Luke Evans on His ‘Extraordinary’ Safari Vacation, Love for London, and Traveling with Helen Mirren

Luke Evans, the acclaimed actor of blockbuster films like “The Hobbit,” “Fast & Furious,” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” has a passion for exploring global destinations. However, his heart belongs to his Welsh roots, which profoundly influenced his journey into the world of travel.

Early Travels and Family Influences

Growing up in Pontypool and Aberbargoed, Evans recalls his family’s modest caravan holidays within the UK. These excursions, characterized by road trips in his father’s Ford Cortina, included visits to quaint sites like the Forest of Dean and coastal towns such as Aberystwyth and Cornwall. “We rarely ventured out of Wales because it was on our doorstep,” he remarked, fondly remembering his first flight to Benidorm, Spain, despite its eccentric charm.

Such experiences laid the foundation for Evans’ wanderlust, a theme he explores in his memoir, Boy from the Valley: My Unexpected Journey. “The best gift you can give yourself or someone else is traveling,” Evans states, emphasizing the transformative power of travel.

A Dream Safari in Africa

Most recently, Evans fulfilled a long-held dream by vacationing in Cape Town and Botswana with the esteemed Atzaró group. His love for Atzaró properties began in Ibiza, where he’d come across stunning postcards of their other locations.

Upon arrival at Atzaró Cape Town, located at the foot of Table Mountain, Evans was mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views. Accompanied by his hotel manager and personal hiking guide, Xander, Evans tackled the two-hour trail up the mountain, shunning the easy cableway lift in favor of the challenging but rewarding journey on foot.

Intimate Safari Adventures

The safari in Botswana at Atzaró Okavango offered extraordinary wildlife experiences. The camp, located in a natural habitat, required guests to be escorted to their lodges due to wandering leopards, buffalo, and aardvarks. Each safari drive revealed marvels, from observing giraffes playfully sparring to witnessing a wild dog pack hunt a baby gazelle. One notable moment was seeing the elusive leopard in its natural camouflage.

The New Year’s crowning moment was a peaceful night drive where the guides turned off the vehicle’s engine, allowing Evans to appreciate the cacophony of the wild — sounds he later recorded to accompany him to sleep.

Understanding the World Through Travel

Evans’ travel experiences have instilled in him a profound understanding of humanity’s interconnectedness. “I realize we are all one,” he reflects, “We just look different, eat differently, live differently, but we are the same.”

His Favorite Locations

• Favorite Filming Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales. Despite the grim story of “The Pembrokeshire Murders,” the location’s natural beauty captivated Evans, especially the small village of Solva with its stunning bays and rolling mountains.
• Must-See Theater in London: Donmar Warehouse, a cozy hub of high-quality productions. For Evans, this is where his career began and continues to impress with groundbreaking performances.
• Underrated London Activity: Walking the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral against London’s striking skyline.

New Adventures Await

For 2025, Evans aims to explore new territories such as Egypt, inspired by his current read, An African History of Africa. He also cherishes the idea of traveling with Helen Mirren, whom he believes would embrace venturing off the beaten path with enthusiasm.

Travel Tips from Luke Evans

• Road Trip Recommendation in Wales: The Pembrokeshire coastal path — an 870-mile journey that allows camping along breathtaking terrains.
• Travel Essential: Noise-reducing AirPods. Essential for any journey, they help Evans sleep well on flights and manage the noise of bustling airports.

Evans welcomes others to discover the corners of the world he holds dear, encouraging explorers to step beyond tourist hotspots to uncover the hidden gems of cities like London and Wales, where one can experience a touch of genuine local charm.

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Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/luke-evans-celebrity-travel-safari-london-8773340