Marcia & Phil
USA
We loved our custom trip to Namibia, with Wild4 African Photographic Safaris. Stu and Justyna planned every detail for my husband, me, and a good friend we met on a prior trip with WILD4.
We covered much of the country and had a mind-blowing variety of looks at a very interesting country. Our accommodations, meals and experiences could not be surpassed. Based on our preferences, we toured Sossusvlei in a fixed-wing plane/ the images we got there were breathtaking! We also did a balloon tour which was lovely and peaceful. Our 4x4 desert creature tour was intimate and revealed small animals that we'd have otherwise never seen. A 4x4 Sandwich harbor tour took us to yellow sand dunes, close-ups with 2 shipwrecks, close encounters with jackals, seals, birds, and the dunes themselves. We did a boat tour in Walvis Bay, where we were joined by pelicans & seals on board. A walking tour at Deadvlei was exhausting but worth it. Each tour was more incredible than we had imagined. What an unforgettable experience!!! And that's not even talking about Etosha - the animals were different and it was really enjoyable. Sebastian, our guide. was patient, knowledgeable, and helpful.
This was our second tour with WILD4, and we are about to sign up for another. You can't go wrong with Stu and Justyna. Worth every penny!
Thanks,
Marcia & Phil
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.
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.
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.
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
Maureen & Trevor Lovegrove
UK
From the moment we contacted Wild4 we were impressed with the prompt, friendly, enthusiastic way our queries were answered by Justyna. Nothing was too much trouble.
Stu is a passionate wildlife photographer eager to pass on skills, ideas, techniques and information.
The wildlife sightings were awesome, amazing, exciting - just a few words that come to mind.
We have had many safaris in various countries but this surpassed them all.
The only decision now is not if, but when we return.
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
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.
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!
