Reply To: S Africa/Alternatives in November/December (young family)

[philsUK]

We just got back from a holiday in South Africa, family trip with my wife, myself, 7 month old son and my inlaws. We stayed in Franscchoek and had a hire car to travel around. We did go into Capetown one day but spent most of the time in the Winelands. We were sensible and didn’t travel too far at night – otherwise driving around was completely fine.

We then flew to Johannesburg and onwards to a game reserve north of Johannesburg (Malaria free), this was absolutely amazing. We stayed in a camp that allowed our baby to come on drives with us. We didn’t feel unsafe at any point on the trip. Actually, our flight got delayed in Johannesburg and we drove to and from our hotel in Central Johannesburg from the airport (which I wouldn’t have done when we were there 5 years ago!).

I think with the baby it is easy to think of worst case scenarios.. I did. This is our first baby, but he slept both flights and loved the drives (sleeping!). Honestly, it was probably our best holiday.

Crime is high, but be sensible and reduce your risks.