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.
Michael & Toni Anderson
USA
On our second safari with Wild4, we returned with a good friend doing her first trip. To say the three of us had a blast would be to underestimate the experience.
Once again, we were thrilled by the variety of sights and opportunities presented to us, things that much more seasoned safari-goers have probably never witnessed.
But perhaps the best part of all was being back with friends whom we know and trust. We know a good thing when we experience it.
When we are ready for our next African adventure, you can bet we will contact the Wild4 Team.
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!
Marian Herz
United States
The Botswana trip I just completed was my 4th with Wild4. They are by far the best safari company with which I've traveled. Everything starts with wonderful pre-trip information. Then comes the planning details, wonderfully handled by Justyna. The trips themselves are beyond imagination. Stu gives everyone a full bench, so that one can photograph from either side. His guides/ drivers (and Stu himself) are great spotters, encyclopedias of information about what we're seeing and they know how to position the vehicle for the best pictures. Staying in the mobile camp was a first for me. The tents were comfortable and the staff gave us a luxury experience and gourmet food. It was amazing to have wildlife just walking through the camp. Reactions to my photos from this trip have been spectacular. I know that when I travel with Stu, I will get great shots. He is also there to provide photo tips on how to best capture the wildlife and also the processing of your images. It was Stu's tip that finally allowed me to get that Lilac-breasted Roller takeoff. Thank you Stu, for great and well-organized trips. Anyone who wants the best safari experience and great photos needs to travel with Wild4. www.marianherz.zenfolio.com
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!!
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.
Slim & Barbara Callaghan
UK
Any aspiring photographer looking for a wildlife safari should go with Stu and Justyna Porter at Wild4. You will be guided by a graduate professional photographer who is also a highly-qualified South African field guide.
Stu's knowledge of photography and understanding of African wildlife is exceptional. He is also blessed with an amazing spotter's eyesight. Each day his talents are passed on with sincerity and quiet enthusiasm. Nothing is ever too much trouble and his positioning of the vehicle for the best light and animal profile is always his first consideration.
Any successful safari relies on a good backup team. This family company is most ably supported by Stu's wife Justyna who is the drive behind the scenes and efficiently arranges the accommodation and all the logistics.
This trip was most rewarding in both personal and photographic terms and one of the best we have ever enjoyed. Sincere thanks to you all.
Neil Stewart
UK
Stu, your excellent tuition lifted my photographic skills to greater heights by introducing me to additional techniques and making me work with my camera to achieve extremely pleasing results.
I must also compliment you on the organisation of the trip. The logistics were seamless, the food and staff excellent and without exception, every game drive provided great animal encounters, allowing us to put into practice our new found skills.
Once again, many, many thanks for a wonderful trip.
John & Lorraine Carnemolla
AUSTRALIA
This was our second trip with Stu and our first in Tanzania. The sightings exceeded all our expectations. One of many highlights was seeing 22 lions drinking at a stream in the Ngorongoro crater.
The accommodation was once again first class, even the tented camps.
Stu, together with our local guides, James and Jeremiah, always managed to have the vehicle in exactly the right position for the best pictures. Can't wait to go again.
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.
