Wild4 African Photographic Safaris -

Al LaMontagne

I had the good fortune to go on two tours with Wild4 in 2019, Best of Botswana and Focus on the Kruger. Both tours were an exceptional value.

Most important was the fact that the guides had an incredible ability to find the wildlife (lion, leopard, cheetah, etc.) and position the group in perfect position to capture exceptional photos. The accommodations were very comfortable and the vehicles used on safari were first class. Everyone in the small group had their own row of seats to allow maximum flexibility to grab the perfect photo. The small group experience lets Stu Porter do everything possible to help each participant have the best safari.

I'm looking forward to traveling again with Stu this fall (2021) in Kenya (Maasai Mara).

Sharon Thorp

I have had the pleasure of experiencing 8 wonderful safaris with Stu Porter and the Wild 4 team - a combination of small group trips and private itineraries. Wild 4 is a family run business that sets a very high bar. No other photography tours I have taken have measured up to Wild4.
From the initial booking experience to the final trip report, each trip was all I could hope for. I am an amateur/hobbyist photographer, but very much appreciate how much thought Stu has put into the trips he offers to both photographers and non-photographers. The vehicles used by Wild 4 and absolutely the best vehicles for photography. With only one guest per vehicle row, there is always lots of room for gear and you are never “on the wrong side” of the vehicle. The customized camera supports help provide the best opportunity for great photographs.
The accommodations can range from mobile tent camps to five-star lodges, but are always chosen with consideration to access to wildlife as well as quality of food and comfortable facilities.
The photographic experience for the guest is always the priority for Stu and the team. Although Stu is an excellent photographer, his personal photography always is secondary to the quest’s opportunities. He is constantly monitoring the light and anticipating an animal’s behavior. That, together with the expertise of the driver/naturalists, often enables positioning the vehicle for the best photographic opportunities. In addition, Stu provides excellent tuition materials and the quality of my photography has improved noticeably since I started travelling with Stu and the team.
My latest trip with Wild 4 was a private trip to Samburu and Amboseli in October 2019. Because of COVID-19, my planned trips to South Africa in August 2020 and to Kenya and Tanzania in early 2021 have been postponed, but I am anxiously looking forward to them in the coming months.

Bud Ralston

I've been traveling the world and taking pictures since 1966. In August 2022, 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 (our base) along the Mara River is a priceless jewel. Every tent is laid out like a five-star hotel room with a deck overlooking the river. Being a fussy eater, I've learned not to expect much, especially from remote locations. Was I wrong. The food here was better than a Michelin three-star restaurant. I ate every bite of every meal and displayed the expanding waistline to show for it.
This trip was a bucket list event for me. Stu and Mamai made it unforgettable. I wish I had been able to take it 30 years earlier. When I return to Africa, it will be with Wild 4 African Photo Safaris.

Don Getty

2010 was the year of my introduction to Wild4 on a custom safari for four in South Africa. Since then, I have been with Stu twice to Botswana and once to Kenya. In addition, Wild4 has arranged custom safaris for me with friends – once to Kenya and another to both Kenya and Tanzania. Each safari came off without a flaw starting with being met on arrival in Africa. Wild4 is all about serious wildlife photography. Stu is a master photographer always willing to share his knowledge without being overbearing. Group sizes are never more than six photographers in two vehicles. And the vehicles are set up for photographers based on Stu’s innovative specifications. The driver/guides know wildlife behavior and what it takes to get photographers into position for great images. The accommodations are based on the best locations and never disappointing. Stu’s wife, Justyna, is a key member of the team taking care of booking and clients’ accounts. Wild4 is a super operation for serious wildlife photographers and am thrilled to work with these genuinely good people as my source for African safaris. And yes, my next safari is now booked with Wild4.
Don Getty, USA

Linda

I have been a client for years. I have joined group photographic tours as well as private tours. Only company I will use when traveling to Africa. The photographic tours are phenomenal. No matter if you are new to photography, an amateur or a professional. Stu and his team on photographic tours know cameras and will teach you anything you want to know and if you are already experienced they will show you some new techniques. The vehicles are outfitted for photographers (open sides, fold back roof, bean bags provided as well as panning plates etc) The drivers are top notch in their knowledge of the wildlife and their behavior as well as being expert at locating them and maneuvering the vehicle for the best possible location to photograph the wildlife. You are taken care of from beginning to end. I mean everything, Justyna and Stu Porter (the owners) handle everything from booking, helping with internal flights including booking extra weigt/seat for photographic equipment. You are met at the airport upon arrival and for departure. They work with the same ground team year after year. I usually go twice a year and always return.
The bottom line is Wild4 is a great company and like attract like. Stu and Justyna Porter always attract the best guests from all over the world. I have met and maintained relationships with many of their guests.

Robert Zakrison

While Wild4 African Photographic Safaris are aimed at photographers and wildlife viewing, they are equally enjoyable by non-photographers, like my wife. We both love nature and enjoyed the opportunities Stu Porter and company provided. Stu and Justyna work together to organize worry-free safaris. Stu’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm was priceless. On our first safari with them in 2012 we toured Kruger National Park. Most recently, in 2019, we went to Botswana, highly recommended!

They use specialized photo vehicles which are high off the ground and afford great visibility. The padded arm rests are great for supporting long lenses. I liked the cup holders which kept my water bottle close by. The drivers are also excellent guides and trackers. With them it was always safety first whether it was for the driving or wildlife encounters.

Because we were a small group, photographers usually had a whole row in the vehicles to themselves so it was possible to shoot from either side of the vehicle without crowding. My wife was able to sit in front next to the driver, giving her an excellent view and companion.

The small groups also made the experience seem like family. After our return in the afternoon, we would sit around a campfire having drinks before dinner was announced. Since the groups were small, it was fun getting to know the others, from all parts of the world! The drivers joined us each evening for dinner and had some wonderful stories to tell!

Whether we were in tents, rondavels, or resorts, like the Pangolin Chobe Hotel, the accommodations were very clean and comfortable. Even while tenting in parts of Botswana we had showers supplied with hot water and wash basins for brushing our teeth and shaving.

The photo tuition information provided before arrival was very helpful. Their 7 top tips covered all the necessary information to capture great images. They also provided very helpful equipment and clothing lists.

You couldn’t ask for better, in your face, wildlife photo opportunities. Not just the big cats, but colorful birds, elephants, hippos and antelopes of all kinds. The animals were familiar with the vehicles so their behavior was natural. We saw two male giraffes sparring! A once in a lifetime opportunity! Again, it was safety first, but never a lack of sightings. We would go out for a morning drive, return to camp where staff were waiting with hot towels and cool drinks. After resting we went back out for more photography.