Elspeth and her unconventional parents decide to settle down in Kenya and begin a coffee plantation. This is a time of discovery for Elspeth, as she encounters the incredible beauty and cruelty of nature, and new friendships with both Africans and British expatriates. A side plot involves the beautiful and bored British Lettice Palmer who enters into an affair with a handsome safari guide. Eventually, however, the excitement of Elspeth's life is disrupted by the onset of WW I, and the changes it brings.

The cameras follow the lives of human and animal families living in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve. They also follow the story of a safari camp run by wildlife expert Saba Douglas-Hamilton and an elephant conservation charity run by her husband Frank Pope.

The brightest young vet students from around the world take on the ultimate test as they are plunged into the African wilderness for a crash hands-on course in animal conservation. Under the guidance of wildlife vet Dr Will Fowlds, whose family have lived on the Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa for five generations, the students will work long hard days in the extreme environment. Not knowing when they will be called upon to sedate an elephant or assist in a rhino’s autopsy, will they rise to the challenge or be crushed by the pressure? Famed vet Steve Leonard will be on hand to help out and offer support to the strained and emotional students. Set in the exotic, beauty of wild Africa the young vets are far from home as they face the greatest challenge of their lives.