Born and raised in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Russell has a deep passion for the conservation of Africa’s environmental and cultural diversity. He earned his undergraduate degree in zoology and African vertebrate biology at Rhodes University, followed by a postgraduate honors degree in marine biology. Since then, he has guided marine and land-based safaris in countries as diverse as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Thailand, the Bahamas and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to being a professional safari and cultural guide, he is a qualified PADI scuba instructor.

Russell has guided safaris and managed safari camps in both South Africa and Botswana, developing a remarkable understanding of the African bush and an in-depth knowledge of remote camps. His years spent immersed in remote areas of Africa were essential to his knowledge development—and every time he returns to the bush, he continues to be amazed by endless new discoveries on display.

Based in Cape Town, Russell has a rich passion for conservation, and the Western Cape holds a very special place in his heart. He believes that sharing his vast knowledge of Africa with guests through sustainable ecotourism is the key to African conservation's continued success in the future. His love for the environment is equaled only by his enjoyment of interacting with guests. Russell takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge of the natural world and the remarkable history of Africa.