Taking a baby/toddler to Zanzibar

Thanks for your post, Wendy. These are very common and sensible concerns about visiting a tropical destination in Africa. Do check out both our health guide and our guide to travelling with kids, but also from the point of view of a mother who has bought up a kid from 4 months here, I can say that the great enjoyment and pleasure that kids get from being here - the family friendly atmosphere, the sheer colour and sensory experience, the fresh air and healthy additive-free food - outweigh the risks.

However, as a parent that is a judgement you have to make for your own child. Take up-to-date advice from your doctor. But malaria is extremely rare in Zanzibar nowadays and food poisoning is as often from posh hotel buffets as from street food. Take sensible precautions and you should be able to have a great family holiday here and go home happy, healthy and relaxed :)