One of our safari guides on a photography safari
Wild Portrait Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $220 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Camilla | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Simply the best there is!
We have recently return from an absolutely fantastic and unforgettable 10-days safari in Kenya thanks to James Muchina and Wild Portrait Safaris!
We were a group of 8 (ages 8-76) and James planned an impeccable trip for us that included 2 nights in Nairobi/Nairobi NP/ Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, 4 nights in Masai Mara NR, 2 nights at Lake Naivasha/Hells Gate and 2 nights in Amboseli NP. Through Wild Portrait Safaris you will get a personalised tour taking into account your interests, priorities, budget etc. All our dealings with James were seamless and smooth from start to finish. His focus is always on maximising your day-to-day adventures, ensuring each day on safari and the lodges offered a unique experience. In addition to James we also had his colleague Gerald as the guide in the second car.
This was my sixth safari (4th to Kenya) and I can without doubt say that James is an outstanding guide and the best I have ever had! He is a very sympathetic, kind and thoughtful person passionate about his job and with a strong moral and ethics in what he does. James has years of experience in the various reserves and animal behaviors which gives him an outstanding ability to read animal behavior and predict what they will do next (thereby positioning you in the best possible position in terms of the animal, light and nature). You spend a lot of time in the car with your guide and we always enjoyed our conversations with James as he willingly shared his knowledge about wildlife, nature and Kenya. James went out of his way to teach the kids the wonders of the savanna. At the end of the trip James is more than your guide, he is your friend!
One thing to remember is that you can never be guaranteed what you will experience despite how excellent your guide is – nature is what it is and we are guests in the animals natural habitat. We experienced more than you can dream of during our safari thanks to James and Gerald. We went during the migration season and that means that it sometimes became very hectic/crazy at the savanna. We were in those situations proud to have James and Gerald as our guides since they always put the welfare of the animals and nature first. Their strong moral and ethics stood out compared to a lot of other safari guides behaving in a manner that cannot be described in any other way than disgraceful and disgusting.
A safari is so much more than the animals. Being on the savanna is a feeling that goes straight to your heart and something I cannot put into words – you have to experience it. And the way to do that is to have a guides as James and Geral who are passionate about the magics of the savanna and go out of their way to give you that experience (within the limits of the nature, the rules and ethics).
I would wholeheartedly recommend Wild Portrait Safaris and James as they are the best in their business!
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Email sapna | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible Kenya
We had a memorable week in Kenya organised for us by Wild Portrait Safaris. We spent a week traversing this beautiful country from Nairobi to Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha and Masai Mara and we were blown over by the teeming wildlife and nature. Weather in Kenya in June was 20 degrees just divine. James of Wild Portrait safaris planned an impeccable trip for us and dealings were very seamless and smooth from start to finish. Ben our tour guide was fantastic and his knowledge of the national parks is just fabulous. We spotted more wildlife and overall the trip went beyond our expectations. I would recommend Wild Portrait safaris wholeheartedly and we look forward to visiting this beautiful country and its warm and welcoming people again, very soon.
NL
Email Anirudh Gummalla | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Wild Portraits Safaris
I reached out to Wild Portraits via a safari service website that featured numerous tour operators. Among the competition, James stood out due to his exceptional patience, politeness, and genuine curiosity displayed during our initial phone calls.
James swiftly emerged as the singular operator I wished to proceed with, and here’s why:
- Having substantial on-ground experience from spending extensive time on the safaris himself, he adeptly crafted a honeymoon package that perfectly suited my wife and me.
- He adeptly navigated our budget flexibilities and constraints to arrange an impressive array of delightful lodges and activities, focusing on maximising our day-to-day adventures, ensuring each day on safari and at the lodges offered a unique experience.
- A skilled photographer himself, James's comprehensive knowledge of various reserves and animal behaviours provided him with a distinct advantage in predicting animal locations and optimal times for photography, whether capturing sunrises, sunsets, or other moments.
- Our priority was to maximise game time and reserve experiences. James made certain our vehicle was ready, complete with packed hot breakfast boxes, for a prompt 6 AM departure every morning of the trip.
- Remarkably patient, he addressed all my queries, irrespective of whether they seemed 'silly' or insightful—from 'what to wear' at safaris, potential places to explore, to the animals we might encounter.
In summary, my wife and I enjoyed an extraordinary experience in Kenya, with Wild Portraits Safaris significantly enhancing the quality of that journey. We are eagerly anticipating more safaris and look forward to embarking on them with James and his team!
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Email Joel Hunt | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
James was more than a guide, he was like a travel companion and I enjoyed every minute with him.
I spent five days photographing in Amboseli NP and five days in the Masai Mara NR with James and Wild Portraits Safaris in January 2025. He also coordinated and organized a four day gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda for me. I started planning this trip about six months in advance and was so impressed with his prompt replies to my many questions and clear communication.
Once I arrived it quickly became obvious that James is very experienced, prepared, thoughtful, energetic, enthusiastic and always on time (early actually). He has outstanding knowledge and years of experience with wildlife behaviour, ecology and conservation biology and I enjoyed our regular conversations about these topics.
He has an outstanding ability to read animal behaviour, know what they will do next, and position you to photographically make the most of the available light, the subject, the landscape and composition. He’s always watching these variables and repositioning when necessary to keep you in the best possible position.
James and Wild Portraits Safaris organized the perfect trip for me and I always felt safe and comfortable. He is such a nice, professional, thoughtful person that he quickly became more of a friend than a guide. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services and I can’t imagine travelling his part of the world with anyone else.
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Email Malvina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Humble, knowledgeable, friendly and flexible for sure!
A trip of a lifetime! We visited 5 different parks and had the best experience with James. He’s so knowledgeable, down to earth and has great intuition. 10/10 recommend. I can’t wait to go back!
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Email Marianne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, experienced,sympathetic and responsive.
My son and I have experienced an absolutely fantastic and unforgettable safari trip thanks to James and Wild Portrait Safaris. Thanks to his experience and deep understanding and respect for wildlife and its surroundings, he gave us so much more than we could ever have dreamed of. Extremely sympathetic and responsive. We have felt so well taken care of and safe. A comprehensive concept that was very convenient where he booked everything and was by our side the whole time. We have not missed anything.
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Email Ted Kielim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Will go again!
I have now been on two amazing safaris with James and his company.
I can hardly imagine doing it with anyone else – truly!
Beyond his vast knowledge of both wildlife and nature, as well as his deep respect and care for all living things, you find yourself wrapped in a bubble of incredible experiences that touch you on a profound level – a bubble you never want to leave.
James makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Serious moments are mixed with humor and warmth, creating an atmosphere where you can truly enjoy yourself.
One important thing to remember in nature is that you can never be guaranteed to see one thing or another – nature is what it is. But with James’ experience and expertise, you have the chance to see so much, even the most unexpected.
Would I recommend Wild Portraits Safaris? A thousand times over!
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Email Kathy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Sarafi Experience - Beyond my wildest dreams
Our safari experience October 2024 was amazing. The time w/ James was beyond all my expectations. He is so knowledgeable about the animals and I learned so much. It was way beyond just viewing - but 100% educational. About how the animals interact, care for each other, mate, stay in families or not etc. James has so much soul and is so passionate about his work and sharing his knowledge with those in his jeep. I can’t recommend James enough - I feel so lucky that we landed with him as our safari guide! You will be so happy if you book your Safari with James at Wild Portrait Safaris!
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Email Peter | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It’s about the guide
Picture yourself here. No other safari vehicles. Just you, your family or friends. And the amazing expanse of savanna and unforgettable memories. James Muchina at Wild Portraits Safaris is your key.
When you combine James’s knowledge of the various ecosystems with his deep love of sharing that information, you’re in for the most incredible safari. I came away with the renewed understanding of how woven together and interdependent all the various pieces of life are, not just in the Kenya parks, but worldwide.
If you’re looking for a guide whose enthusiasm enriches your safari experience, contact James.
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Email ARUN KATHARI | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
MASAI MARA
Dear James,
I cannot thank you enough for organizing such a phenomenal safari experience in Masai Mara. The hotel and food were absolutely outstanding, adding so much comfort to our adventure. A special thanks to Mr. Charles for his incredible patience and knowledge. Thanks to him, we were fortunate enough to see the majestic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with other incredible wildlife like giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and hippos. Every moment was unforgettable, and it was all made possible through your meticulous planning. Thank you once again for making this such a remarkable trip!
