Wholesome and home-grown: 9 African kids shows for all ages

We’ve rounded up the best kids educational series and family movies that are proudly African – the coasts of the Cape to the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and beyond! All streaming on Showmax.

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Toddlers and Preschoolers

Tinga Tinga Tales S1

A perfect way for curious kids to learn about the animal kingdom, Tinga Tinga Tales is a Kenyan animated series that’s inspired by African folk tales and tells the story of the origin of various animals. Using captivating stories, colour and songs, Tinga Tinga Tales explains how animals came to be how they are today – why does the lion have a trunk, why the eagles rule the sky, why a chameleon changes its colours and more.

Akili & Me S1-2

Akili and Me is an animated edutainment series set in Tanzania that is perfect for preschoolers. The series follows the young Akili as she escapes to the magical dream world of Lala Land where animals can talk and where Akili together with her animal friends get to learn about language, letters, numbers and art.

Zafari S1-2

Near Mount Kilimanjaro, there is a zoo full of unique creatures. A baby elephant with zebra stripes or a flamingo-coloured lion? You never know what you’ll see at Zafari.

Jabu’s Jungle S1-4

Jabu, an intrepid nine-year-old from Masiphumelele, Cape Town, and his magic talking drum explore the jungle and help animals in need. This fun series is set to Afro-pop music.

Lower Primary Schoolers

Khumba (2013)

Khumba is a young zebra with only half his stripes. He’s blamed for the drought and sets off on a quest to find the waterhole where the other zebras got all their stripes. An animated delight for the whole family.

Adventures in Zambezia (2012)

Kai travels to the bustling bird city of Zambezia to discover the truth about his father. Made in South Africa but with A-list Hollywood actors lending their voices, including Jenifer Lewis, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Goldblum and more.

Tweens and Teens

Supa Strikas S1-5

Who can forget the comic Supa Strikas, the Saturday Nation pullout that introduced us to the great football team Supa Strikas and stars like Shakes Makena, El Matador and Dancing Rasta? Adapted into an animated series, Supa Strikas follows Shakes and his teammates on their quest to become the greatest football team in the world.