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.
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.
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
David Austwick
UK
On arrival, we were treated as part of the family by the Wild4 Team. We had everything we needed for the task – a specially equipped “Hide on Wheels”, a dedicated and professional approach to photography and plenty of time.
The initial sighting would be accompanied by the excited, rapid firing of shutters, but then we would settle and wait as long as necessary in the hope of getting something different. Stu’s awareness of animal behaviour and camera settings was very useful in planning our shots.
His 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, contact Stu Porter at Wild4.
Jane E Preston
Yorkshire - England
Where do I begin? I dreamt of a Safari holiday nearly all my life. In my autumn years that dream.came true. My friend, also called Jane, & I chose Wild4 Photographic Safaris. From the initial booking to the day we arrived, went like clockwork. Thanks to Stu & Justyna Porter. Each day was breathtaking, the experience of seeing the wild animals in their own habitat. I felt so humble & honoured to be in their presence. MalaMala is wonderful, the bungalows, the staff, the food, location deserves the 5-star award. Stu Porter, quietly & calmly oozes advice & guidance for you to produce the most wonderful photographs. Our driver. Mike, had the experience & knowledge of the reserve & was able to place the vehicle so we could take brilliant photos. His ability to seek out the wildlife is second to none! The intimacy with the wild animals cannot be described in words. We saw & photographed the Big 5 & many many more. It was a lifetime dream & it will last the rest of my life, thanks to Stu, Justyna, Mike & the magic of MalaMala - Simply the Best. The above was replicated at The Pangolin Hotel at The Chobe River, Botswana. Different location but the dream continued, I can't thank you enough. Jane Preston.
Ulhas Mayekar
USA
I have always dreamed of taking a photo safari to Africa but had a disappointing first attempt last year. The urge was still there, so after some more research, I came upon Wild4 African Photo Safaris. I was excited that this time I would really get the experience I was hoping for, and it did not fail.
The pre-tour information left me well informed. I could already tell that this would be an adventure of a lifetime. On safari, Stu’s knowledge continued to surprise me. Not only does he know about photography, but his familiarity with the animals and their environment is unbelievable. This meant he never let us miss an opportunity. Stu was patient and informative. His tips will help with all of my future photography endeavours.
This Wild4 Safari went above and beyond all of my expectations. It really was a dream come true.
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.
Andrew Oliver
CANADA
For thirty-five years I have dreamed of going on a photographic safari in South Africa. I have finally realised that dream and my hopes and expectations were surpassed in every way.
I researched extensively before settling on Wild4 Photo Safaris. What an inspired choice that was! This family company provides the perfect safari experience for photographers of every skill level.
Stu is a fine wild-life photographer and a first-class teacher. His knowledge of the habitat and habits of the animals and birds to be found in Kruger National Park is simply encyclopaedic. My 25-year-old daughter and I eagerly adapted to the early morning wake-up call, to go off into the wilds in one of Stu’s specially fitted jeeps, to catch the sunrise.
Every day brought its special moments and we returned home with thousands of photos to sort through and cherish for the memories they’ll bring back.
A safari with Wild 4 is a photographic experience with a master photographer, an initiation into the wonders of South African wildlife and spectacular landscapes - and an experience of friendship as everyone aboard the jeep bonds in common purpose.
Everything about Wild 4 is first class. The organization is superb, accommodations excellent, choices of locale perfect. Our safari with Stu and Wild4 was truly the experience of a lifetime.
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!
Sally & Terry Gust
USA
Hi Stu,
I do want to tell you that your trip was a 5-star and the highlight of all the trips we have ever been on. We love Africa and every minute was exciting and we didn’t want it to end. Your guides, Mamai and James were two of the nicest, people I have met. They treated us like royalty. Made sure we had everything we needed. Worked tirelessly to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see. Pampered us with a wonderful breakfast every day. Enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing ours. Having our own business, we were very impressed how these two guys took such good care of your equipment. They were always so careful with the vehicle and kept it spotless. We were the prettiest vehicle on the Savanah. It is hard to find such trusting people. They are gems. I cannot say enough about how wonderful they were.
Also, the camps we stayed at were amazing. All the staff were so kind and helpful. We loved loved loved the tent camps. Made it feel like you were really part of the wild in luxury. The hot water bottles in the bed at Entim were heavenly, and I still want someone to be bringing me tea and coffee in the morning. Lol.
The whole experience was so amazing, the places were fabulous, and the food was delicious and so beautifully presented that I took pictures every night and sent them home to everyone. The people were all so gracious.
We just loved everything. Such a great photographic experience. Had great opportunities to get amazing pictures, so if they don’t turn out, it is our fault. I just can’t tell you enough about how great the whole trip was. If I ever get the opportunity to go again, I would certainly do it with Wild4. An amazing trip, with amazing guides, amazing food, and accommodations. We can’t thank you enough for everything.
Thank you thank you thank you for everything. We loved every minute.
