Daryl and Sharna, in our six private safaris with you in 1996 through 2010, we have amassed our most impressive images (and now videos) of Southern Africa, as well as the Maasai Mara in Kenya. You are true personal friends as well as great photographers, teachers and leaders.

Our private trip in 2010 was a once in a lifetime adventure at three camps in Botswana and Tiger Canyons in South Africa. We and our son Tom were the only guests with Daryl at the elephant birth that Daryl describes so well on this website.

We fortunately had the new Nikon D7000 DSLR with 16MP 1080P HDMI video capability in addition to our other high-end Nikons. Stoney shot over an hour's worth of Video (some with sound) while Jan and Tom shot stills of the elephant birth. This was in addition to many images and clips of lions, leopards, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, Cape buffalo and birds during the Botswana stay.

The Tiger Canyons event was very exciting also. In two days we captured over a thousand images and several good video clips of tigers, compared to 5 minutes worth (10-15 images) during three weeks in India two years previous. Jan walking with Julie the tigress was her highlight of the trip, and Stoney's scariest one. Tiger Canyons is truly a noble and difficult experiment by John Varty. We pray for his success and safety. Thank you so much for arranging this very special time.

During our trips together we have three images that have been finalist and semi-finalist in the BBC Wildlife photographer of the year competition. Our two plus weeks of night photography in 2006 resulted in an invitation to present "Night Photography in Africa" at NANPA (North American Nature Photographers Association) convention in 2009. Selected images and video clips of these and other adventures may be viewed on our website here.

Daryl and Sharna, thanks agin for these wonderful opportunities. Hope to see you again in 2012. Stoney and Jan Edwards, Los Altos, CA 94024

"Daryl, we had a magical experience coming on safari with yourself and Sharna. Very clearly you had gone to great lengths to make sure we had a great time and got good photographs. Everyone was very happy and quite a few have already expressed the desire to return next year (sorry, you might have to put up with us again).   The tents were great - the little touches such as the hot water bottles, the tents being tidied every time we left them, the clothes washing being done so quickly - just about everything you could think of was addressed and executed superbly. Even with the flight connections, there was someone ready to look after us during the transfer - no stone was left unturned in the effort to give our party a fabulous safari.   I thought Sharna was absolutely amazing and lovely, her table decorations were brilliant and really gave the evening meal that extra special something - she also made sure everything was 100% right for us all the time.   So a huge 'thank you' Daryl, it really was a fantastic safari and once we both get our feet back on the ground, perhaps we can start looking at dates for a further trip next year. Ya-ay!"  Pip McGarry, UK.
(Pip McGarry has a unique approach to painting wild animals which is the key to his present position in the art world. He catches the spirit of the beast every time and there is more depth in his paintings than the simple two-dimensional plane. His fine painting of a Persian Leopard in our May sale was an example of this talent. There is now a frisson of interest throughout the room when his paintings come up for auction' Lynn Burns, Head of Wildlife Art
Christies, South Kensington, London.)

"Greetings, Daryl and Sharna! I can't thank you enough for my second trip with Wildphotos Safaris. Once again, the journey was pure magic; your Maasai Mara camp was perfection in every way. My purpose in this message is to list the ways that Wildphotos does it better than anyone else: (1) Intake is flawless. From presentation to departure, every aspect of a Wildphotos adventure is perfectly organized, every travel mishap is anticipated and overcome. All lodgings, all transfers, take place without a hitch---or even a moment of anxiety. (2) Once again, I see that most Wildphotos trippers are repeat customers. My 2006 visit to Ngorongoro Crater/western Tanzania with you introduced me to four Wildphotos veterans, and this August 2010 trip to the Maasai Mara re-united me with another five. You've earned a loyal following, and they're wonderful companions. Repeat customers say everything a traveller needs to know about Wildphotos Safaris. (3) I hope that your world-class D&S Balfour Portfolio clarifies the importance of touring Africa with the greatest wildlife photographers of our generation. It may take some time, but I intend to collect each of your magnificent photo essays on the endangered habitats of East and southern Africa.  I'm haunted by the fear that political and environmental threats could threaten this indescribably beautiful world. Nothing but your stunning photos could do justice to the urgent need to protect the Preserves you cherish. (4) People matter, especially when they stand for what's right. I want to thank you for introducing me to the Wildphotos team, beginning with Francis and Mouse in Nairobi, through George on the shuttle flights, and especially the Mara Crew: peerless Chef Mwaka, regal CEO James, charming Koko and your able staff! (5) One more point: you described Phil and Pierre as your Resident Naturalists. I was stunned by their total command of the Mara map, the Mara habitat, the Mara bestiary, the rhythm of the migrations. They coordinate (with Daryl) with dazzling precision, hours ahead of the lesser guides. They are peerless. In short, D&S Wildphotos is simply better than the rest. Thanks again---I hope to see you soon! Best," George Mead, USA

I am lucky enough to be a regular safari goer and in the last ten years I have done several safaris in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. In 2008 I did my first trip with Daryl and since have done two more with another one coming up this year.

Wildphotos Safaris are without a doubt the best I have ever been on and have set the bar that few if any can match.

The Balfour difference shows in the quality and comfort of the camp {thanks Sharna} with the excellent food and the expertise and experience of the guides who are absolutely first class An added bonus for photographers is Daryl's readily available expertise and assistance in all photographic manners and how the game drives maximize the photo opportunities.

If you are only going to be able to take one safari make sure its the best and the experience will last a lifetime. If you are and experienced safari goer try a Balfour safari and see first hand what you have been missing. Peter Kelly Vancouver BC Canada

WOW!!! Words cannot express how I feel about going on 4 safaris with Daryl and Sharna (and Phil)...Amazing, astonishing, heart stopping......etc. etc....Daryl knows the animals so well you would think he was one in his past life. We would head out to an area that we thought had nothing to see and lo and behold there was the cheetah chasing the impala. Daryl knew he would be there. And Sharna (who is amazingly smart) is the most gracious hostess. She makes sure we are all comfortable and taken care of. I hope to spend the rest of my life doing Safaris with these guys...Thank you so much. Love, Ellen & Yossi Joseph, NYC, USA

"Dear Daryl & Sharna
Our week with you will remain unforgetable and was certainly a "best
ever" experience. Stella was soon over her initial nervousness and is
proud of the fact that it was she who asked you if we could walk to the
river that last morning.

The camp was a real adventure - from the basics to sophisticated
dinners with an ever-changing table. Thank you Sharna. The food was very
good for five days and became remarkable after our kitchen visit!

You must have become exasperated by my point-and-shoot methods with a
camera. But I can buy or borrow superb images from such as you. In the
event, I have very many good shots of the wildlife and surroundings. I'm
proud of two good ones of the caracal, when my "handier" equipment made
a quick click possible (with Pierre's positioning of the vehicle).

All-in-all we really loved it. With great thanks to you both, to Pierre
& Phil and to all of your camp staff." Mike & Stella North, UK.

What an incredible experience!

This was our second safari to Africa and, frankly, I thought our first trip would be hard to top. Was I ever wrong! The entire experience was magical. From the fabulous accommodations to the priceless wildlife experiences everything was beyond first rate. Daryl and Sharna are not only first class hosts but they have assembled a crew that are knowledgeable, great instructors and fun guides/companions. Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer.

If you love animals and love Africa then this is THE tour that you want to be on. Don & Bev, Vancouver, Canada

Jambo Bwanas,
Thanx guys for a great time during Barry's and my recent trip with you in the Mara.
We enjoyed it thoroughly and took away some great memories. A large part of the reason for our returns is the quality of guiding that you guys deliver. Not only are you well informed, but your value systems are aligned with my own and you guys add much more to the overall experience than mere guiding.

Happy birthday for Sunday Phil, and plse don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have time for a visit whilst in Cape Town……or whether we can be of any help during your stay. Salaams & sale kahle. Cedric Dallas, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Greetings Daryl and Sharna, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you both for our recent trip of a lifetime!! Seth and I, along with the Wilson's believe this was one of our most memorable trips ever. The staff that you put together and the expertise of both of you, along with Pierre, Phil and Johann made this an extraordinary adventure for us. Our photos from the week (which got better after our drives with you!!) serve as a beautiful reminder of our days in the Mara.
We just received your newsletter of the trips you have planned for 09. Although we will be unable to attend any next year, we do hope to do another trip with you in our future. In the mean time, best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a successful 2009. Warmest regards, Shari and Seth Young, USA

Daryl & Sharna,

Our photographic safari with you & your two trusty guides, Phil & Pierre, was, for David & I, the ultimate 'Busman's holiday'. As you well know, camping in the bush was our way of life for many years. But it was never like this: we usually returned to camp in the evening exhausted, maybe sometimes exhilarated too if we've got some good footage - but always exhausted. So to have virtually everything laid on is pretty close to perfection. All we had to do was ensure we had the right lenses on when the action started & meanwhile just sit back & admire the views & leave the rest to you guys. It don't come any better than that. The kudos are true - your safaris are all that could be desired. And I am so glad we did it when we did - but oh how I wish we'd worked in the Mara thirty years ago. As it is, that safari with you will always remain a very special memory. Thank you. Carol Hughes, South Africa (Award-winning Wildlife film-maker.)

Dear Daryl and Sharna, Just wanted to drop you a few lines to tell you that I had a terrific time on the Safari. Everything was just right.  The group that you put together, your guides Phil and Pierre, the camp staff and of course the ever popular Carol and David Hughes.  I sincerely hope to be able to do it again. Until that time arrives I wish you my best and hope that your arm is much better.  Thanks again for a great time. Best regards DBK. Dennis Kane, USA.

Going on a Wildphotos Safari  with Daryl and Sharna in the Maasai Mara is an experience beyond all expectations. The experience of the Guides and the freedom of movement in getting close to the Wildlife is simply outstanding.The added bonus of being in the company of a professional photographer is priceless as the method of getting the best "shots" requires the guidance on hand. Transport arrangements in the Safari vehicles are comfortable and provides enough space for camera equipment. Highly recommended. Gerhard Geldenhuys, RSA

Our trip to the Mahale Mountains to view the chimps was extraordinary. We stayed in wonderful a-frames that were open to broad views of Lake Tanganyika. We hiked the mountains to find the chimps and were rewarded with sightings of Ruby and her daughter, Rubicon. Then we happened upon the deposed alpha male, Fanana, who was sitting on a large boulder in a dry creek bed. He sat there for a long time with the sun just glistening off his back -- you would swear that he was posing for us to photograph and we did. We traveled from Mahale to other camps in Tanzania and Kenya. It was an exhilarating two weeks and we cannot wait for our next trip with Daryl. John & Mary Lou Barter, South Carolina USA.