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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.

Our heritage in Africa.

Africa has played an important part of all our lives and the memories of one of our Founder’s own grandfather in Kenya during the 1960’s, when foreign holiday travel was relatively in its infancy, was the spark that lit the flame.

William Russell grew up on the Isle of Wight and his interesting life made good material for stories and memories which he passed onto his grandchildren. His private chauffeur car company was granted the Royal Crest and he often had the honour of driving the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Margaret and the young Prince Charles while the Duke was sailing at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight.

He took immense pride in this role and always ensured the large limousines were immaculately buffed and polished with the Royal Crest in full display so that the moment his Royal passengers arrived on the island he was ready to greet them and ferry them to their various engagements. To this day he receives birthday wishes from Buckingham Palace.

But William always harboured a dream to travel and when his son became able to take up the reigns of the business he set out on a journey to Africa, the memory of which was to remain with him forever.

On arrival in Nairobi, William secured a guide, much as travellers do today, although his passage often took him to places rarely visited by tourists at that time. His first journey was into Tsavo National Park before continuing deep into the African bush. As he encountered wildlife - lion, elephant and cheetah almost as soon as he arrived he was hooked! In the Masai Mara he visited local tribes, some of whom had not had any or little contact with Europeans and he enjoyed many superb game drives that he can still remember well.

Travelling through Kenya’s famous national parks the weeks flew by and then it was time to return to more familiar shores having satisfied the wanderlust to visit Africa. Through the years William recounted his stories and showed the videos he made to share his experiences of Kenya and fuel the passion for Africa in others. It had a great effect on his Granddaughter, one of the founders of Opulent Africa, who took his lead and stepped on the travelling path bound for 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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