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Omg haha what a dilemma. It's South Africa!! Would u have a chance like this again do you think? My girl slept like a dream before we went home for Christmas, an 11 hr flight with jet lag and all and when we got back her sleep has been total crap ever since. That being said she just turned 2 and I read this is not that unusual. It's been more than a month since we came back and it's definitely not jet lag anymore. I would go if you have a chance to do some exciting safari or sightseeing. If you won't be at liberty to explore, I wouldn't think it would be worth it to go. And there's no guarantee that sleep will stay wonderful even if you decide to stay home, tho I do wonder if we had stayed home would she be sleeping again?

@lady grey: What part of South Africa would you be going to?

We were actually thinking about going to South Africa next month with our 4 yo and 14 month old. (We live in Europe, so while the flight is still really long, there is no time difference, so no jetlag). But, we decided not to because if we go, I really want to be able to do a safari, but most places will not take kids out on game drives if they are under 6 or 8! While we were thinking about the trip, I spoke to a friend who went last year with her 2 yo daughter (they also went because of her husband's job). They spent two weeks there, a few days in Johannesburg, a few days in the Cape Town area and a week at a game resort (they took turns staying with their daughter while the other went out on game drives). It sounds like Cape Town is a great, relatively safe place to visit with much to do and see, but she said Johannesburg wasn't really necessary (and it sounds more dangerous than Cape Town). So, if you aren't concerned about missing out on safaris, it seems that there is plenty to do in Cape Town. I also read the State Department travel advisories for South Africa and I admit they did put me off a bit as they mention that tourists are often the targets of robberies, but then again, the State Department travel warnings tend to be overly cautious, in my opinion. Also, another tip she gave me was to stay in a reputable hotel and not a short term Air BnB-style apartment as you can just never be sure about safety.

@lady grey: South Africa is a beautiful country. Do it. I used to regularly fly back and forth and there were always small children on the plane. Cape Town is gorgeous and so is the wine country which is only an hour or so away. jo'burg isn't that exciting. I've heard Durbin is nice as well. Plenty to do if Safari is out of picture.

I loved south africa and would go again! But i understand your concerns about bringing a 2 yr old. I just wanted to chime in and say that the garden route is a beautiful drive and you can stay in this seaside town for a bit called Knysna. Really pretty there.

I agree with @lamariniere--if you go, I would go to capetown and not Johannesburg. Capetown is supposed to be gorgeous and have lots to do. Missing out on a safari would suck, but there might be some more low key day safaris you could do with a toddler.

@lady grey: How long would you be staying? South Africa is gorgeous - I would do it in a heartbeat!

@lady grey: YES!! Definitely don't miss the opportunity to go! I think LO will surprise you, you could also bring up meds like Tylenol or Bendryl to help incase there is an epic cry fest!

Also, I like @mrbee: suggestion of trying to have someone watch LO while you and husband have amazing trip!

Good luck!

I lived in Cape Town for four month several years ago, and it's a great place to visit. There are lots of things to see and do and many of them are kid friendly (botanical gardens, national parks, beaches, museums, several great malls, Robben Island, Table Mountain, wineries within a 2 hour drive, etc). It will be their fall in a few months, so it will be a little cool, but not cold. I didn't spend as much time in Jo'burg, but I'm not as sure about spending time there. Jo'burg also a lot more spread out and definitely not as pretty, but there are things to see. Good luck with your decision. Durban is not as popular but is also interesting.