Kenya and Tanzania
Africa has something special about - I can't put my finger on it - there is a certain buzz in the air. I get excited when I am there. It's a land of extreme beauty and extreme poverty but whereever you go, the people are friendly and the landscapes take your breath away.
About seven years ago, we had a child and of course he needs to meet his relatives. Taking a baby to Kenya - well, my parents were horrified! I can't say I wasn't worried but he has cousins there and his own Dad was born and raised in Kenya, and he survived, didn't he?!
So, for the last seven years we have been to Kenya on holiday many times. My son has been on safari four times, he doesn't even know how lucky he is. The last time we went to Lewa Conservancy and stayed at Kifaru - an experience we all won't forget. It's so stunning, with far reaching views where you can just sit and spot animals. The service is amazing and, yes, my son ordered spaghetti bolognaise for every meal but they didn't mind!
But, a safari holiday is all about early morning game drives, with everyone up early to spot as may animals as possible. I must confess that one morning I was just too tired so off my son went with his cousins and guess what - of course they saw a lion kill, a cheetah, and nine baby lions! Or so they tell me. It can get quite competitive, this safari lark!
How does a child cope with the heat, the flies, the travel, the long hours in the car, scary internal flights on small planes, possibility of malaria, different foods...? Very well, strangely enough! We have had no problems at all. They take it all in their stride and just accept it as the new normal.
So, my advice - travel broadens the mind and travelling with small children long-haul and to the Third World is more than manageable, it's downright fun!