Nothing compares to a family safari—it’s an unforgettable experience that our clients often call their “best family holiday ever.”
Is a safari suitable for kids?
Absolutely. A luxury safari educates and inspires, immersing children in the wonders of the natural world. It’s a unique opportunity for them to develop a deep respect for wildlife and learn the importance of preserving it.
Also, Africa has some of the most family-friendly options when it comes to accommodation, from exclusive use properties to luxury tented camps with family suites.
What’s the best age for kids on safari?
If you’re booking an exclusive use of a property, including a private guide, chef, and vehicle then age isn’t an issue. Most lodges, however, set a minimum age of six, with game drives allowed at the ranger’s discretion. Lodges will offer tailored programs for younger children when drives aren’t suitable.
Which countries are best for family safaris?
South Africa is ideal for families, offering malaria-free reserves, guaranteed Big Five sightings, and minimal time difference from the UK. Namibia is also great for families with younger children. For teenagers, Kenya is our favourite pick. We’re just back from a family safari in Kenya with our older kids (16 and 11). They loved the time we spent in the remote north with the Maasai, meeting the village elders, hearing about their culture, and understanding the fascinating life of Maasai warriors.
How safe is it to bring children on safari?
Safety is paramount. Expert guides constantly assess conditions in the reserve, never compromising on safety. While you can freely roam the lodge during the day, at night, an Askari (night watchman) ensures safe passage to and from the main lodge.
What can a safari teach kids about conservation?
The lodges we recommend are deeply committed to conservation. For example, in South Africa, families can join front-line conservationists and veterinarians in tracking and notching black rhinos. In Kenya, at Cotter’s Camp, children can accompany female rangers on anti-poaching patrols or visit endangered vulture nests. At Ol Lentille Lodge, owned by the local Maasai tribe, a visit to a local school highlights the positive impact tourism is having on educating girls.
If you’re ready to plan the ultimate family safari, contact Nicola from Big Wide World.
Life With a Live-in Carer
For many families, the decision to organise professional care for a loved one is not taken lightly. It often comes with concerns about the quality of life and a strong wish for their loved one to retain their independence in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
At Hamilton George Care, we take the time to understand how you have lived your life, so we can understand how to enhance your future. Here, we’ll walk you through some of the typical activities during a day with a Hamilton George carer, highlighting how live-in carers support not just the physical needs but also the emotional and social wellbeing of those they care for.
Morning Routine
A live-in carer assists with waking up, getting out of bed and any personal hygiene tasks required, like washing or dressing. This help is delivered with respect for routines and preferences. Breakfast can be served in your room, kitchen or dining room, and the carer or nurse will ensure any dietary requirements are met.
Personal Care
Personal care is provided with utmost respect for privacy and autonomy. Tasks might include assistance with toileting, showering or grooming. The focus is always on enabling the individual to do as much as they can or wish to do for themselves, with support simply a reassuring presence.
Mealtimes
Meal preparation is a significant part of a carer’s role, aiming to provide nutritious and appetising food choices. Lunchtime is about more than just eating; it can be an opportunity for social engagement and is a highlight in the day for those who love food. Carers will make an effort to learn and prepare any favoured dishes and often use mealtimes to encourage hydration and ensure a balanced diet is maintained.
Clinical Support
Hamilton George carers and nurses will be selected in accordance with an individual’s unique clinical and personal needs. Whether clients require 24hr nursing care for complex medical needs or specialist support for conditions such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s, plans are regularly reviewed and adapted as needs change. Medication will be managed and any relevant treatments or medical appointments will be organised.
Out & About
Staying active and connected with friends and family is crucial. A live-in carer can accompany individuals on walks, to appointments, or social outings, providing mobility support and companionship. Maintaining independence however possible is vital and trips and outings can help maintain a sense of normalcy and freedom.
Hosting & Socialising
Social connections are encouraged and supported. Carers will facilitate the hosting of family and friends, helping to prepare the home for visitors or assist in organising events. They understand the importance of maintaining relationships and will often step back to allow for private family time. Hamilton George carers also undertake additional lifestyle training which includes modules such as ‘Etiquette 101’ and ‘Going the extra mile’.
Independence & Personal Space
Live-in care doesn’t mean constant companionship, and carers are trained to balance providing support with ensuring personal space. They will respect your loved one’s independence, stepping in when needed but also allowing space for personal activities and rest.
Working With Other Household Staff
In some cases a family will already have a support structure in place before care begins. This can include a regular cleaner, housekeeper, gardener or other household staff. The care plan will take this into account and a carer will be briefed on their exact role within the household. Their skills will match the requirements of the family and they will be clear on their role and responsibilities from the start.
Evenings & Overnight Care
As evening falls, a live-in carer helps with the bedtime routine — this could include help with changing, getting into bed, and ensuring comfort through the night. Overnight, they are there to assist with bathroom visits or any other needs, providing peace of mind that help is always at hand.
Live-in care offers a comforting solution that supports the dignity and independence of individuals while providing the comprehensive care they require. Importantly, it also provides families with the assurance that their loved one is safe, supported, and able to continue living in the comfort of their own home.
Choosing the right care for your loved one is a critical decision, and understanding the day-to-day life with a live-in carer can help in making an informed choice. At Hamilton George Care, we support our carers to empower those in their care to lead fulfilling lives, with support tailored to their unique needs and wishes. We provide a fully managed care service, meaning that your chosen carer will be on hand to provide 24/7 care in the home, supported, trained and managed by our outstanding in-house team and registered nurse. This fully comprehensive care ensures peace of mind for the whole family.
If you would like to have a conversation about how a live-in carer can help you or a loved one, then get in touch. You can email or give us a call on 0330 4702866.
5 Must Follow Tips When Renovating a Family Home
Renovating a home is a big commitment, and deciding to expand your family is an even bigger one. How do you design a home that’s comfortable for a family of two, but will also function for a family of four, or even more? Laura Hammett, Creative Director of the renowned London-based interior, architecture, and design studio, and founder of luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living, offers her top tips on creating a space that not only meets the needs of your current family but will also be suitable in the future.
Durable Fabrics & Furniture
“Always opt for performance fabrics on any cushions or upholstery, especially if clients have kids or pets. These luxury fabrics are highly durable, fade resistant, mildew and mould resistant and extremely easy to maintain, so won’t look worn quickly. Also look for traditional pocket sprung bases when buying sofas, dining chairs or armchairs, this a sign of high-quality, traditional craftsmanship. We use performance fabrics and pocket sprung bases throughout on all our designs at Laura Hammett Living.”
A Family Friendly Kitchen Design
“Firstly, always consider the triangle of work when designing a kitchen. Envision the flow of movement from sink to dishwasher, cooker or fridge and design the space seamlessly around that. I love to centre a kitchen around a butcher’s block or island with stools to make it more sociable for family life. The best family-friendly elements I included when designing my own kitchen were the breakfast bar with sliding pocket doors for appliance storage. This means all the unsightly toasters and coffee machines are accessible but can disappear in an instant. We always design fully integrated rubbish bins, dishwasher, fridge/ freezer, as integrated bespoke solutions feel so much more luxurious. Also, hidden pantry cupboards with spice racks on the inside of doors are great. I love designing doorways leading from kitchens into a pantry room or a chef’s kitchen to keep the main kitchen space perfect for hosting or entertaining. I also usually opt for drawers rather than cupboards in kitchens, so the space at the back can be easily reached and utilised. Lastly, multiple ovens, boiling water taps, and state of the art appliances are a must for luxury modern family living.”
Never Overlook The Amount Of Storage You Need
“Bespoke joinery is the ultimate in luxury living. Having storage solutions tailored to a client’s exacting needs and preferences is what we specialise in. Storage is especially important in a dressing room where the client’s specific collection needs to be carefully considered and the flow of movement mapped out. Utilities, pantries, laundry rooms and hidden spaces are key for designing with practicality in mind. I live to design joinery in living rooms with open shelving at the top and closed cabinetry at the bottom for storage and a nice balance. We often include hidden bathroom storage behind mirrors or artwork. Having nice large drawers in a bedside table is a great way to keep the tabletop clean and free of clutter.”
Practical Lighting
“Practical lighting begins with a layered lighting scheme. This means having overheads like pendants and chandeliers on one circuit for brightness, then lamps always go on a 5amp circuit for a separate ‘evening’ cosy lighting level, and any integrated low level lighting such as LED’s within joinery for additional ambience. Being able to switch these layers on and off separately makes for a seamless experience. We make sure all lamp wires always feed into a tiny hole cut into the rug (professionally cut by a rug expert) and plug into a floor box, so no messy wires are visible. Integrated reading lights set into headboards are a practical addition, as the two lights can work independently from each other if one person wants to read, and another is asleep. Two of our Laura Hammett Living bed designs have this feature, one in our Contemporary and one in our Modern Heritage collections. This gives customers a choice between both styles and they just plug in so no special electrical wiring is needed. Another practical trick we employ when limited on bedside space is to use a floating light which hangs from the ceiling.”
Design Longevity As Children Grow Up
“The best method for longevity is designing anything fixed such as joinery and integrated furniture to grow with the child. I always recommend investing in storage and built-in wardrobes large enough to see a child through to teenage years. Fun additions can definitely be added to a baby’s room or a nursery, but we tend to keep the base (such as wallpaper, flooring, carpets, rugs and paint) more neutral and timeless. Then we add age-appropriate patterns, playful texture and pops of colour to the cushions, blankets and smaller upholstery items like stools, which can be changed as the child grows up. With nurseries, this space is for the parents as much as it’s for a little one, so make sure it’s suited to your personal tastes too! However, with children’s bedrooms, we always like to get their input on what they want. I once sat next to a client’s young daughter at dinner on a trip to Singapore and we had an in-depth conversation about exactly what she wanted her bedroom to be like, and that’s what we designed!”