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.
Ulhas Mayekar
USA
I have always dreamed of taking a photo safari to Africa but had a disappointing first attempt last year. The urge was still there, so after some more research, I came upon Wild4 African Photo Safaris. I was excited that this time I would really get the experience I was hoping for, and it did not fail.
The pre-tour information left me well informed. I could already tell that this would be an adventure of a lifetime. On safari, Stu’s knowledge continued to surprise me. Not only does he know about photography, but his familiarity with the animals and their environment is unbelievable. This meant he never let us miss an opportunity. Stu was patient and informative. His tips will help with all of my future photography endeavours.
This Wild4 Safari went above and beyond all of my expectations. It really was a dream come true.
Murray Richards
AUSTRALIA
This was my 3rd memorable trip with Wild 4. The wildlife in Tanzania put on a show for us from dawn till dusk. Cheetah's, lion prides, leopards, the birth of a gazelle and zebra. Migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra's - this trip had it all!
Superb locations, great accommodation, amazing food and unique scenery. I'll definitely be going back with Wild4!
What sets Wild4 apart is their attention to detail to support photographers and videographers. Small groups, well-selected locations, high-quality camps/lodges and well-trained guides makes for a very well organised and intimate photographic safari experience.
They provide not just a beanbag, but a beanbag 'system' for each photographer! They provide panning plates, and photographic platforms designed by an experienced wildlife photographer. The Wild4 team understand the needs of photographers on safari.
I can't recommend them highly enough for your African wildlife photographic experience.
Madhumita Bishnu
India
I did my first safari outside Indie and I started with Masai Mara in Kenya led by Stu & Mamai. An exceptional safari it was with thorough knowledge of the animal world by Stu, ensuring that proper lighting due to strategic location for best photography was there. Mamai ensured that the jeep stopped at the exact place where I could get the best photographs. The landscape was beautiful and the animals were equally majestic. I got to see BIG 5 which I learnt in this trip and I’m extremely thankful to Stu for the sightings. Very well thought out, professionally conducted was the safari. Stu shared on photography tips and animals characteristics too. I look forward to joining on another safari in not so distant future. Thank you Stu & Mamai
Manty Arnott and Andrew Dudgeon
Australia
We were lucky enough to enjoy 10 nights in Kenya (Samburu, Ol Pajeta and Masai Mara) and 4 nights in Rwanda with Wild4Photos Safaris. We are not really photographers but picked this company because we wanted to really observe and experience the wildlife - and we were not disappointed. Our guide in Kenya - Mamai - was incredibly knowledgable and able to position us perfectly to see both mammals and birds. He was a font of knowledge on everything we asked him! We really appreciated his gentle approach to viewing the Kenyan wildlife and his commitment to conservation and education. We are indebted to Mamai for providing us with such a unique and wonderful experience. Rwanda was also a highlight - both for the country itself and of course the gorillas. We loved the Rwandan's conservation efforts reflected in the growth of the mountain gorilla population. We were surprised and delighted with how close we got to these magnificent animals. We found the organisation of this safari holiday to be impeccable and made the experience even better. The itinerary, the transfers/flights/accommodation was brilliant. We would highly recommend Wild4 to anyone wanting to see and learn about Africa.
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.
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.
Sue Green
UK
Many thanks to Wild4 for a truly memorable trip. Stu’s guidance and photography skills provided excellent opportunities to get some great shots. His professionalism and commitment made the safari ‘special’. Having only 3 photographers per vehicle made an incredible difference and there was plenty of time to shoot - or just watch.
The accommodations and meals were excellent. Many thanks to Justyna for her wonderful help on the admin side, making my booking a dream.
I have been on trips before but none quite so enjoyable as this one.
Would I go again? Would I recommend to friends? Without a doubt, a big YES to both!!
Sincere thanks again to you all.
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.
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!
