George Cathcart
USA
Shopping for a travel adventure on the Web is somewhat risky, but finally, I picked Wild4 Photographic Safaris for one reason: the vehicle!
It was obvious that this was an outfit that understood photographic details and the needs of serious wildlife photographers. The vehicle takes just three photographers and features platforms to steady big lenses on both sides of the vehicle and loads of storage space and pockets for lenses, bodies, accessories, binoculars, field guides, water, etc., I can not imagine a better platform for photography in the bush.
What is not as obvious in the online description is that the vehicle comes equipped with Stu Porter, the Wild4 owner and guide. Stu is a deceptively shy young man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Kruger National Park and the eyes of an eagle!
Stu's knowledge and patience are seemingly infinite and he is aware of both of his passengers' needs and everything around us. He does everything humanly possible to provide the opportunity for the best shot and what’s more, he can instruct even the most seasoned photographer on technique.
In short, Wild4 Photographic Safaris is all about the vehicle, with spacious seats, shooting platforms and Stu Porter as standard equipment. You can't do better.
Thank you, Stu!
Helen Clarke
AUSTRALIA
This was my third photographic trip to Africa, and I have to say the best! Stu has great knowledge & passion for wildlife and photography that he is willing to share: I certainly learnt a lot. The setup for photography in the vehicles is extremely well thought out.
There was an amazing variety of great photographic opportunities and I really enjoyed time spent with the animals. I am very pleased with the results!
After coming away with renewed enthusiasm for photography, I am planning to do another trip with them soon.
Victoria Raphaela Photography
USA
Every aspect of our trip was well planned. From the airport to the tent door, all possibilities were managed well. The pre-trip information provided was on the spot, and very helpful. This was my first venture with Wild4. I was thoroughly impressed! Having no concerns about the trip, left me to my task at hand, photography. Having the entire bench, was integral to ensuring shot position. I felt like this journey really bumped up skills, along with my Life perspective. I can scarcely think of one thing to improve upon. Stu's easy-going demeanor lent itself to calm outings as well. No worries! If a person is undecided, they need not be for this Safari! Expertise, Well Planned, Great Experience. Ponder no more - Book Now!
Peter Farmer
UK
Thank you Stu for such a memorable photo safari.
WILD4 provided a totally professional service, from the pre-safari preparation to the sighting and photographing of so many animals and birds. At all stages, your team provided first-class support and advice. The package you provide is superb and that is why I am booking another safari with you.
David Austwick
UK
On arrival, we were treated as part of the family by the Wild4 Team. We had everything we needed for the task – a specially equipped “Hide on Wheels”, a dedicated and professional approach to photography and plenty of time.
The initial sighting would be accompanied by the excited, rapid firing of shutters, but then we would settle and wait as long as necessary in the hope of getting something different. Stu’s awareness of animal behaviour and camera settings was very useful in planning our shots.
His knowledge of African wildlife and skill as a wildlife photographer is second to none, and I have learned a lot from his expertise. I am delighted with my photos!!
This was the trip of a lifetime, good accommodation, delicious food and great company. It was altogether a wonderful, challenging and thrilling experience and, if you are looking for a photo safari in Africa, contact Stu Porter at Wild4.
Bud Ralston
United States
I've been traveling the world and taking pictures since 1966. Several weeks ago, I was privileged to join Stu Porter and Mamai John of Wild 4 African Photo Safaris in Kenya for eight days of the great migration. As expert photographers, they lined me up for the best angle, lighting, and vantage point available on EVERY shot! They are experts in the zoology of the area, knowing every bird and mammal, their behaviors, estrus cycles, life spans, etc. Mention the desired photo opportunity, and they will take you to it. Camp Entim is a priceless jewel. The lodge, restaurant, and individual tents all have views overlooking the Mara River. The "tents" were more excellent than most five-star hotel rooms. The food here was Michelin Three Star quality. Being a fussy eater, I've learned not to expect much, especially from remote locations. Was I wrong. I ate every bite of every meal, unfortunately gaining the accompanying weight. Worth every bite! The service was exceptional. I would go back there again just for the hedonistic pleasure of the visit. Stu Porter and Mamai John are class acts. They provide the best possible photographic experience to their clients. When I return to Africa, I will only look to them and Wild 4 Africa Photo Safaris to arrange my trip. Bud Ralston
Malcolm
UK
This was simply an outstanding photographic safari all round – by far the best that I have been on! As a keen enthusiast photographer, looking to step up a level and enter 2 competitions later in the year, I could not have hoped for more. Excellent!
The Wild4 team is very well organized and their prompt and helpful responses to queries pre-trip ensured they were easy and a pleasure to deal with.
Stu Porter can pitch his photographic tuition at any level and his attention to detail and enthusiasm was spot on throughout this trip. Already comfortable with my own photo technique, I was surprised by just how much I learned. I have easily adopted his full-on manual approach, every bit of which he was able to justify - a revelation! I am quite picky, but I cannot praise these guys enough and I will be back.
Very many thanks to the whole team.
Sally & Terry Gust
USA
Hi Stu,
I do want to tell you that your trip was a 5-star and the highlight of all the trips we have ever been on. We love Africa and every minute was exciting and we didn’t want it to end. Your guides, Mamai and James were two of the nicest, people I have met. They treated us like royalty. Made sure we had everything we needed. Worked tirelessly to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see. Pampered us with a wonderful breakfast every day. Enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing ours. Having our own business, we were very impressed how these two guys took such good care of your equipment. They were always so careful with the vehicle and kept it spotless. We were the prettiest vehicle on the Savanah. It is hard to find such trusting people. They are gems. I cannot say enough about how wonderful they were.
Also, the camps we stayed at were amazing. All the staff were so kind and helpful. We loved loved loved the tent camps. Made it feel like you were really part of the wild in luxury. The hot water bottles in the bed at Entim were heavenly, and I still want someone to be bringing me tea and coffee in the morning. Lol.
The whole experience was so amazing, the places were fabulous, and the food was delicious and so beautifully presented that I took pictures every night and sent them home to everyone. The people were all so gracious.
We just loved everything. Such a great photographic experience. Had great opportunities to get amazing pictures, so if they don’t turn out, it is our fault. I just can’t tell you enough about how great the whole trip was. If I ever get the opportunity to go again, I would certainly do it with Wild4. An amazing trip, with amazing guides, amazing food, and accommodations. We can’t thank you enough for everything.
Thank you thank you thank you for everything. We loved every minute.
John & Lorraine Carnemolla
AUSTRALIA
This was our second trip with Stu and our first in Tanzania. The sightings exceeded all our expectations. One of many highlights was seeing 22 lions drinking at a stream in the Ngorongoro crater.
The accommodation was once again first class, even the tented camps.
Stu, together with our local guides, James and Jeremiah, always managed to have the vehicle in exactly the right position for the best pictures. Can't wait to go again.
Marcia & Phil
USA
We loved our custom trip to Namibia, with Wild4 African Photographic Safaris. Stu and Justyna planned every detail for my husband, me, and a good friend we met on a prior trip with WILD4.
We covered much of the country and had a mind-blowing variety of looks at a very interesting country. Our accommodations, meals and experiences could not be surpassed. Based on our preferences, we toured Sossusvlei in a fixed-wing plane/ the images we got there were breathtaking! We also did a balloon tour which was lovely and peaceful. Our 4x4 desert creature tour was intimate and revealed small animals that we'd have otherwise never seen. A 4x4 Sandwich harbor tour took us to yellow sand dunes, close-ups with 2 shipwrecks, close encounters with jackals, seals, birds, and the dunes themselves. We did a boat tour in Walvis Bay, where we were joined by pelicans & seals on board. A walking tour at Deadvlei was exhausting but worth it. Each tour was more incredible than we had imagined. What an unforgettable experience!!! And that's not even talking about Etosha - the animals were different and it was really enjoyable. Sebastian, our guide. was patient, knowledgeable, and helpful.
This was our second tour with WILD4, and we are about to sign up for another. You can't go wrong with Stu and Justyna. Worth every penny!
Thanks,
Marcia & Phil
