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!
Jane E Preston
Yorkshire - England
Where do I begin? I dreamt of a Safari holiday nearly all my life. In my autumn years that dream.came true. My friend, also called Jane, & I chose Wild4 Photographic Safaris. From the initial booking to the day we arrived, went like clockwork. Thanks to Stu & Justyna Porter. Each day was breathtaking, the experience of seeing the wild animals in their own habitat. I felt so humble & honoured to be in their presence. MalaMala is wonderful, the bungalows, the staff, the food, location deserves the 5-star award. Stu Porter, quietly & calmly oozes advice & guidance for you to produce the most wonderful photographs. Our driver. Mike, had the experience & knowledge of the reserve & was able to place the vehicle so we could take brilliant photos. His ability to seek out the wildlife is second to none! The intimacy with the wild animals cannot be described in words. We saw & photographed the Big 5 & many many more. It was a lifetime dream & it will last the rest of my life, thanks to Stu, Justyna, Mike & the magic of MalaMala - Simply the Best. The above was replicated at The Pangolin Hotel at The Chobe River, Botswana. Different location but the dream continued, I can't thank you enough. Jane Preston.
John & Marie Holding
AUSTRALIA
Our 14 days with Wild4 Safaris was the best learning experience we have ever embarked on. We were totally immersed in the world of wildlife photography, in the best place in the world, with one of the best pro photographers around. Stu genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for wildlife and photography. It was an unbelievably rewarding learning experience, raising our skill levels significantly.
Stu and his team were able to teach us about our equipment and the application of new skills. This sharing of skills, along with the excellent booklet (which became Marie's bible) is world-class. It ensured we got to places that others didn't and that we were always in the best position to shoot. Stu didn't disappoint and was able to put together some memorable opportunities to get many excellent shots.
The whole package was first class, from the pickup, through accommodation, food and day trips, to the people (now friends) who we met on the trip. This is one of those bucket list adventures that we will be doing again with WILD4.
Slim & Barbara Callaghan
UK
Any aspiring photographer looking for a wildlife safari should go with Stu and Justyna Porter at Wild4. You will be guided by a graduate professional photographer who is also a highly-qualified South African field guide.
Stu's knowledge of photography and understanding of African wildlife is exceptional. He is also blessed with an amazing spotter's eyesight. Each day his talents are passed on with sincerity and quiet enthusiasm. Nothing is ever too much trouble and his positioning of the vehicle for the best light and animal profile is always his first consideration.
Any successful safari relies on a good backup team. This family company is most ably supported by Stu's wife Justyna who is the drive behind the scenes and efficiently arranges the accommodation and all the logistics.
This trip was most rewarding in both personal and photographic terms and one of the best we have ever enjoyed. Sincere thanks to you all.
Tara & Kevin
USA
This was our first trip to Africa, and I decided on Wild4 after reading through recommendations in a wildlife photography FB group. I am so glad to have found Wild4 because the vehicles are amazing in how they are set up, and everything was handled so seamlessly, with the pretrip documents, airport pickups, etc. James was our guide in Kenya, for Samburu and Maasai Mara, and he was so wonderful! We saw so many amazing wildlife encounters because he has such a great eye for spotting the animals and reading their behavior. He took very good care of us on the road and made sure we had the best stay at the camps. Both of the camps we stayed at were excellent as well. I will definitely use Wild4 the next time I am ready to plan another trip to Africa!
Larry Jackson
USA
First introduced to Wild4 by a friend, we have now been on 5 trips. Stu is the ultimate professional guide offering a terrific experience wherever he takes us.
He shares his extensive knowledge of photography, making it possible to get better photos and make the most of each photographic opportunity. It takes special qualities to guide photographers around Africa, keep them comfortable, provide the best photo locations at the best time of the day, manage the schedules, vehicles, drivers, flights and food and still remain calmly in control.
He is supported well by Justyna in the office and we anticipate travelling more with Wild4 in the future.
You should book a trip with him as soon as you can!
Neil Stewart
UK
Stu, your excellent tuition lifted my photographic skills to greater heights by introducing me to additional techniques and making me work with my camera to achieve extremely pleasing results.
I must also compliment you on the organisation of the trip. The logistics were seamless, the food and staff excellent and without exception, every game drive provided great animal encounters, allowing us to put into practice our new found skills.
Once again, many, many thanks for a wonderful trip.
Stella Bain
UK
This was my first trip with Wild4 and hopefully will not be my last. I have been lucky enough to go on many safaris and this ranks with the best experiences. Stu and Mike our driver had amazing eyes and spotted so many things for us. Stu was really helpful with photo tips and also helped to sort out a major problem that I had downloading images. Big cats are my passion and we saw 17 different leopards and cubs with 19 sightings in all. That included a pair mating. The amazing duo knew the relationships of the animals and were able to identify them due to spots around their whiskers. We also followed many lions and cubs and a group of 6 wild dogs with 9 pups. We were very lucky and followed them looking for a new den. Unfortunately, they encountered enraged elephants and scattered. They were found the next morning at their old den with only the loss of 1 pup These were just the highlights as our amazing pair found us many other birds and animals to photograph. Thank you, Stu, Mike, and Justyna.
George Cathcart
USA
Wild4's photo safari to Botswana featured two expert guides, Stu Porter and Nkosi Sibanda and the abundant wildlife of four different Botswanan hot spots. Those features alone are worth the price of admission, particularly since they include vehicle modifications that ensure the best possible photographic experience.
We spent the first ten nights in expedition-style mobile camps, “roughing it” with bucket showers and drop toilets and listening to the leopards, elephants and hyenas wandering in and around the camp at night. However, the expert staff made "roughing it" a pleasure, preparing perfect meals, including fresh-baked bread and cakes and ensuring that the camp was safe and clean.
We finished the 12-night trip in a luxury lodge on the Chobe River, where we photographed from a boat customised to accommodate serious photographers, in a waterway full of hippos and elephants and lined with Africa's most iconic birds.
If you can only go once to Africa, go to Botswana with Wild4 Photographic Safaris. They will take care of every detail of your safari. If you are an old Africa veteran, ditto. You just can't go wrong with Wild4.
Rob Pelle
NETHERLANDS
After 2 previous safari attempts were cancelled, I looked around and found Wild4. Justyna was extremely helpful in putting together a tailor-made tour just for me.
I tend to shy away from flash but during a night shoot, I quickly learned a great new technique and the photographs turned out wonderful. In short, Wild4 Photographic Safaris is the one you want to book with to get the best opportunities.
This is not the last time I will make use of their services. Thank you Justyna & Stu for a wonderful time.