This week, TV presenter Simon Reeve takes part in our travel Q&A.
He reveals how he prepared for his latest series, Wilderness, what he learned from traveling to remote places, where he plans to explore next, and more.
How did you prepare for your new TV series Wilderness?
I was hit like a pincushion, from typhoid to tuberculosis, and got fit running around Devon in a 15kg vest.
What did you pack before venturing into the jungles of the Congo?
TV presenter Simon Reeve (pictured above in the Congo rainforest) check out our travel Q&A
A light tent and a pair of jungle boots with perforated soles to let water out, because I had to cross streams. I also made sure I had antimalarials, as well as a mosquito net and insect repellent. Last but not least, I brought tea bags and a “bidet bottle,” a squeeze bottle that you can use instead of toilet paper.
What were the highlights of the series?
One of them was working with the legendary Kalahari sand trackers as they searched for food to feed their families. Another was to climb to the ice field of Southern Patagonia, high in the Andes.
Do you see any wildlife there?
Yes, I got to swim with whale sharks the size of a single-decker bus off New Guinea and get up close to our closest relatives in the animal world, the bonobo (pygmy chimpanzee) in the Congo.
Any scary moments in your adventures?
I was sleeping in my tent in the Kalahari when a lion started sniffing around outside, smelling a juicy snack. One of my guides chased him away.
Simon remembers going up to the Southern Patagonia ice field (pictured) during the filming of his new series Wilderness.
Most challenging day?
During the sea crossing through the Coral Triangle in Indonesia, Eric, our director, developed a fever. Everything went well, but we were very far from a hospital. Until then they had been happy adventures.
Most relaxing place you visited?
Cruising the sea in the Coral Triangle on a slow boat. Lying in a hammock, I had time to practice some really cheesy Indonesian pop tunes on a guitar-ukulele, a cross between guitar and ukulele.
Learn some local slang?
I’ve been cautious about using local slang since I almost caused a riot in a former Soviet republic when I tried to order fruit at a market but mistakenly asked a lady for something indecent.
Did you have many run-ins with the authorities?
The only intimidating moment was when some rangers armed with assault rifles boarded my boat in the Coral Triangle.
Any tips for dealing with police and customs?
Be respectful. Don’t say: ‘I’m British, get me out of here!’
The best food you tried?
A fish curry with the Bajau Laut people in the Coral Triangle. It had chunky fish and a delicate flavor. A welcome relief after our freeze-dried expedition food.
Simon talks about his travels to the Coral Triangle (pictured) in Indonesia
Anything that hasn’t been so well received?
Staying with gaucho cowboys in Patagonia we were served testicles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m not opposed to eating testicles in that scenario, but it was too much.
Where would you like to visit that is new to you?
I would love to explore more of our spectacular islands with my 12-year-old son Jake.
What have you learned from wild places?
That while we have done so much to harm our planet, there is still great beauty out there. I felt confident that these places still exist and feel passionately that we should protect them.
Did you miss the UK while you were in the jungle?
Family, friends and Guinness, in that order, probably.
What’s next for you outside of Britain?
I would love to travel more to Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Desert with Simon Reeve airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer.