In the final part of our series on 'great photo locations', Chris Bray shares his passion for the untamed and elemental wilderness of the Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have photographed in many of the world’s most amazing locations. However, every year there is one location I’m always eager to return to - Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Africa. There’s a primal, compelling magic to Africa which captures many people’s hearts. The throbbing mixture of the blazing sun, the rich tribal culture, the endless landscape, and of course, the best wildlife on the planet.
Kenya certainly wears the wildlife crown of Africa, and for me, Samburu National Reserve is the jewel in that crown. Located about 30 hrs drive from Nairobi and covering an area of approximately 165 sq kms, Samburu isn’t fenced - it’s just where the animals want to be, and it’s not hard to understand why. The landscape is beautifully varied – it has everything from the regularly flooded river plains scattered with the uniquely forked Doum palms to the iconic flat-topped acacia trees decorated with dangling weaver-bird nests. There’s also wooded hills and valleys, and a craggy skyline framed by rocky outcrops where Leopards lounge, gazing over the magnificent view with their intense yellow eyes.
The whole area is criss-crossed with a maze of vehicle tracks offering wonderful access, and the reserve is small enough so that in a solid four-hour morning or afternoon’s game drive, you can pretty much scout every region. However, in the four visits and 16 game drives I’ve enjoyed there since I first visited in 2011, I’ve never seen the same thing twice, and therein lies the magic. I’ve photographed ostriches protecting their clutch of huge eggs, leopards leaping into trees to feast on the remains of an antelope, the explosive speed of a cheetah taking down a gazelle, and clumsy steps of a newborn elephant.
