Nice to meet you

For over two decades Lara MacDonald, a well-connected and talented travel planner with an outstanding reputation, has been letting her imagination run wild. She is passionate about travel – to Africa in particular – and she has a very special knack for using her creativity and her in-depth knowledge of Africa and the continent’s safari industry to design bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime journeys that exceed her clients’ expectations.

While Lara has focussed on Africa for the past few years, her expertise spans destinations around the globe. After studying Spanish at Edinburgh University, Lara lived and worked in Nicaragua and Ecuador, and has travelled extensively both solo and as a family. For clients, Lara has organised holidays that range from diving in the Galapagos and walking safaris in Zambia to expedition cruises in Antarctica, honeymoons on quiet islands in South East Asia, luxurious villa-stays in Sri Lanka, and romantic weekend breaks along the Amalfi coast.

Over the years many of Lara’s clients have chosen to trust her time and again with their travel plans. They take comfort from knowing that even the smallest of details will be taken care of and experience sheer delight from the itineraries that she so masterfully weaves together.

Lara MacDonald

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Read Lara's Testimonials

We have just experienced an amazing trip to Cambodia and Vietnam

We have just experienced an amazing trip to Cambodia and Vietnam.

Siem Reap – staying at Phum Baitang, a lovely hotel which we would highly recommend. Visiting Angkor Wat and other temples, incredible. Landmine rats were so interesting, street markets by vespa was great fun.

Phnom Penh – super stay an  service at Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh. The Genocide Museum is an eye opener to the horrors of the past.

Aqua Mekong cruise – fabulous boat, food and service.

Two super activities per day. Met some lovely people on board which made it very social. Attention to detail was excellent.

Vietnam – at Park Hyatt Saigon, very nice hotel with great restaurants and bars. Visited Cu Chi Tunnels, another eye opener from the past. Well worth a visit.

Thank you Lara for organising such a fantastic trip.

Cambodia & Vietnam
exceeded our expectations

Our Moroccan holiday, curated by @laramacdonaldtravel exceeded our expectations. She managed every detail from drivers to check in to beautiful boutique hotels, walking and foodie tours, hikes, hammams and cooking classes. She got us a great deal, kept us informed along the way and everything worked perfectly!
Thanks so much Lara!

Morocco
Would we return? Absolutely.

Home from a fabulous week at Ikos Dassia. Park any concerns you may have of an all inclusive – this was simply the perfect way to spend a week with three families. We return rested (great beds!), over-fed and over-watered (parents), whilst the younger generation loved the liberty of ordering what they wanted, when they wanted, and how often they wanted! Tennis before breakfast, the well stocked gyms (apparently!) after. Stand-up paddle or kayak in the crystal clear waters before an amazing beachside lunch, or a visit to what has to be one of the best destination restaurants in the world, atop the cliffs overlooking the mainland. A simply stunning vista. Splendid evening meals with lovely wines, and a staff body that are quite brilliant.
Would we return? Absolutely.

Corfu, Greece
Where next Lara?

Choosing a country and planning an itinerary for your next family holiday can seem daunting. For the last ten years, we’ve relied on Lara’s travel knowledge and visited countries that have suited us perfectly. From beach resorts in Oman, Egypt and Mauritius to trekking in the Atlas Mountains and sailing in Turkey, our holidays have been spot on. Our recent trip to Viêt Nam did not disappoint, with its rich history, diverse culture, charming people and delicious food wowing us from the start.
Where next Lara?

Vietnam
it’s beautiful

We have arrived at Lewa this morning and it has surpassed our expectations- it’s beautiful. Our room is gorgeous and everyone is so friendly, thank you for recommending.

Lewa Wilderness, Kenya
Lara booked everything for us – flights, transfers, beautiful hotels and amazing restaurants – perfect attention to detail

Recently returned from a thoroughly relaxing last-minute break in Marrakesh. Lara booked everything for us – flights, transfers, beautiful hotels and amazing restaurants – perfect attention to detail. The Capaldi Hotel was a perfect escape hidden in the Atlas Mountains. Beautifully tranquil and a wonderful place to get engaged! Dar Zamora was a ‘little oasis’ 10 minutes from the Medina. Very spoiling, heavenly gardens, beautiful rooms with attentive staff and fantastic cuisine. Totally relaxing! We will definitely be booking with Lara again – thank vou!

Marrakesh & Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Perfect place to switch off and chill

What a beautiful and tranquil hotel set in its own quiet bay. Super friendly hotel staff, lovely restaurants and great cuisine. Lots of local delights to visit by taxi, or see the island by boat on a trip off Carlisle Bay’s own beach. Perfect place to switch off and chill. Thank you Lara

Carlisle Bay, Antigua
fabulous 10 day trip to Egypt

Thank you Lara for organising a most fabulous 10 day trip to Egypt. The Nile cruise lived up to all expectations and Abu Simbel is an essential add on and Cairo was a pure joy

Egypt
Thank you to Lara MacDonald for organising a wonderful family trip to Sri Lanka

Thank you to Lara MacDonald for organising a wonderful family trip to Sri Lanka. I have always wanted to visit as my mother was brought up there. so wonderful to see the tea estates, the amazing countryside and the coastal areas. lovely hotels and very stress free organisation from Lara.

Sri Lanka
life is too short

I have travelled to India on business many times but never stopped to really understand it. 8 hours with Morgan visiting the markets of Mumbai and witnessing it by travelling on buses and trains you really start to get an understanding for the city and it’s people. A must do (life is too short), excellent add on if you’re passing through Mumbai like me. Thank you Lara for organising such a memorable day.

Mumbai, India
Lewa is so special

We are having a simply wonderful time. Lewa is so special and we have seen so much game including a leopard this evening. The food is delicious and we saw it all growing in the farm. We are having an amazing time – thank you so much Lara

Lewa Wilderness, Kenya
total brilliance in tailoring and sorting out our trip for us

we have just returned from a sneaky, restorative break, a deux to the land of rice fields, noodles, beaches, rivers, bustling cities, glorious people and spectacular scenery. Two wonderful countries, Vietnam & Cambodia. Thank you to Lara for your total brilliance in tailoring and sorting out our trip for us, and in such a short turnaround too.

Vietnam & Cambodia
We were met by 15 elephants wallowing in the water hole!

Hildana was just amazing – we had the most beautiful cottage and the view when you walk in is just incredible!
We were met by 15 elephants wallowing in the water hole! we have had the most wonderful experience wherever we have stayed. We are planning on bringing family back to share these experiences – thank you Lara

Hildana Lodge, Kenya
Only one word can describe our holiday, “paradise”

Only one word can describe our holiday, “paradise”. Golden sands, crystal clear sea, blue skies and the most stars I have ever seen. Once again, Lara has succeeded. whenever we ask Lara to arrange our trips she always manages to get it right every time. Somewhere to relax and plenty for the children to do. beautiful water villa and really lovely food. Already looking at the many islands the Maldives has to offer, want to visit them all!

Maldives
Lara’s bottomless knowledge

Lara planned a very special trip to Africa for my family. I was incredibly impressed with Lara’s bottomless knowledge on all things safari. She will guide you to a dream holiday meeting all your requirements whilst tailor making the holiday to suit you. Lara will continue to monitor and assist, if necessary, throughout your trip. we loved Cape Town, our fabulous safari in Sabi Sands and the stunning beaches of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. Lara is your ticket to the most beautiful and memorable trip.
Thank you Lara

South Africa & Mozambique
Amazing week!

Amazing week! Our first experience of a sailing holiday and I will be honest I was slightly nervous. We boarded in the afternoon, were given information regarding the gulet and then we set sail, wow! The most amazing little coves, amazing food and such a welcoming crew. We all (group of 10) had a brilliant time. Even before the trip ended we were talking about our next trip. Once again Lara has ticked all the boxes.

Turkey
The perfect Christmas getaway

Baraza Hotel and Spa is a fantastic hotel with smiley, professional and highly attentive staff, beautifully appointed and fitted out villas, the most delicious food and drinks, a fantastic beach (look out for the sea urchins though), a great water sports centre, an amazing spa and wonderfully maintained gardens. We spent a week there over Christmas and couldn’t have been more impressed – their Christmas celebrations were perfect with Swahilli carol singers and Santa arriving by beach buggy. A great winter get away loved by all the family.

Baraza, Zanzibar

My Favourite Destinations

Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve

South Luangwa National Park

Laikipia Plateau

What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

    Margaret and Stephen

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

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  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

    Amit Roy

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  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

    Jessica Harvard

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  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

    Bob & Jen

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