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vintage_safaris_since_the_1960's William Russell with his by Royal appointment car.

Some vintage footage on safari in Kenya with William Russell in the 1960's.

Watch footage from 1960's safari in Africa.

The origins of an African tour company.

African Safaris have been in our blood since the 1960’s when one of Opulent Africa’s forefathers set out from England, alone, destined for Kenya.

William Russell had always led an interesting life, his private chauffeur car company was appointed the Royal Crest as he drove the Duke of Edinburgh and the young Prince Charles and Princess Margret whilst the Duke was sailing at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight, just off the south coast of England.

Often William would wait for the Royal family at the docks as their boat arrived. He would continually buff the black doors of one of his large limousines adorned with the Royal crest until the moment the Royal family stepped from the boat. William would then drive them through the winding lanes of the island countryside to various engagements and still to this day he receives an occasional letter from Buckingham palace with best wishes for birthdays.

But even with all of this excitement in his daily life, Africa beckoned and leaving the business in the capable hands of his son he set of for Kenya, to quench a desire that had been quietly simmering for years.

On arrival into Nairobi William was met by his guide and driven through Tsavo National Park deep into the African bush. Coming across lion, elephant and cheetah almost as soon as he arrived he became smitten with Africa straightaway. His travels took him through Tsavo and up into the Masai Mara where he visited local tribes who often had not seen a European before, he enjoyed fabulous game drives and sighted a long list of animals that he still recounts today with great delight.

After a few weeks travelling extensively through Kenya’s national parks, it was time for William to head home to the Isle of Wight to his family who welcomed him at the docks as his boat drew in. Stories abounded in the family for many years thereafter and they never seemed to fade. William’s passion for Africa was passed on through his stories and videos to his Granddaughter one of the founders of Opulent Africa.

If you would like to see original footage of William’s pioneering safari to Africa then please take a look at his videos on this page.

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