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.
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!
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!
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.
Vanessa
Australia
Dear Stu & Justyna, Thank you so much for organising the most amazing and memorable wildlife photography safari to Mala Mala and Zimanga. Every travel detail was covered and ran seamlessly from the time the trip was booked until I returned home. The Safari accommodation was extremely comfortable and food was outstanding. Stu, you have extensive knowledge and display such passion for wildlife safari travel, photography and understanding animal behaviours in their environment. Your sincere, calm & personable nature created great interaction with your colleagues, staff at the game parks, guides, drivers and guests. Thank you for being such an awesome photography mentor-your incredible patience to enhance my photography skills allowed me to capture such special wildlife photos that are treasured. Sincere thanks to you both, Stu & Justyna @ Wild4 for such an awesome trip and I’m so looking forward to the next trip I have booked with you. Vanessa
George Cathcart
USA
Wild4's photo safari to Botswana featured two expert guides, Stu Porter and Nkosi Sibanda and the abundant wildlife of four different Botswanan hot spots. Those features alone are worth the price of admission, particularly since they include vehicle modifications that ensure the best possible photographic experience.
We spent the first ten nights in expedition-style mobile camps, “roughing it” with bucket showers and drop toilets and listening to the leopards, elephants and hyenas wandering in and around the camp at night. However, the expert staff made "roughing it" a pleasure, preparing perfect meals, including fresh-baked bread and cakes and ensuring that the camp was safe and clean.
We finished the 12-night trip in a luxury lodge on the Chobe River, where we photographed from a boat customised to accommodate serious photographers, in a waterway full of hippos and elephants and lined with Africa's most iconic birds.
If you can only go once to Africa, go to Botswana with Wild4 Photographic Safaris. They will take care of every detail of your safari. If you are an old Africa veteran, ditto. You just can't go wrong with Wild4.
Michael & Toni Anderson
USA
On our second safari with Wild4, we returned with a good friend doing her first trip. To say the three of us had a blast would be to underestimate the experience.
Once again, we were thrilled by the variety of sights and opportunities presented to us, things that much more seasoned safari-goers have probably never witnessed.
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 Wild4 Team.
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.
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.
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.
