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!
Colleen Sullivan
USA
Wild4 Photo Safari gave me much more than an average safari tour. The experiences, friends, and information gathered from my trip will stay with me forever. My anticipations were greatly exceeded, beyond anything I could ever have dreamed of. I Love 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.
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
James Smith
USA
We recently joined a Wild 4 African Photographic Safari. To put things simply, we were completely blown away. Compared with others I’ve been on, this exceeded anything we had imagined, in so many ways.
Justyna handled all our travel and trip details with exceptional professionalism and always responded to even our most basic questions quickly and in a very detailed manner. We were met by our photo guide Stu Porter, who I cannot say enough good things about. His spotting ability and anticipation, together with his understanding of animal behavior and the ecosystem, produced an amazing wildlife experience. He went to great lengths to ensure that we had the best chance of capturing a great photo, without compromising the rules of the park or the integrity of the animals. This made the trip so much more than just a “drive around and snap at whatever we see” kind of experience.
In all honesty, I can’t imagine a better guide than Stu Porter. We will be doing our future trips to Africa with Wild 4 and cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much for what a lot of people call “the trip of a lifetime”, although we feel that this is only the beginning of many trips of a lifetime. Thank you, Wild 4!!
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!!!
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.
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.
Linda Cappello
AUSTRALIA
I recently did a Wild4 trip with a friend, which far outweighed our expectations. Wow, what a trip!. Stu has extensive knowledge of the animals and their habitats and was always mindful of us getting the best shots possible. We had our own bench seats which was great as we both had plenty of space for our equipment. Each vehicle has beanbags to steady your camera/lens, pockets and enough room to take a camera bag. I loved that we could sit and watch lions at Mala Mala play in the Sand River, it was a fantastic opportunity.
Stu provided us with some great tuition and I learned a lot of new photo techniques. We had many opportunities for night photography, silhouettes, time-lapse, low light etc.,
I would highly recommend the Wild4 Team for your next photographic safari, you will not be disappointed.
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.
