INTERVIEW WITH LEVISON WOOD – PHOTOGRAPHER, WRITER, EXPLORER.

For the past few years, Levison Wood has been one of the biggest influences in my life, inspiring both myself and endless others to want to do things that scare us. He is often regarded as one of the world’s best modern-day explorers, and along with being an award-winning author and photographer, he also enjoys regular wanderings to some of the most thrilling corners of the globe.

Wood was the first person to walk the length of the Nile – a journey which took nine months to complete. He has also undertaken similarly challenging expeditions, such as walking the Himalayas, walking the Yucatan Peninsula, and trekking across the mighty Caucasus mountains. His most recent, and arguably most dangerous trip, was a full 5,000 mile circumnavigation of the Arabian Peninsula, travelling from Syria all the way though to Lebanon. Throughout the course of the trip, he came under fire from ISIS fighters and witnessed the liberation of Sharqat – engendering great friendships as he does so.

I, like many others, admire Wood for his bravery and passion for exploration. When the chance to interview him came along, I wanted nothing more than to pick his brain and try to figure out what makes him tick – and he did not disappoint.

To begin with, how did you manage to turn your love of travel into a viable career?

Hard work and determination. I always knew I wanted to travel the world, but I never really thought about making a career out of it. I did know that I wanted to be an author. It was Ernest Hemingway who taught me to write about what I know… and I know how to travel, so once I’d left the army, I knew I had to do something remarkable in the travelling world in order to write about it. So I walked the Nile, and that kickstarted this insane career! I truly believe that if you are passionate about something and serious about making it your livelihood, then it can be done.

Is there one memorable experience from your expeditions which stands out amongst the rest?

It’s impossible to pick just one memory, it’s a bit like asking me to name my favourite country, which I can’t answer either. Wherever I go I’m overwhelmed by the warmth of the people I meet, and their hospitality. On my journey walking the length of the Nile, I was most surprised by Sudan. In every settlement we passed through, the locals invited us in for tea, dinner, and a place to stay. It got to the point where we were having to avoid villages because it was slowing us down. But this didn’t stop them. One man decided that if we weren’t going to stay in his house, he would bring his home to us, and turned up in the desert with a mattress on his head – imagine that!

Is this where you thought you would be 20 years ago?

At 17 I hadn’t yet thought about what the future would hold. Like most boys that age, I was living in the moment, excited about my gap year and my time at university. I knew I was going to go into the army, but I hadn’t thought much beyond that. If I hadn’t broken my leg in 2004, I could still well be in the army full time!

Is there any other career you could have seen yourself going into?

I’ve always loved writing, and spend a lot of my time writing books and articles for various publications, so I may well have ended up a journalist. My parents were both teachers so I could have gone down that route…

When walking for months on end over long stretches of land, how were you able to keep yourself entertained?

I tried to concentrate on appreciating the environment I was in, taking it all in with my eyes, ears, and nose. But at times I would need some distraction, be that music or an audiobook.

Which experience have you learnt the most from?

Probably when I nearly died in the car accident in Nepal whilst walking the Himalayas. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to death, and I feel very fortunate that I (in fact all five of us) survived. Ever since then, I’ve learnt not to take things for granted, to savour experiences and special moments with friends and family. I still believe in risk-taking, but some risks are just ignorant.

What would your answer be to people who say everywhere has already been explored?

Technically that’s not true. We’ve only just begun to explore the deepest oceans, and we haven’t even touched outer space; there’s still a lot more to explore.

Do you think that it would be possible for a woman to do what you do, or would it be too difficult to travel freely between certain countries?

I do believe it would be possible for anyone to do what I do, given they have the right attitude and approach to travelling. It didn’t really matter that I was a man, it was my training in the army and my work for Secret Compass that equipped me with the necessary skills for my journeys. A woman can get that same training, and with the right guide should be able to move as freely as they want, within reason. The important thing for anyone is that they’re aware of the risks involved in this sort of travelling.

I read that you have travelled to over 90 countries, right? Have you ever been to Wales?

Over 100 now! And yes, I’ve been to Wales many times. As a child, we used to spend our summer holidays in Pembrokeshire. Some of my happiest childhood memories are from there.

Now that Arabia is being aired and you’ve wrapped up another adventure, what’s next?

I have a few projects in the pipeline. I’m currently away filming for something that will be aired early 2020, and I’m working on a couple of books…

Finally, is there any advice you’d give to wannabe explorers and travel writers?

Like I said at the outset, if you really want something, you’re passionate and serious about it, then the only thing stopping you is yourself! So if you want to explore the world and write about it, then go get it!

Levison Wood is hands down one of the coolest people that I have ever spoken to, and after interviewing him I’m only further convinced that he’s a pretty decent guy to have influence your ambitions.

What do you guys think? Do you guys have any questions for him? Let me know in the comments below!

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