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.
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.
Wendy
United States
Stu delivered another memorable, well organized photo tour to Tanzania in October 2024. Have previously traveled to Botswana with him. What sets his tours apart from others is the fact that he spends several months a year in Africa, not just a few weeks. His itineraries are truly unique. His tours showcase the best of Africa where off roading is permitted, animals are habituated to respectful vehicles, and crowds are minimized. He employs experienced, skilled drivers in tune with photographers. He has an intricate knowledge of the parks, conservancies, and lodges. His personal knowledge of the animals, seasonal changes, and photographic techniques is unsurpassed. He is easy going, pleasant, patient and fun to be around. I am already signed up for a return trip to Africa and planning another with him.
Phillip Scrimshaw
USA
This was my first trip with Wild4, and now I can't imagine myself travelling back to Africa without them. From the moment that I first reached out to Stu about my interest in one of the trips, I knew that he runs a different kind of tour company.
His knowledge, responsiveness, and overall warm personality really made it feel like I was planning a trip with an old friend. Even though Stu was not the tour leader for my trip, he was always happy to answer my many questions, whether that be over an email or a video call.
That level of customer service is almost unheard of in this day and age. On top of that, Stu was constantly checking in with me while I was on the trip to make sure that I landed safely and that I was having a good time.
The entire team at Wild4 run an incredibly well oiled machine, and I never had to stress about crossing borders, making transfers, or any of the usual logistical worries when travelling so far from home. They are total professionals, with some of the best guides and office personnel that I've ever encountered in my many trips to Africa.
The most important part of any photo safari though is making sure that you come away with good photos. Stu has carefully handcrafted every itinerary to perfection, and he really knows how to build up a tour in a way that your best sightings are saved for last. The timing of every tour balances good sightings with low crowds, and Stu's expertise from years of travel is out on display even if he isn't personally there. In the end I knew I would have a good trip, but I didn't realize how much better the trip was because it was run by Wild4.
They have absolutely earned themselves a repeat customer, and I look forward to many trips with them in the future!
Vanessa
Australia
Dear Stu & Justyna, Thank you so much for organising the most amazing and memorable wildlife photography safari to Mala Mala and Zimanga. Every travel detail was covered and ran seamlessly from the time the trip was booked until I returned home. The Safari accommodation was extremely comfortable and food was outstanding. Stu, you have extensive knowledge and display such passion for wildlife safari travel, photography and understanding animal behaviours in their environment. Your sincere, calm & personable nature created great interaction with your colleagues, staff at the game parks, guides, drivers and guests. Thank you for being such an awesome photography mentor-your incredible patience to enhance my photography skills allowed me to capture such special wildlife photos that are treasured. Sincere thanks to you both, Stu & Justyna @ Wild4 for such an awesome trip and I’m so looking forward to the next trip I have booked with you. Vanessa
Rita Daubeney
UK
Thank you so much for the best safari I have ever been on and for your tremendous help with both the photography and Lightroom.
I now understand more about both than I ever have. Everything was brilliant.
We were extraordinarily lucky with what we saw and my greatly improved technique means I will have memories that will last forever.
Your Wild4 attention to detail means that things run smoothly in a part of the world not always known for that.
I really can’t thank you and Justyna enough.
Del Hunter
UK
I've recently returned from a "Wild 4 Photo Safari" and can recommend them without reservation. Their skill, professionalism and expertise is excelled only by the standard of excellence shown in every aspect of the trip.
From the logistics to the accommodation, the food to the transportation, their inside knowledge of African wildlife to their passion for what they do, every aspect SUPERB!!
If you are looking for the ultimate "Photo Safari", this is it!
I will definitely book again!!!
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.
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!
Sharon Thorp
USA
My first trip with Wild4 was in 2016. Since then, I have travelled with the Wild4 team on many
scheduled and custom safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa.
On every occasion, it has been so easy and so productive photographically, due to the excellence of the entire team – from Justyna covering logistics, Stu’s photography skills, and the skills and
knowledge of the local guides.
My photography has improved measurably - thanks to Stu’s tutoring, knowledge of animal behaviour, the skill and knowledge of the local guides positioning
the vehicle for the best shots, and the fact that each photographer has their own row in the safari vehicle. Having my own row is a requirement for me.
I highly recommend Wild 4 for your African safari.
