Tribal Secrets

The Hamar live among the bush covered hills of southern Ethiopia. This tribe built around livestock has their own customs, including cattle-leaping ceremonies. Now, the National Geographic Channel takes viewers to this remote land to show us two mens life-changing challenges at the very heart of their culture one faces the rite of passage to manhood while the other must put his fathers uneasy spirit to rest. OR: The Hamar live among the bush covered hills of southern Ethiopia. With their own language and unique ceremonies, the Hamar farm small crops and measure their wealth in cattle and goats. Now, the National Geographic Channel takes viewers to this remote land to show two life-changing challenges at the very heart of their culture. A boy faces the rites of passage to manhood where he must prove himself worthy by successfully completing the cattle-leaping ceremony while the other must put his father's uneasy spirit to rest five years after his death. OR: The Hamar of southwestern Ethiopia measure wealth in cattle and goats. But wealth comes only with risk and sacrifice. Now, the National Geographic Channel takes viewers to this remote land for an intimate look at the life-changing rituals of the Hamar. Boys become men with a perilous cattle-leaping ceremony. Girls and boys show affection with whips and scars. Husbands and fathers rule their herds and families long after death. Visit the land where offerings of cattle and goats bring one man a wife and another peace from the uneasy spirit of a long dead father.

The area where the Sahara meets the southern grasslands of West Africa is called the Sahel. It stretches between Senegal in the west and Chad in the East. It is home to the Wodaabe, one of the most extraordinary tribes on earth. The Wodaabe are a nomadic tribe numbering perhaps 65,000 in Niger. They are among the last Nomads left in Africa. This film tells the story of three very important ceremonies. Betrothed at the age of seven a girl is finally to be married at 15. A boy is on the verge of becoming a man, learning how to wear Wodaabe makeup. And two young husbands look forward to the Geerewol festival where they will take part in a male beauty contest.

Despite decades of civil war and tribal conflict in southern Sudan, the ancient ways of the Dinka have changed little. Discover the traditions at the heart of this tribe and their cattle-centric culture, including showering under urinating cows.

The Pokot are feared as fierce warriors. Two friends, one rich & one poor, go through the surprising rituals in their initiation to becoming warriors.

After a 3-year drought, the Goborre Rendille in Kenya prepare their moon cycle ceremonies -- a funeral, a wedding and a camel blessing.

Seven young, carefree warriors undergo the most important ceremony of their lives - their transformation to serene, bald, elders within five days.