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!
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!
Mike Garcia and Lauri English
USA
Our first trip to Africa and we really had no expectations. A friend of ours has gone with Wild4 Photo Safari's on two different occasions and couldn't say enough about what a life changing experience it was for he and his wife. Finally our big day arrived and off we fly to Africa. Everything last detail was covered for us. Our "people" who were there to greet us were there, accommodations, food vouchers were all right there for us, upon our arrival. That took so much of the anxiety away for us. Once we arrived at Johannesburg, our greeter was there and helped us get checked in and settled in our room. Dinner came and Stu was there, just like he arranged. It was so wonderful to finally meet him. We enjoyed a lovely dinner with him and we felt instantly comfortable getting to know him. Our next day, our journey begins. A flight to Kasane for our Chobe River experience. There aren't words to describe how incredible everything was. The accommodations at the Pangolin Hotel, our daily safari on the river, the ANIMALS are unforgettable. I literally cried from sheer emotion when I saw my first Giraffe and Elephant. It was simply overwhelmingly beyond anything I could have imagined! Our days there went too fast and now it was time to head back to Johannisberg for our next stop - Mala Mala.
Again, everything completely covered - Stu made this trip effortless for us! Mala Mala is one of those places that is beyond description. The experiences we had there will stay with us forever. Our driver Mike was amazing - making sure we were positioned just where we needed to be. What a great team Mike and Stu made! Once again, accomodations, food and service beyond our expectations. We actually booked another trip to Mala Mala while we were there. It is a magical place - there are no words to express our instant love for this place. I know that I would not go back unless it was with Wild4 Photo Safari and Stu. This trip was the top of the line - 5 STARS! I can go on and on about how blessed we are to have experienced this trip with Stu... his goal is to make sure everyone has a special and memorable trip. If you're considering traveling to Africa, I highly recommend going Wild4 Photo Safari...you will have picked the best!
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.
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!
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.
Stephen Tattersall
UK
This was the second trip with Wild4 and one of the most memorable and pleasurable I have ever been on.
We were blessed with incredible sightings, from a frenzy of feeding wild dog to fighting black mambas. The memories will linger forever through some great images shot from customised vehicles driven by expert drivers.
The camps chosen were great and there was a real and genuine feeling of being a part of your surroundings. A truly African experience. From the bush to the Chobe River and the specially adapted photographic boats, we could not have asked for more.
I must extend an enormous thank you to you Stu, for your endless patience and professionalism. Also a big thank you to Justyna who’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless trip. Good job!
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
Rob Pelle
NETHERLANDS
After 2 previous safari attempts were cancelled, I looked around and found Wild4. Justyna was extremely helpful in putting together a tailor-made tour just for me.
I tend to shy away from flash but during a night shoot, I quickly learned a great new technique and the photographs turned out wonderful. In short, Wild4 Photographic Safaris is the one you want to book with to get the best opportunities.
This is not the last time I will make use of their services. Thank you Justyna & Stu for a wonderful time.
