Eugene Levy, the Emmy-winning actor celebrated for his comedic roles, particularly in Schitt’s Creek, reveals a surprising turn as a travel show host in The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. Initially known for his aversion to travel, Levy found himself profoundly moved during a trip to South Africa’s Kruger National Park, an experience he recounts with genuine warmth and newfound appreciation. This journey, documented in The Reluctant Traveler, showcases more than just scenic landscapes; it captures a personal transformation.
Levy’s connection to wildlife documentaries began in childhood, watching Wild Kingdom with his father. He recalls, “When I was growing up, the one show I would watch with my dad was the docuseries Wild Kingdom.” This early exposure instilled a sense of familiarity with the African wilderness, albeit from a distance. South Africa, therefore, felt like revisiting already explored territory when Kruger National Park emerged as a filming location for his new Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. His initial reaction was one of skepticism, “I honestly didn’t see a reason for going. You know, I’d already seen it all.” This candid admission sets the stage for his unexpected conversion.
However, Kruger’s reality quickly dispelled Levy’s preconceived notions. His week-long stay triggered a remarkable shift in perspective. “But my frame of mind went from ‘I don’t necessarily want to be here’ to ‘I don’t want to leave’ in just one week. It was kind of magical,” he confesses. This pivotal change underscores the transformative power of immersive travel, a central theme in The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.
The turning point arrived unexpectedly during an elephant conservation effort. Levy recounts the extraordinary experience of witnessing a veterinarian darting an elephant from a helicopter for essential medical tests. Being invited to participate, Levy found himself drawing blood from the massive animal. “Everything clicked the day that I saw the veterinarian hanging out the open doorway of a chopper with a dart gun, ready to tranquilize an elephant so he could perform medical tests.” He humorously questions his own involvement, “Don’t ask me why they wanted a person with a career in comedy to draw blood from an elephant—let alone take a stool sample.” Yet, the profound connection forged in that moment is palpable. “But feeling its pulse through a giant vein in its ear is an experience I won’t soon forget,” Levy states, highlighting the deeply personal and often surprising encounters that define true travel experiences – experiences viewers can anticipate in The Reluctant Traveler.
Further enhancing his Kruger immersion was his stay at Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, a unique hotel offering unparalleled views of the Sabie River. From his room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, Levy observed elephants and hippos in their natural habitat. “Later, in my room at Kruger Shalati, I sat gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the marshy rivulets of the Sabie River below, watching an elephant and a hippo grazing in the distance.” This serene scene offered a sense of peace and belonging, a stark contrast to his initial reluctance. He describes it as “the most serene, comforting vignette, one that made me want to go down and spend an afternoon on a sandbar in a comfy little beach chair.”
However, the untamed nature of Kruger, home to the Big Five and creatures like the massive crocodile Levy spotted, added an element of thrilling danger to the tranquility. “One morning, I saw the largest crocodile I’ve ever seen slithering through the shallow water under the bridge.” This blend of beauty and inherent risk ultimately resonated deeply with him. “But the more I saw, the more I felt connected to this corner of the world and to the animals. There was something about the beauty of the landscape and the danger within it—that combo that made me think, Okay, you know what, I get it now.” This realization encapsulates the essence of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy – embracing the unexpected and finding wonder in unfamiliar places.
Eugene Levy’s journey in Kruger National Park, as featured in The Reluctant Traveler, is a testament to the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. From initial hesitation to heartfelt connection, his experience encourages viewers to embrace the unknown and discover the magic that awaits, a central theme expertly explored in his new travel show airing on Apple TV+. The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy promises to be more than just a travelogue; it’s an exploration of personal growth sparked by venturing into the world’s extraordinary destinations.
