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
Doug Croft
USA
I found Wild4 through an article in Popular Photography magazine. I saw that Stu and Wild4 offered the kind of experience that I wanted:
- Small groups of dedicated photographers.
- Variety in wildlife viewing.
- Tuition on photography and wildlife behavior.
- Good communication and organisation.
I can say that Wild4 met and exceeded all expectations on all points.
We used one vehicle for three photographers. Being a trained photographer himself, Stu always got us into the best position with the best light. Three on the tour meant plenty of room for equipment and the ability to shoot from either side of the vehicle.
The three places we visited, each provided a unique experience and wonderful variety in scenery and wildlife viewing.
Stu's tuition was excellent but never pushed. Tips, reminders, anecdotes, all given with patience and good humor.
From the first email, the communication was timely & clear. Justyna was a joy to work with.
Wild4 didn’t provide the wildlife or the spectacular sunsets that we experienced, but they put us in a position to enjoy and capture them with our cameras and in our memories. Our safari was amazing and I would not have changed a thing.
If you're looking for a Photo Safari, there is nothing to consider. Just go ahead and contact Wild4 Photographic Safaris. You will not be sorry.
Greg Morgan
UK
The Wild4 team made my trip to South Africa a truly memorable experience. Stu's tuition on techniques, composition and familiarity with your gear was the foundation for the rest of the trip.
We had some wonderful sightings - highlighted by spending time with a leopard cub in a tree no more than 30 metres away and watching a pride of 14 lions stalking a herd of zebra for more than an hour - just wonderful experiences! The quality of my shots was infinitely better than on a regular safari, as the whole focus is expertly designed to maximise photographic opportunities.
Stu's knowledge, enthusiasm and patience were boundless, and Ann's spotting and catering skills were priceless! I hope to visit Africa again soon, and without a doubt Wild4 will be my first option.
Rick and Jen
USA
My wife and I just got back from a two week expedition to Kenya and I can say without hesitation that it exceeded everything we imagined. We asked Stu to put together a custom trip for just the two of us, and from the very first video call he asked many questions to make sure that what he put together would fulfill our hopes for such a grand trip. And oh did he succeed! Our guide Mamai was an absolute gem. From the very first time we met, he set to make sure we were all on the same page. He is extremely knowledgeable as a guide and very aware of what photographers want and how to maximize the experience. Birds, mammals, reptiles, we saw it all and got pictures of most. Then there's the food and accommodations. We don't normally stay in that kind of luxury, and have often chuckled at luxurious "Glamping" setups. So worth it. When you come in from hours of driving and filming to luxury and amazing food, let's just say it would be easy to get used to that. I could go on and on, but I will simply say this. Whatever you have in mind, I believe Wild4 will exceed it. The adventure of a lifetime awaits, and we are already looking at another trip.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
