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!
Bud Ralston
United States
I've been traveling the world and taking pictures since 1966. Several weeks ago, I was privileged to join Stu Porter and Mamai John of Wild 4 African Photo Safaris in Kenya for eight days of the great migration. As expert photographers, they lined me up for the best angle, lighting, and vantage point available on EVERY shot! They are experts in the zoology of the area, knowing every bird and mammal, their behaviors, estrus cycles, life spans, etc. Mention the desired photo opportunity, and they will take you to it. Camp Entim is a priceless jewel. The lodge, restaurant, and individual tents all have views overlooking the Mara River. The "tents" were more excellent than most five-star hotel rooms. The food here was Michelin Three Star quality. Being a fussy eater, I've learned not to expect much, especially from remote locations. Was I wrong. I ate every bite of every meal, unfortunately gaining the accompanying weight. Worth every bite! The service was exceptional. I would go back there again just for the hedonistic pleasure of the visit. Stu Porter and Mamai John are class acts. They provide the best possible photographic experience to their clients. When I return to Africa, I will only look to them and Wild 4 Africa Photo Safaris to arrange my trip. Bud Ralston
Phillip Scrimshaw
USA
This was my first trip with Wild4, and now I can't imagine myself travelling back to Africa without them. From the moment that I first reached out to Stu about my interest in one of the trips, I knew that he runs a different kind of tour company. His knowledge, responsiveness, and overall warm personality really made it feel like I was planning a trip with an old friend. Even though Stu was not the tour leader for my trip, he was always happy to answer my many questions, whether that be over an email or a video call. That level of customer service is almost unheard of in this day and age. On top of that, Stu was constantly checking in with me while I was on the trip to make sure that I landed safely and that I was having a good time. The entire team at Wild4 run an incredibly well oiled machine, and I never had to stress about crossing borders, making transfers, or any of the usual logistical worries when travelling so far from home. They are total professionals, with some of the best guides and office personnel that I've ever encountered in my many trips to Africa. The most important part of any photo safari though is making sure that you come away with good photos. Stu has carefully handcrafted every itinerary to perfection, and he really knows how to build up a tour in a way that your best sightings are saved for last. The timing of every tour balances good sightings with low crowds, and Stu's expertise from years of travel is out on display even if he isn't personally there. In the end I knew I would have a good trip, but I didn't realize how much better the trip was because it was run by Wild4. They have absolutely earned themselves a repeat customer, and I look forward to many trips with them in the future!
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.
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.
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.
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
Wendy
United States
Stu delivered another memorable, well organized photo tour to Tanzania in October 2024. Have previously traveled to Botswana with him. What sets his tours apart from others is the fact that he spends several months a year in Africa, not just a few weeks. His itineraries are truly unique. His tours showcase the best of Africa where off roading is permitted, animals are habituated to respectful vehicles, and crowds are minimized. He employs experienced, skilled drivers in tune with photographers. He has an intricate knowledge of the parks, conservancies, and lodges. His personal knowledge of the animals, seasonal changes, and photographic techniques is unsurpassed. He is easy going, pleasant, patient and fun to be around. I am already signed up for a return trip to Africa and planning another with him.
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!!
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
