Samara Reserve Karoo Photo Safari

 Over the past few years, we at CNP Safaris have systematically researched and conceived new approaches to Nature photography. For more than a decade, our development of the world’s first revolving photographic chair on mobile platforms and other photography-related inventions kept us at the forefront of wildlife-in-action photography. At the same time, regular improvements in digital-sensor designs and the ever-increasing number of pixels offered by both professional and prosumer (advanced) cameras, have kept us alert. As a result, we continually review our approach to photography and always strive to lift our services to greater levels of efficiency.

CNP Safaris’ latest approach to photography is inspired by a phrase that Lou Coetzer coined – “Think Like A Landscape Photographer and Shoot Like A Sports Photographer”. The results of adopting this mantra, which unites composition with action, were summarised by Wenzel Kotze, Tour Leader of the CNP Team, when he exclaimed: “I now belong to the 500% Club”.  What he meant was that he had lifted his performance with a camera to a whole new level and was taking home 5 times more really great photographs than he had ever done before from any dynamic, nature scenario. What made this possible was the discovery of a photogenic destination that combined amazing landscapes with fast-moving wildlife that could be photographed on foot. None of our previous photographic locations had offered us the facility to teach a dual set of skills in one place.

By accident rather than design, Lou Coetzer discovered Samara. This jewel of a privately owned game reserve in the South African Karoo, offered far more than CNP Safaris could ever have wished for. Not only were there beautiful landscapes but also the opportunity to track wildlife on foot, protected by armed rangers and guided by superb trackers. Following a wild mother cheetah and her five 8-month-old cubs on foot, and being allowed to enter their private world, turned out to be, for Lou Coetzer: “The most profound wildlife photographic experience of my life”.

Not only does Samara offer many unexpected little gems of photographic opportunity, such as the elusive Aardvark, but the setting and accommodation are perfect for an adventure with CNP Safaris!