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
Dan Dimaggio
USA
Stu ... Cannot say enough great things about Wild4. The entire Porter family is #1 in my book. I shall recommend you to friends as often as possible.
You made my trip the very best and one that I'll always remember.
Thanks again.
Stella Bain
UK
This was my first trip with Wild4 and hopefully will not be my last. I have been lucky enough to go on many safaris and this ranks with the best experiences. Stu and Mike our driver had amazing eyes and spotted so many things for us. Stu was really helpful with photo tips and also helped to sort out a major problem that I had downloading images. Big cats are my passion and we saw 17 different leopards and cubs with 19 sightings in all. That included a pair mating. The amazing duo knew the relationships of the animals and were able to identify them due to spots around their whiskers. We also followed many lions and cubs and a group of 6 wild dogs with 9 pups. We were very lucky and followed them looking for a new den. Unfortunately, they encountered enraged elephants and scattered. They were found the next morning at their old den with only the loss of 1 pup These were just the highlights as our amazing pair found us many other birds and animals to photograph. Thank you, Stu, Mike, and Justyna.
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!
Rita Daubeney
UK
Thank you so much for the best safari I have ever been on and for your tremendous help with both the photography and Lightroom.
I now understand more about both than I ever have. Everything was brilliant.
We were extraordinarily lucky with what we saw and my greatly improved technique means I will have memories that will last forever.
Your Wild4 attention to detail means that things run smoothly in a part of the world not always known for that.
I really can’t thank you and Justyna enough.
Elaine and Rod
Australia
My husband and I travelled to South Africa on a photography tour with Stu Porter and we had a wonderful time. The 2 camps we stayed at (Mala Mala & Zimanga) though different, were excellent. The accommodation, guides, staff and food were all fantastic. Stu was also exceptional – very informative and fun, explaining everything to us and very easy to get along with. He made sure that we were well looked after. We also had a great small group during this trip. We plan to go again in 2027 so would totally recommend this photography tour.
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.
Malcolm
UK
This was simply an outstanding photographic safari all round – by far the best that I have been on! As a keen enthusiast photographer, looking to step up a level and enter 2 competitions later in the year, I could not have hoped for more. Excellent!
The Wild4 team is very well organized and their prompt and helpful responses to queries pre-trip ensured they were easy and a pleasure to deal with.
Stu Porter can pitch his photographic tuition at any level and his attention to detail and enthusiasm was spot on throughout this trip. Already comfortable with my own photo technique, I was surprised by just how much I learned. I have easily adopted his full-on manual approach, every bit of which he was able to justify - a revelation! I am quite picky, but I cannot praise these guys enough and I will be back.
Very many thanks to the whole team.
Murray Richards
AUSTRALIA
This was my 3rd memorable trip with Wild 4. The wildlife in Tanzania put on a show for us from dawn till dusk. Cheetah's, lion prides, leopards, the birth of a gazelle and zebra. Migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra's - this trip had it all!
Superb locations, great accommodation, amazing food and unique scenery. I'll definitely be going back with Wild4!
What sets Wild4 apart is their attention to detail to support photographers and videographers. Small groups, well-selected locations, high-quality camps/lodges and well-trained guides makes for a very well organised and intimate photographic safari experience.
They provide not just a beanbag, but a beanbag 'system' for each photographer! They provide panning plates, and photographic platforms designed by an experienced wildlife photographer. The Wild4 team understand the needs of photographers on safari.
I can't recommend them highly enough for your African wildlife photographic experience.
Victoria Raphaela Photography
USA
Every aspect of our trip was well planned. From the airport to the tent door, all possibilities were managed well. The pre-trip information provided was on the spot, and very helpful. This was my first venture with Wild4. I was thoroughly impressed! Having no concerns about the trip, left me to my task at hand, photography. Having the entire bench, was integral to ensuring shot position. I felt like this journey really bumped up skills, along with my Life perspective. I can scarcely think of one thing to improve upon. Stu's easy-going demeanor lent itself to calm outings as well. No worries! If a person is undecided, they need not be for this Safari! Expertise, Well Planned, Great Experience. Ponder no more - Book Now!
