport wondering how I manage to carry six to seven bags of camera equipment,” he laughs. While he travels light with personal items—packing just two pairs of socks, shoes, and clothes—his bags are filled with high-tech cinematography gear, including camera lenses, tripods, rechargeable batteries, drone kits, and medical supplies for his excursions.
Capturing the Lives of Big Cats
Britz’s most compelling work focuses on big cats, particularly a leopardess named Chupazua and her family in South Luangwa. Over four years, he has documented Chupazua’s remarkable journey, capturing her unique hunting techniques and her success in raising two cubs into independent predators. “I’ve probably spent more time with them than with my friends and family,” Britz says. “I can look at a photo on Instagram and immediately identify whether it’s the male cub or Chupazua. I know their habits, their patterns.”
Watching the male cub grow was particularly relatable for Britz. “He was overly ambitious, full of confidence when he went out on hunts, only to be humbled time and again,” he explains. “Being chased up a tree by lions, learning from mistakes—it mirrored human experiences in surprising ways.” Britz emphasizes that big cats, often misunderstood as aggressive, are driven by instinct rather than malice. “Lions are goofy, comical, and incredibly gentle with one another,” he says. “A pride is full of love, led by selfless lionesses who are the real unsung heroes.”
Building Trust with Wildlife
Britz’s ability to film wildlife up close stems from a foundation of trust and respect. In areas like South Luangwa, where tourism is managed with care, animals grow accustomed to vehicles and human presence. “They recognize the smell of your vehicle, the hum of your engine,” he says. Some animals have even used his vehicle for shade or cover. However, Britz is mindful of the emotional weight of these connections. “I always say goodbye like it might be the last time,” he notes, aware that the wild is unpredictable.
As a filmmaker, Britz sees his role as that of a journalist, witnessing and representing nature without interference. “Our job is to let the wild speak for itself,” he says.
A Call for Conservation
Britz believes that Africa’s natural beauty is often taken for granted by those who live closest to it. Channels like Discovery play a vital role in showcasing this beauty to global audiences, highlighting the urgent need for conservation. Despite challenges like poaching, Britz is optimistic about Africa’s leadership in wildlife conservation. His goal is to inspire young people by sharing positive stories, showing that the fight to save the planet is far from lost.
Balancing Adventure and Personal Life
To maintain balance, Britz listens to his internal rhythm, knowing when he’s ready for an adventure and when he needs rest. After three months in the bush, he returns to his hometown of Cape Town to unwind, hiking, scuba diving, and enjoying a beer with friends. “My friends joke that I’m a wild Tarzan,” he says with a smile.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Britz dreams of creating a 20-to-30-year documentary chronicling the bloodline of Chupazua’s leopard family, returning to South Luangwa each year to document their evolving story. “I want to pick up the thread of their story year after year, as each new generation unfolds,” he says.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For those dreaming of a career in wildlife filmmaking, Britz offers a poetic analogy: “Pursuing a dream is like raising a flower. You spend time working in the soil, digging with hope, getting your hands dirty, and facing the unknown. Many won’t see your hard work, but those who’ve realized their dreams recognize the sweat, tears, and doubts. The key is commitment—keep going until your dream becomes your vocation.”
Darren Britz’s journey from a Discovery Channel enthusiast to a celebrated wildlife filmmaker is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the inspiration drawn from nature’s stories. Through his lens, he not only captures the beauty of the wild but also amplifies the urgent call to protect it for future generations.
Timothy Nsubuga is a journalist covering stories on culture, conservation, and human interest.
