Hunger starts to bite for the animals of the Serengeti, who are anticipating the arrival of the annual great migration - and the feast it will bring. Kali the lioness and her sister entrust their cubs to new male babysitter Sefu, with near disastrous results, while Bakari the baboon is shocked when a trip across the river to collect crocodile eggs looks like ending in tragedy for his new female Cheka. A family of wild dogs moves in, led by male Jasari, who is ready to take advantage of the coming feast for his large litter of pups.

The dry season is now upon the animals - a tough time for some, but for others a food bonanza. Jasari and his wild dog family are under siege from the hyena clan, so he must train his pups to survive, while Bakari the baboon is living in exile from the troop, only to spy the leader bullying his adopted baby. Kali and her cubs are enjoying life back in the heart of the pride, only to be attacked by the black-maned lions. But worse is to come when a storm ignites a devastating fire, consuming the dry land with flames.