South Africa with 12 week old?

[MtnBikeChick]

We are planning a 12 day trip to South Africa this winter and our second baby will be 12 weeks old (toddler 3.5 years). It is ver organised - we are staying on a nature reserve (not safari) on coast near Cape Town and then a few days in the Winelands. We are well traveled and desperately need a sunny trip to get us through the next couple of months. Our little one will have had 2 month imms but not sure about first Mmr. I feel a 12 week old should be easy to travel with ( I will be BF) especially as no time difference. Had anyone done this trip with young kids? Am I mad to consider? Tips?! We have been to SA before, but before kids. Thank you!

I would think the biggest obstacles will be 1) you'll be really exhausted still with a baby of only 12 weeks; and 2) s/he will still be BFing lots and often, which might make it hard to get out and do things. A sunshine break sounds like a lovely idea, but I'd keep your expectations low in terms of how much you'll feel like doing once you get there.

I think it's an expensive way to be exhausted! But South Africa is a safe place to visit, I wouldn't have concerns on that front. Pampers are expensive.

Sorry I got interrupted - I have taken a 13m old to South Africa & would have no concerns over the kid logistics. What are you going to do with your 3 year old on a nature reserve for 12 days?

We are planning on staying in 2 v family friendly places (arranging thru Scott Dunn) - nature reserve is this place - looks fab, with plenty for little ones to do: www.grootbos.com/en/home

We did Canaries when my son was 16 weeks. I don't find travel exhausting (done a lot due to my job) but I do find British winter very dark, bleak and depressing! I figure I'd rather be tired somewhere where someone else is cooking for me and it's 26 degrees+!

We flew to California when my son was 18 months and Caribbean when he was 2.5 and I found his jet lag the most awful bit - ruined us all for 7+ days after we got home! So that is one plus for SA!

I should have said nature reserve for 5 days, 6 days in wine region (Paarl, Franschoek)