For many of us, childhood TV memories are intertwined with family time. For Eugene Levy, star of Apple TV+’s “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy,” one such memory involves watching Wild Kingdom with his father. While his dad enjoyed the dramatic predator-prey dynamics of lions and antelope, Levy found a different kind of fascination in the show, unknowingly fostering a future connection with the wild. Years later, when Kruger National Park in South Africa appeared on the itinerary for his travel show, Levy’s initial reaction was less than enthusiastic. Having felt like he’d “seen it all” through the screen, he couldn’t imagine what Kruger could offer. However, as his week in this renowned South African destination unfolded, his perspective underwent a profound and magical transformation, turning reluctance into a deep sense of belonging.
The turning point in Levy’s Kruger experience was as unique as it was impactful. He recounts a day spent with a veterinarian team performing essential health checks on elephants. Invited to participate in this crucial conservation effort, Levy found himself drawing blood from an elephant, feeling its pulse in a giant ear vein. This hands-on encounter transcended the passive observation of wildlife documentaries, forging an unforgettable bond with these majestic creatures and the dedicated individuals working to protect them. The surreal request for a stool sample, given his comedic background, only added to the memorable nature of this extraordinary experience.
Later, reflecting on the day from the luxurious vantage point of his room at Kruger Shalati, a unique hotel built within a repurposed train on a bridge, Levy was captivated by the serene vista. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a picturesque scene of the Sabie River’s marshy edges, where an elephant and a hippo grazed peacefully. This tranquil “vignette” sparked a desire for deeper immersion in the landscape, a yearning to simply sit by the river and absorb the tranquility. Despite the awareness of the “Big Five” lurking nearby – including a massive crocodile he spotted – the allure of Kruger’s beauty and the raw, untamed nature of its wildlife grew stronger with each passing moment.
By the end of his week-long journey, Eugene Levy, the reluctant traveler, had become an advocate for the park’s captivating duality: “the beauty of the landscape and the danger within it.” This powerful combination resonated deeply, fostering an understanding and appreciation that surpassed his initial skepticism. Levy’s journey in Kruger National Park, as documented in “The Reluctant Traveler,” is a testament to the transformative power of travel, particularly when it involves immersing oneself in the natural world and encountering wildlife in their element. It’s an invitation for viewers to experience vicariously the magic that can unfold when we step outside our comfort zones and open ourselves to the unexpected wonders of our planet.
