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.
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!
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.
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.
Peter Farmer
UK
Thank you Stu for such a memorable photo safari.
WILD4 provided a totally professional service, from the pre-safari preparation to the sighting and photographing of so many animals and birds. At all stages, your team provided first-class support and advice. The package you provide is superb and that is why I am booking another safari with you.
Sally & Terry Gust
USA
Hi Stu,
I do want to tell you that your trip was a 5-star and the highlight of all the trips we have ever been on. We love Africa and every minute was exciting and we didn’t want it to end. Your guides, Mamai and James were two of the nicest, people I have met. They treated us like royalty. Made sure we had everything we needed. Worked tirelessly to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see. Pampered us with a wonderful breakfast every day. Enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing ours. Having our own business, we were very impressed how these two guys took such good care of your equipment. They were always so careful with the vehicle and kept it spotless. We were the prettiest vehicle on the Savanah. It is hard to find such trusting people. They are gems. I cannot say enough about how wonderful they were.
Also, the camps we stayed at were amazing. All the staff were so kind and helpful. We loved loved loved the tent camps. Made it feel like you were really part of the wild in luxury. The hot water bottles in the bed at Entim were heavenly, and I still want someone to be bringing me tea and coffee in the morning. Lol.
The whole experience was so amazing, the places were fabulous, and the food was delicious and so beautifully presented that I took pictures every night and sent them home to everyone. The people were all so gracious.
We just loved everything. Such a great photographic experience. Had great opportunities to get amazing pictures, so if they don’t turn out, it is our fault. I just can’t tell you enough about how great the whole trip was. If I ever get the opportunity to go again, I would certainly do it with Wild4. An amazing trip, with amazing guides, amazing food, and accommodations. We can’t thank you enough for everything.
Thank you thank you thank you for everything. We loved every minute.
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!!
Linda Cappello
AUSTRALIA
I recently did a Wild4 trip with a friend, which far outweighed our expectations. Wow, what a trip!. Stu has extensive knowledge of the animals and their habitats and was always mindful of us getting the best shots possible. We had our own bench seats which was great as we both had plenty of space for our equipment. Each vehicle has beanbags to steady your camera/lens, pockets and enough room to take a camera bag. I loved that we could sit and watch lions at Mala Mala play in the Sand River, it was a fantastic opportunity.
Stu provided us with some great tuition and I learned a lot of new photo techniques. We had many opportunities for night photography, silhouettes, time-lapse, low light etc.,
I would highly recommend the Wild4 Team for your next photographic safari, you will not be disappointed.
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.
