BBC presenter Simon Reeve has opened up about his favourite country – and says it has ‘staggeringly beautiful’ landscapes and wildlife that can’t be found ‘anywhere else’
Renowned adventurer Simon Reeve has revealed his top destination on the planet, where travellers can experience sights unlike “anywhere else on the planet”. Throughout his illustrious career, Simon has explored some of the world’s most breathtaking and treacherous regions, including run-ins with the KGB and narrow escapes from cheetahs.
In his latest three-part BBC series, Scandinavia with Simon Reeve, the fearless presenter embarks on a journey across the Nordic nations, taking in the dramatic landscapes of tundra, forest, and fjord. This latest adventure adds to Simon’s impressive tally of over 130 countries visited, a remarkable feat considering he didn’t board a plane until he was “an adult and working full-time”.
Simon reflected: “You know, I’m a very lucky bloke. I’ve been to more than 130 countries now and travelled pretty extensively, I grant you, but almost all as an adult. You know, I don’t come from a ‘travel-ly’ family. I didn’t get on a plane until I was growing up and properly working.”
Simon shared that his childhood didn’t involve “fancy foreign holidays”, but he believes this has made him “appreciate” his role even more.
In fact, he remains humble about his incredible job, recalling his time on the dole as a teenager, which has left him “very aware” of “how lucky” he’s been. Choosing a favourite from his extensive travels proved a tough call for the seasoned globetrotter, but with some persuasion, one destination holds a special place, reports the Express.
Simon shared: “So, I’ve always got my eyes open when I’m travelling. I’m always trying to soak it up like a human sponge, and I absolutely love the journeys still. If you twist my arm and you say: ‘You’ve gotta come up with somewhere that you really love’, Madagascar.”
Famous for its unique creatures, Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, boasts an unmatched array of wildlife seen nowhere else on earth.
According to the WWF, this 144-million-acre landmass off Africa’s southeast coast shelters diverse ecosystems ranging from lush jungles to stark deserts.
Expanding further, Simon added: “Madagascar was staggeringly different and beautiful and surprising, and obviously, that’s off the east coast of Africa. It’s got a bit of Africa in it. It’s got a bit of Asia in it. But it’s quite unique, as well.
“You see stuff there that you don’t see anywhere else on the planet. You know, a group of cowboys wearing huge floppy hats taking a huge herd of buffalo across the country to market.”
According to Simon, clambering up another rise might unveil a vast “huge plain of spiny cactus”, revealing the island’s curious charm.
He added with a sense of wonder: “You know, when humans first arrived on Madagascar, there were lemurs the size of gorillas. You know, things have evolved there in very different and special ways, so that is a place that has really amazed me.”