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.
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
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.
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.
Del Hunter
UK
I've recently returned from a "Wild 4 Photo Safari" and can recommend them without reservation. Their skill, professionalism and expertise is excelled only by the standard of excellence shown in every aspect of the trip.
From the logistics to the accommodation, the food to the transportation, their inside knowledge of African wildlife to their passion for what they do, every aspect SUPERB!!
If you are looking for the ultimate "Photo Safari", this is it!
I will definitely book again!!!
Sue Green
UK
Many thanks to Wild4 for a truly memorable trip. Stu’s guidance and photography skills provided excellent opportunities to get some great shots. His professionalism and commitment made the safari ‘special’. Having only 3 photographers per vehicle made an incredible difference and there was plenty of time to shoot - or just watch.
The accommodations and meals were excellent. Many thanks to Justyna for her wonderful help on the admin side, making my booking a dream.
I have been on trips before but none quite so enjoyable as this one.
Would I go again? Would I recommend to friends? Without a doubt, a big YES to both!!
Sincere thanks again to you all.
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.
Tara & Kevin
USA
This was our first trip to Africa, and I decided on Wild4 after reading through recommendations in a wildlife photography FB group. I am so glad to have found Wild4 because the vehicles are amazing in how they are set up, and everything was handled so seamlessly, with the pretrip documents, airport pickups, etc. James was our guide in Kenya, for Samburu and Maasai Mara, and he was so wonderful! We saw so many amazing wildlife encounters because he has such a great eye for spotting the animals and reading their behavior. He took very good care of us on the road and made sure we had the best stay at the camps. Both of the camps we stayed at were excellent as well. I will definitely use Wild4 the next time I am ready to plan another trip to Africa!
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!
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.
