Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Excellent
KL
Kirsten Luddecke
• Brussels
3 months ago
From the moment we met James, the owner of Wild Portrait Safari, we knew we were in expert hands. Over eight incredible days across the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, he didn’t just show us the Big Five—he introduced us to hundreds of other stunning species and the living, breathing story of Kenya’s wildlife. Every day was a masterclass in understanding nature, reading the l (Read More)and, and truly seeing animals in their best habitats and biotopes.
What sets James apart is the way he blends deep knowledge with genuine warmth. He taught us where and how to look for animals, how ecosystems connect, and the very real challenges wildlife face due to climate change. His insights made each sighting more meaningful, and his tips on wildlife photography (from light and composition to patience and timing) helped us bring home images we’re truly proud of. Through it all, his human touch—kindness, humor, and care—made the journey unforgettable.
We loved every minute of our 8 days, and we left feeling both grateful and inspired. If you’re dreaming of a Kenyan safari that combines breathtaking sightings, thoughtful education, and heartfelt guiding, look no further.
Highlights:
- Saw the Big Five plus countless other remarkable animals
- Clear, engaging lessons on Kenyan wildlife and habitats/biotopes
- Thoughtful discussions on conservation and climate change
- Practical, game-changing wildlife photography guidance
- Warm, attentive, and deeply human guiding throughout
- Seamless experience across Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli
Thank you, James, for an extraordinary adventure—we’ll treasure it forever. Highly, highly recommended. ??
Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha
Just went for 8 day safari with James and Wild Portraits Safaris...it was spot on perfect.
Reasons
1.Clear communication and replies always comes very quickly on WhatsApp.
2. Very genuine with suggestions and doesn't do things as a job or formality.
3. James is very knowledgeable.
4. The enthusiasm and passion shown by James was just so infectious.
5. The planning of itinerary takes care of (Read More)all the finer details.
6. They really take care of your focus and they don't try to sell anything you are not interested in. For example we skipped the village visit because we didn't see value in it.
7. Quite flexible and adjusts as things progress.
SK
Sapna Kapur Mehra
• Noida
6 months ago
Trip to Kenya
Everything went smooth and was detailed. Communication was flawless. The experience was seamless and well organised. Our guide Ben was fantastic and knowledgable so we feel we made a friend in Kenya too. James was superb in helping us plan the trip and with suggestions for stay. All in all it was such a special vacation and I can’t wait to explore more of Africa. People are great ! So warm and fri (Read More)endly and what a truly blessed country with so much nature and wildlife. I would highly recommend Wild Portraits and James and Ben for your travel to Kenya.
please be careful while entering the country at immigration - make sure your passport is stamped. We had some issue with this. Can’t complain about anything else. It was beyond our expectations.
A
Anirudh
• Amsterdam
6 months ago
Trip to Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi
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 e (Read More)xtensive 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!
AV
Arne-Christian Van Der Tang
• Zeist
2 years ago
We just came back from our second safari trip with James of Wild Portraits Safari. We had the greatest possible experience during our 9 day-trip from Amboseli (Kenya), to Tarangine, Ngorongoro, Serengeti (Tanzania) and then to the Mara in Kenya. The full trip was well organized and included so many highlights: beautiful sights, the landscapes, the wildlife, James' ability to find the quiet spots w (Read More)ith magnificent viewing, great accommodations, breakfast in the Mara, horseback riding amongst buffalo, hyena and giraffes, and of course James' great company, his care for his guests and his drive to make the full experience perfect. We are already planning our next visit and will certainly travel with James again. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a fantastic vacation.
C
Cannonflake
• American Fork
2 years ago
I have gone on two safaris with Wild Portraits and James M. He does an outstanding job of finding the game and getting his clients into perfect position for photos. The camps and vehicles are all wonderful, and his prices are very competitive. I hope to go with him again sometime soon!
HJ
Hans-Werner Jungmann
• Hockenheim
2 years ago
Not only a perfect foto safari but also a deep impressing trip through an endearing landscape with an admirable wildlife.
I have to thank James Muchina for fulfilling one of my life dreams. He is a perfect guide, professional, empathic and with never ending patience. Our gamedrives started befor sunrise and ended after exciting hours late in the evening. James has a great knowledge of the animals (Read More), the nature and culture as well. I was impressed of his amazing respect for the wild life. This was the cause for intense moments close to wild animals in their natural habitat. Apart from this his photographic expertise provided unique motives. I left Kenia with beautiful pictures in my hart and a well filled memory card.
Thousand thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Google Ratings & Reviews
Google Rating
5.0
Based on 28 Reviews
Customer Reviews
SK
Supriya Kota
3 days ago on
James and Gerard were nothing less than amazing! We had the most memorable time at Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara. James is a walking encyclopaedia with a genuine love for wildlife. My kids th (Read More)oroughly enjoyed the interactive experience and were in awe of how much James knew about wildlife! James is the perfect host, he ensured our safety and comfort at all times. Our 1st wildlife safari experience was nothing short of a spectacular experience and we can’t wait to hop on to the next adventure with Wild Portraits Safari !
JS
jaishree singh
a month ago on
Thank you James and team for a wonderful 7 days Safari holiday in Kenya.
You guys were so sincere in your job and made us feel a part of the beautiful wild of Kenya.
Thanks again
HR
Harshitha Reddy
2 months ago on
My husband and I had a wonderful 7-day trip with our guide James! We just to had arrive with our luggage and everything was booked and taken care of from A-Z. Their land cruiser handled all the tough (Read More)terrains like a beast and was very comfortable for the long journeys from one NP to the other. All the stays provided were breathtakingly beautiful properties with great hospitality and we couldn't get enough of them! We were lucky to witness and capture some incredible action like lions trying to hunt down warthogs, a shy leopard climbing down a tree after getting some rest, two baby elephants play fighting against the backdrop of beautiful sunset and many more, all thanks to our pro-active and knowledgeable guide, James. His understanding and compassion for wildlife is commendable and we are very sure our experience wouldn't have been what it was without him. I would 100% recommend this operator to anyone I know, planning to go on a Kenyan safari. They have patiently answered my innumerable queries during booking enquiry and have been very accomodative of my itinerary needs. Thanks for making this our best trip ever!
KL
Kirsten Luddecke
3 months ago on
An unforgettable 8-day safari with James (Wild Portrait Safari) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment we met James, the owner of Wild Portrait Safari, we knew we were in expert hands. Over eight incredible days (Read More) across the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, he didn’t just show us the Big Five—he introduced us to hundreds of other stunning species and the living, breathing story of Kenya’s wildlife. Every day was a masterclass in understanding nature, reading the land, and truly seeing animals in their best habitats and biotopes.
What sets James apart is the way he blends deep knowledge with genuine warmth. He taught us where and how to look for animals, how ecosystems connect, and the very real challenges wildlife face due to climate change. His insights made each sighting more meaningful, and his tips on wildlife photography (from light and composition to patience and timing) helped us bring home images we’re truly proud of. Through it all, his human touch—kindness, humor, and care—made the journey unforgettable.
We loved every minute of our 8 days, and we left feeling both grateful and inspired. If you’re dreaming of a Kenyan safari that combines breathtaking sightings, thoughtful education, and heartfelt guiding, look no further.
Highlights
- Saw the Big Five plus countless other remarkable animals
- Clear, engaging lessons on Kenyan wildlife and habitats/biotopes
- Thoughtful discussions on conservation and climate change
- Practical, game-changing wildlife photography guidance
- Warm, attentive, and deeply human guiding throughout
- Seamless experience across Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli
Thank you, James, for an extraordinary adventure—we’ll treasure it forever. Highly, highly recommended. ??
PF
Peter Franklin
4 months ago on
We spent 10 days on safari trip with Wild Portraits. Travelling with James is to experience Africas savanna gives you as a whole.
The chance to see the five iconic African animals – lion, leopard, el (Read More)ephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo – is truly special. To witness the magical sunrises and sunsets of the savannah, where the senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch come together, is something James brings to life in a remarkable way. He has a natural eye for suggesting the most captivating scenes for photography, always without compromising the dignity of the animals. His passion for wildlife and nature shines through in everything he does, and his deep respect for both is evident in the way he acts.
With genuine humility towards nature and the way animals live – always mindful of a sustainable future for all, and a place one longs to return to – James is a true role model whom many other guides could learn from.
If you simply want pictures of one or two animals, James is not the person for you. Save your money and visit a zoo. But if you are looking for a complete experience – one that offers rich in genuine and profound knowledge of wildlife and breathtaking nature, along with the unforgettable scenes of the African savannah where all your senses are stirred – then James is the one your surely want, where I warmly recommend - where you will get real value in your journey. You will leave with renewed energy, memories to treasure, and magical experiences that no picture or words can ever fully capture, only the feeling of having truly lived them.
SS
Sandeep Sooryaprakash
6 months ago on
We have been planning a kenya wildlife trip for so long for around 5 years to be precise... And was fortunate enough to have come across wild portraits safaris (having got the reference from my cousin (Read More))
James was so professional and helped us in planning the safari as per our liking and itinerary and budget.. He was so patient in answering all our queries regarding the trip be it wildlife, weather, country etc.. we were even able to keep some game drives open for last minute planning.. everything was so meticulously planned..
Our guide Gerald was an equally amazing person and guide and took care of everything during our safaris… he was very knowledgeable about the forests and wildlife and due to his expertise we were able to spot everything including the big 5s and other animals including the rare black rhinos that were there in Kenya :) He was an equally well versed bird expert as well… we had 50+ lion sightings, 5+ cheetahs, rhinos, 3 kinds of giraffe, all the antelopes , amazing birds etc..
The stays provided for the budget were outstanding and the service in each and every resort were one better than the other.. no complaints whatsoever..
Thumbs up to both James and Gerald… keep up the amazing work.. am going back to kenya again and this time there is no doubt on who our safari partners will be.. Wild portraits it is !!
Thanks for the unforgettable and amazing lifetime experience in Kenya !!
GR
gopalakrishnan rajaram
6 months ago on
We had an amazing experience in Kenya with family excellently organised by wildportraits safaris.All the game drives and sightseeing were well planned and executed.Our children too loved this trip.Our (Read More) friend Mr.Ephentus was so nice a person who took us everywhere with great patience and affection.Mr.James Muchina and team are doing a great service.
MK
Marianne Karlsson
10 months ago on
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 (Read More)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.
Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Excellent
KL
Kirsten Luddecke
• Brussels
3 months ago
From the moment we met James, the owner of Wild Portrait Safari, we knew we were in expert hands. Over eight incredible days across the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli, he didn’t just show us the Big Five—he introduced us to hundreds of other stunning species and the living, breathing story of Kenya’s wildlife. Every day was a masterclass in understanding nature, reading the l (Read More)and, and truly seeing animals in their best habitats and biotopes.
What sets James apart is the way he blends deep knowledge with genuine warmth. He taught us where and how to look for animals, how ecosystems connect, and the very real challenges wildlife face due to climate change. His insights made each sighting more meaningful, and his tips on wildlife photography (from light and composition to patience and timing) helped us bring home images we’re truly proud of. Through it all, his human touch—kindness, humor, and care—made the journey unforgettable.
We loved every minute of our 8 days, and we left feeling both grateful and inspired. If you’re dreaming of a Kenyan safari that combines breathtaking sightings, thoughtful education, and heartfelt guiding, look no further.
Highlights:
- Saw the Big Five plus countless other remarkable animals
- Clear, engaging lessons on Kenyan wildlife and habitats/biotopes
- Thoughtful discussions on conservation and climate change
- Practical, game-changing wildlife photography guidance
- Warm, attentive, and deeply human guiding throughout
- Seamless experience across Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli
Thank you, James, for an extraordinary adventure—we’ll treasure it forever. Highly, highly recommended. ??
Trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha
Just went for 8 day safari with James and Wild Portraits Safaris...it was spot on perfect.
Reasons
1.Clear communication and replies always comes very quickly on WhatsApp.
2. Very genuine with suggestions and doesn't do things as a job or formality.
3. James is very knowledgeable.
4. The enthusiasm and passion shown by James was just so infectious.
5. The planning of itinerary takes care of (Read More)all the finer details.
6. They really take care of your focus and they don't try to sell anything you are not interested in. For example we skipped the village visit because we didn't see value in it.
7. Quite flexible and adjusts as things progress.
SK
Sapna Kapur Mehra
• Noida
6 months ago
Trip to Kenya
Everything went smooth and was detailed. Communication was flawless. The experience was seamless and well organised. Our guide Ben was fantastic and knowledgable so we feel we made a friend in Kenya too. James was superb in helping us plan the trip and with suggestions for stay. All in all it was such a special vacation and I can’t wait to explore more of Africa. People are great ! So warm and fri (Read More)endly and what a truly blessed country with so much nature and wildlife. I would highly recommend Wild Portraits and James and Ben for your travel to Kenya.
please be careful while entering the country at immigration - make sure your passport is stamped. We had some issue with this. Can’t complain about anything else. It was beyond our expectations.
A
Anirudh
• Amsterdam
6 months ago
Trip to Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi
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 e (Read More)xtensive 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!
AV
Arne-Christian Van Der Tang
• Zeist
2 years ago
We just came back from our second safari trip with James of Wild Portraits Safari. We had the greatest possible experience during our 9 day-trip from Amboseli (Kenya), to Tarangine, Ngorongoro, Serengeti (Tanzania) and then to the Mara in Kenya. The full trip was well organized and included so many highlights: beautiful sights, the landscapes, the wildlife, James' ability to find the quiet spots w (Read More)ith magnificent viewing, great accommodations, breakfast in the Mara, horseback riding amongst buffalo, hyena and giraffes, and of course James' great company, his care for his guests and his drive to make the full experience perfect. We are already planning our next visit and will certainly travel with James again. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a fantastic vacation.
C
Cannonflake
• American Fork
2 years ago
I have gone on two safaris with Wild Portraits and James M. He does an outstanding job of finding the game and getting his clients into perfect position for photos. The camps and vehicles are all wonderful, and his prices are very competitive. I hope to go with him again sometime soon!
HJ
Hans-Werner Jungmann
• Hockenheim
2 years ago
Not only a perfect foto safari but also a deep impressing trip through an endearing landscape with an admirable wildlife.
I have to thank James Muchina for fulfilling one of my life dreams. He is a perfect guide, professional, empathic and with never ending patience. Our gamedrives started befor sunrise and ended after exciting hours late in the evening. James has a great knowledge of the animals (Read More), the nature and culture as well. I was impressed of his amazing respect for the wild life. This was the cause for intense moments close to wild animals in their natural habitat. Apart from this his photographic expertise provided unique motives. I left Kenia with beautiful pictures in my hart and a well filled memory card.
Thousand thanks from the bottom of my heart.
AR
Amy Ridall
• Houston
2 years ago
I have been on multiple photography tours, both to Africa and other places, and let me just say that the photography tour that I just took with Wild Portraits Safaris (WPS) ranks up there with the best of the best. Everything about the trip was simply spot on perfect. From the very beginning communications, through a need for me to reschedule (my own fault, not theirs), through to the final minute (Read More)s of the tour...everything was smooth, easy, well-communicated and perfectly executed. I went to Amboseli, Lake Naivashu, and the Mara. I was set up in great accommodations, with special consideration on making sure that we were able to get out into the field in the shortest amount of time. A few things that set WPS apart from other tours. First is the ability to personalize the tour to your interests. Unlike other safari tours with set schedules and specifically timed-itineraries, just let James, the owner/driver/ tour guide, know your interests and he'll continually plan and look out for opportunities and present options to you. For me, he knew I was interested in experiencing as much as possible, so he made sure that we had all day game drives while in the Mara. Second is the fact that James is an excellent photographer, himself. That means that he is constantly looking for the perfect lighting, angle, and composition to hep you get your best photos. Third, you cannot find any tour guide with as much passion for his job. This has led him to learn as much as possible about the land, the conservation efforts, the animals and how all of the factors integrate with each other. Each day wasn't just a photo tour: each day was an immersive learning experience. You definitely can't find a tour company that tries as hard as WPS to make sure that you get every ounce of opportunities in the short time that you are there. For instance, he added an impromptu visit to Nairobi National Park, because I had a lot of extra time before my outbound flight. And lastly, James is an extremely nice person. If you go on safari with WPS, you'll leave with tons of photos, memories, and a friend. I've already planned my next trip with WPS.
PO
Pictures Of M.
2 years ago
If you are looking for a private guided tour, you can stop searching.here you will get the whole package of comfort,knowledge,service .
we were guests of James and his company . it was the second bigcat show safari for us with him. Also this time we had great experiences. James have a great deal of knowledge about the animal world and the nature. the guys did a perfect job on this trip. we're alr (Read More)eady looking forward to the next tour. Your friend and partner from Germany. Manuel K
TE
Tina Eliasson
2 years ago
A Safari with Wild Portraits Safaris and James Muchina is an experience out of the ordinary, you will never forget it and you will always carry a longing to experience it again. James knowledge of and respect for the wild life is amazing. The wild animals always come first, we are only visitors in their home and James has a humility before nature that is genuine. I have been on several safaris wi (Read More)th James and every time I´m struck by his knowledge, he is a true proffesional. I don´t know when I´m going again but I know that I will go on safari with James Muchina again.
Tina from Sweden
CK
Carol Kauffman
• Lebanon
2 years ago
I have had the privilege of going on two safaris with Wild Portraits Safaris, James Muchina as the guide. James is the best - very knowledeable and obviously loves to share his country and exemplifies respect for the wildlife in their natural habitat. Highly recommend!
JE
J. Eckrich
• Cologne
2 years ago
James Muchina is an extraordinary tour guide providing an outstanding experience. Apart from his expertise regarding nature and culture his photographic expertise will provides unique motives and outstanding images!
I can fully recommend Wild Portrait Safaris to anyone interested in a phantastic Safari!
SK
Simone Kirsch
• Braunschweig
2 years ago
If you are looking for a perfectly organised photo trip in Kenya,then James Muchina of Wildportraits Safaris is the man for you! He is an exremely helpful and experienced wildlife guide with a great sense of photography. He will take you to the right spots and knows how to position the vehicle perfectly. He responds to all wishes and is incredible patient. A safe driver and very entertaining. He i (Read More)s happy to share his knowledge of Flora and Fauna and is an all-round pleasant person and companion during the trip.
Thank you James, and I Look forward to see you again!
3 Nights / 4 Days
Fully Customisable
3 Nights Diani Beach and Safari Holiday from India.