Arzhang's Family South Africa Safari

Penguins, Table Mountain Hiking, Lions, Elephants & Ocean Swimming

Arzhang
Arzhang
Traveller
Published on
05 Aug 2019
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Table Mountain Arzhang

Arzhang booked a 2 week family safari to South Africa with Far & Wild Travel in February 2019 for the school summer holiday. British summer means South African winter, but this turned out to be a fantastic time to travel for this active family of 5, with 3 kids aged 16, 13 and 10. They began their stay at More Quarters in Cape Town, before self-driving in the KwaZulu Natal Eastern region of South Africa, staying at Ghost Mountain Inn, having a full blown private game reserve safari at Amakhosi Lodge and ending on the beach at Lalaria Lodge. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the Amakhosi safari, though each day offered so much variety.

To find out more about planning a family safari holiday, take a look at our favourite family safari ideas and planning tips.

We got a lot out of it...

The kids, and us adults, got a lot out of it. It was a brilliant trip.

If anything, we may have put on weight because the food portions were huge and it was so good! Aside from the wildlife, location, service and expert guiding at Amakhosi, we loved the cultural walk at Ghost Mountain Inn where we walked to a cliff edge and learned of the history of Zulu culture and lifestyle.

Boulder Beach Arzhang
Boulder Beach Family Photo

It was exhilarating, surrounded by elephants...

The video below shows just how close Arzhang got to a herd of female and young elephants, filmed from his phone!

We were going in search of a leopard and knew that there was a possibility we might see elephants and could hear them crushing through the forest.

Then suddenly two elephants crossed the path, so our guide slammed on the breaks and he did a massive loop to get in a position where he and the excellent tracker at the front of the vehicle knew the elephants would then walk towards us, essentially surrounding us.

Both my sons were petrified that it might go wrong, but we were told to just stay quiet and it will be OK. Sure enough, afterwards they said it was BRILLIANT, exhilarating and our hearts were in our mouths!

We didn’t end up seeing a leopard, but our guide Rowan posted a photo of one on Instagram he tracked just 2 days later!


Our guided hike up table mountain was another true highlight...

Right at the start of our time in South Africa we hiked Table Mountain. Our guide Kathy was excellent and she took a picnic of snacks and drinks up for us to enjoy too. It took us just over 4 hours to walk up and about 5 mins to get down in the cable car! We started very early in the morning. Charlotte has a fear of heights, but there was only one place that she needed some encouragement, it was very accessible.

The sky was crystal clear, we had beautiful sunshine, pleasant temperatures and since it had rained a lot the day before, lots of waterfalls made it even more fantastic
Table Mountain Waterfalls
Table Mountain Waterfalls
Table Mountain Collage
Table Mountain Collage
Arzhang Family Safaris
Family Safari Drives

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit South Africa.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

If you'd like help planning a South Africa safari, call our friendly team on 01768 603 715.

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Our South Africa Experts
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Alistair

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024