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.
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.
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!
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!
Dan Dimaggio
USA
Stu ... Cannot say enough great things about Wild4. The entire Porter family is #1 in my book. I shall recommend you to friends as often as possible.
You made my trip the very best and one that I'll always remember.
Thanks again.
Bastian & Matthias Freund
USA
We enjoyed the Migration photo safari very much and were blessed to see so many crossings and animals in such a short period of time.
The safari was well organized, all accommodations were first class and the food was certainly a nice surprise considering we were in the wilderness! Our guides took good care of us and were one reason that we saw such varied and exciting wildlife. You picked a great support team for this safari!
Bastian and I learned a lot of new photo techniques, which we will use in the future to improve our photographic results. Bastian for sure got hooked on time-lapse. Thanks to you and all your preparation, your guidance and support, this was a once in a lifetime experience. Our photographs will always remind us of you and the great time we spent together.
Thank you!
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.
Stephen Tattersall
UK
This was the second trip with Wild4 and one of the most memorable and pleasurable I have ever been on.
We were blessed with incredible sightings, from a frenzy of feeding wild dog to fighting black mambas. The memories will linger forever through some great images shot from customised vehicles driven by expert drivers.
The camps chosen were great and there was a real and genuine feeling of being a part of your surroundings. A truly African experience. From the bush to the Chobe River and the specially adapted photographic boats, we could not have asked for more.
I must extend an enormous thank you to you Stu, for your endless patience and professionalism. Also a big thank you to Justyna who’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless trip. Good job!
Peter Farmer
UK
Thank you Stu for such a memorable photo safari.
WILD4 provided a totally professional service, from the pre-safari preparation to the sighting and photographing of so many animals and birds. At all stages, your team provided first-class support and advice. The package you provide is superb and that is why I am booking another safari with you.
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.
