African Photographic Safaris since 2003
On this page, you will find a variety of articles specifically related to African Wildlife Photography. These include photo safari tips, techniques and equipment reviews, as well as interesting animal behaviour and wildlife sightings that were observed on our photographic safaris to destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Links to these articles will also be added in our quarterly photo safari newsletter.
Posted on 31st Aug 2017 in Wild4 Photo Safari Blog - All Videos|Photo Safari Video Trip Reports|
All VIDEO footage was taken on a 12 day photo tour to Etosha National Park in Namibia and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa. This unique photo safari was led by Stu Porter. VIDEO by Stu Porter
Posted on 15th Aug 2017 in Wild4 Photo Safari Blog - All Videos|Photo Safari Video Trip Reports|
All VIDEO footage was taken on a 12 day photo tour to Etosha National Park in Namibia and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa. This unique photo safari was led by Stu Porter. VIDEO by Stu Porter
Posted on 29th Jul 2017 in Wild4 Photo Safari Blog - All Videos|Photo Equipment|
Our Photographically modified 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle LAUNCH trailer VIDEO by Stu Porter
Posted on 28th Jul 2017 in News|
We are very proud to announce the launch of our first Kenyan photographically modified safari vehicle, which will be available for use on both our scheduled and custom designed photo safaris within Kenya. Our previous clients will know how we have pioneered the way to provide photographic supports on vehicles for photographers. Our professional adjustable photobar and beanbag systems that we use on safari vehicles in Botswana, Kruger, Mala Mala, Namibia and Tanzania offer a comfortable solution...
Posted on 2nd Sep 2015 in TIPS & Techniques|
Creating panoramic images of Landscapes is a widely used technique - but what about panoramic images of wildlife subjects ? This is a short article that explains when, how and why you should use this technique if the opportunity to do so arises. WHEN ? If you are too close to your subject to fit it in the frame with your telephoto lens then this technique can work for you - yes you can move further away or even use...
Posted on 1st Nov 2014 in Stories From The Bush|
My personal favourite part of the Kruger National Park, Northern Kruger has an appealing and different atmosphere all of its own. This part of Kruger is extremely beautiful with Fever Tree Forests, Baobab Trees and the beautiful Shingwedzi, Mphongolo and Luvuvhu Rivers. Silwervis and Rooibosrant dams provide great water birds and a stop at Letaba rest camp on the Letaba River will offer some of the best bird photography without even leaving the camp. My personal favourite is the...
Posted on 1st Sep 2014 in Stories From The Bush|
Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is a unique place to photograph African wildlife. It has a very dry climate, cool in the evenings and early mornings but it can get very hot during the day. A number of unusual species are found in theis reserve which is one of the reasons I love to visit Samburu. You do not have to drive very far to find amazing landscapes and wildlife encounters. When you first arrive at Samburu (normally around...
Posted on 1st Aug 2014 in Stories From The Bush|
I first visited the Kruger National Park with my family in 1983 - since then a lot of things have changed as far as the tourist elements are concerned, but the park still remains the flagship of the South African National Parks and a conservation success story. Set aside to conserve ALL the species found within the park, we often complain that we cannot drive off road, there are not enough tourist roads in some areas and the congestion at Cat...
Posted on 1st Jul 2014 in Stories From The Bush|
This will be our 4th year of running photo safaris to the world famous Mala Mala Private Game Reserve in South Africa and it has been a real privilege to have been lucky enough to spend time with the animals in this reserve, especially the Leopards. Through my experiences in the african bush, there is no better place on the planet to photograph Leopards in the wild. I have certainly photographed Leopards in all the locations I run tours to,...
Posted on 1st Jun 2014 in TIPS & Techniques|Stories From The Bush|
In my mind the winner of the "Best Ruffle" competition amongst the eagles of Africa is undoubtedly the BATELEUR EAGLE (Terathopius ecaudatus). This is a strikingly beautiful Eagle which obtains its colourful adult plumage at around 7 years. Identifying this eagle is quite easy as it has a very short tail (ecaudatus in Latin) The words "Bateleur" in French and "Gaukler" in German both describe this bird as an acrobat or street performer - a basic description of the way the...
Posted on 1st May 2014 in Stories From The Bush|
I thought I would post a short blog on an interesting sighting we had last year in the Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern fringe of the Okavango Delta. As usual our mornings start early on safari and we were huddled around our morning campfire to keep warm and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a few rusks. We were interrupted by a Lion roaring very close by. We went to see if we could spot the culprit, and...
We were very lucky to have found the Wild 4 Team when we were able to take a short photographic safari as part of a business trip to Cape Town. So when we could plan a photography trip overseas, naturally we contacted Stu and Justyna. We brought along a good friend who wanted to do her first photo safari. To say the three of us had a blast would be to underestimate the experience.
I wonder how many other photographers have been a few feet from a cheetah taking down an impala only to share the kill with a caracal. Other highlights included a rare king cheetah, mating leopards, a den of wild dogs with their pups, photographing and touching a boomslang, green mamba and black mamba, and being surrounded by a herd of elephants.
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 Wild 4 Team.
Michael & Toni Anderson, USA
On arrival we were treated as part of the family by Stu Porter, his wife Justyna, and parents John and Ann. The conditions for finding and photographing everything from small birds to large game was perfect – a 500mm lens on hire from Stu, a specially equipped vehicle, which was referred to as a hide on wheels ( with only 3 photographers) , a dedicated and professional approach to photography and plenty of time.
We would set off at sunrise, find a group of lions as they were beginning to yawn and stir from sleep, or a pair of saddle-billed storks building a nest, and quietly move our cameras into position. The initial sighting was accompanied by the rapid firing of shutters, but then we would wait as long as necessary in the hope of getting further shots. Stu was very sensitive to our needs and would only make suggestions about the best camera settings if he thought we needed his advice. His awareness of how animals behave was very useful in planning our shots.
Stu’s knowledge of African Wildlife and skill as a wildlife photographer is second to none, and I have learned a lot from his expertise. I am delighted with my photos !!
This was the trip of a lifetime, good accommodation, delicious food and great company. It was altogether a wonderful, challenging and thrilling experience and, if you are looking for a photo safari in Africa, I too recommend you contact Stu Porter at Wild4.
David Austwick, UK
