“At least some of our money has to go to those who live in the area.”

Anywhere in particular? I inquire. “Not really — a decent bed is essential, though. This is our 40th-anniversary dream holiday, so a bit of luxury certainly won’t go amiss.”

The Pomeroys have a budget of £6,000 and want to go away for 10-14 days.

THE POMEROYS

Julia, 62, is a proofreader. Ian, also 62, is a driving instructor. They live in Huntington, near Chester.

Last CD bought

Her: Nothing Is Sound by Switchfoot
Him: Mezzamorphis by Delirious?

Last book read

Her: White by Ted Dekker
Him: The Road to Hell by David Pawson

Favourite food

Her: beef carbonade
Him: liver, bacon and onions

Page 2: the Doc prescribes Kenya, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique

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PRESCRIPTION ONE

Kenya

I’m offering the Pomeroys two lodges in northern Kenya. The first is Loisaba, in Laikipia, a stone-and-timber palace overlooking the Great Rift Valley. There’s fabulous game-viewing by camel, horse, foot and 4WD, and all profits are used for conservation, health and education projects. The second lodge is Il Ngwesi, the first community-owned and managed lodge in Kenya, made up of six breathtakingly panoramic open-plan thatched rooms. Audley (01869 276250, www.audleytravel.com) has three nights at Loisaba, three at Il Ngwesi and two on Lamu from £2,995pp, full-board, including overnight flights with British Airways from Heathrow.

PRESCRIPTION TWO

Namibia

Damaraland Camp is owned and managed by the local Riemyasmaker people, with more than £80,000 a year poured back into community projects. But forget the politics for a minute — this is an awesome, ancient place: rhinos can sometimes be tracked from camp, spectacular birdlife throngs the rivers, and you might see desert elephants. Sunvil Africa (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com) has three nights at Damaraland Camp as part of a 14-night self-drive Namibia safari that includes nights in Etosha, Swakopmund and NamibRand reserve. From £2,930pp, including most meals, car hire, and flights with Air Namibia from Gatwick to Windhoek.

PRESCRIPTION THREE

Zambia & Mozambique

First to the South Luangwa National Park, where Nkwali Camp and Tena Tena Camp — both with chalets overlooking a magnificent stretch of the Luangwa River — multiply their charm by raising £35,000 a year for schools, teachers and bursaries. Then the Pomeroys fly to Mozambique, where Nkwichi Lodge, with its seven breathtaking reed-and-thatch chalets marooned on Lake Malawi’s sugar-white shoreline, offers a spectacular journey’s end — and a share of hotel profits goes to help build schools, mills and wells. J&C Voyageurs (01373 832111, www.jandcvoyageurs.com) has three nights at Nkwali, two at Tena Tena and seven at Nkwichi from £2,984pp, full-board, including flights.

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