Levison Wood

Levison Wood is a professional explorer, writer and photographer. Over the last decade he has had eight critically-acclaimed documentary series which have aired around the world, in which he has walked the length of the Nile, the Himalayas, the Americas, crossed the Caucasus, circumnavigated the Arabian Peninsula, followed the migration and conservation of elephants in Botswana and more.

Levison is an elected fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorer’s Club. He is an ambassador for UNICEF and Leica. He served as an officer for several years in the Parachute Regiment, where he saw combat operations in Afghanistan.

He has written 12 best-selling books about his journeys, including a motivational book called The Art of Exploration, which was released in June 2021. ‘Britain’s best loved adventurer’ (The Times) talks about his secrets of discovery for the first time in this revealing manual of what it means to be an explorer in the modern age. He shares his own stories, as well as examples of pioneers in many fields, using their work to show how we can all develop our own explorer’s mindset and how these lessons can be applied in daily life. With chapters on curiosity, teamwork, resilience and positivity this is a book that provides a tool kit – no matter your age or profession.

He has recently completed his fifth UK-wide speaking tour. He also often gives adventure-filled talks to companies, charities and universities on leadership and teamwork. He shares his amusing and poignant tales of life on the road and his transition from Parachute Regiment soldier to modern day explorer. With further stories and behind the scenes moments from his journeys all over the world for Channel 4, Levison asks why we travel. As well as the people and places that have inspired him, he’ll reveal the perils of life on expeditions, what it’s like being chased by hippos, shot at by gunmen, falling off a mountain and meeting illustrious figures such as the Dalai Lama along the way.