13 Jan 2026

Botswana has emerged as a sanctuary for many celebrities seeking refuge from fame. Among them is Will Smith, who in his seven-part docuseries goes beyond mere escape and explores the breathtaking Kalahari Desert.

Even Hollywood’s biggest names seek refuge from fame in nature’s quiet spaces, and Botswana has become one of the favoured escape destinations.

In his quest to explore life’s biggest questions, American actor Will Smith explores the Kalahari Desert in his upcoming seven-part global expedition docuseries, Pole to Pole, premiering on January 14, 2026 on National Geographic (DStv).

Five years in the making, the series follows the Academy Award® winner across all seven continents, in search for what is important while traversing incredible challenges over the course of 100 days.

And in that search, the actor’s expedition lands him deep into the Kalahari Desert for an episode that highlights the rich heritage of Botswana.

The series captures Smith’s time with the San people, one of the oldest hunter-gatherer groups on Earth during his first visit in June, 2023. He joins the community on a traditional hunt in one of the planet’s most inhospitable environments, led by local San bushman guide, Kane Motswana.

 While there, Smith explores the ‘enduring success’ of the San, learning lessons about ancestral knowledge and resilience in the face of modern climate challenges. This intimate connection to the landscape of the Okavango and Kalahari offers a profound look at how humanity can thrive in extreme conditions.

The actor described places like the Kalahari Desert, located far from the hustle and bustle of modern day living, as a portal to his authentic self.

“No cars, no phones, no sounds, just me,” he said in one of the docuseries’ promotional videos, “it’s like I can be me, somebody who is actually flawed and scared.

For the Hollywood star, the 100 days journey did not only change the way he sees the planet, but himself too.

“This journey was unlike anything I have ever experienced,” he said, ‘traveling pole to pole is an exploration of our planet’s outer edges and the remarkable people who call those places home”. BOPA