Planning a safari that spans three generations; we’re talking grandparents, adult children, and grandkids sounds complicated. But it doesn’t have to be. The Safari Cottages on Ol Pejeta is uniquely suited to multigenerational travel because, for us, flexibility is everything. Here's why it works, how to plan it, and what makes it unforgettable.
Why Ol Pejeta Works for Three Generations
In a multigenerational group everyone has different energy levels, different needs, different paces. So travel itineraries with fixed schedules make it tricky for everyone to enjoy the holiday. That’s something we were very congnisant of when we set up The Safari Cottages. Here, you have completely private (not shared) accommodation, as well as a private guide and vehicle (not group game drives with strangers). That means that you can do activities on your own schedule.
Here’s what that flexibility for multigenerational travel looks like on the ground:
Grandparents can rest when they need to (maybe take shorter excursions and not in the heat of the day) without holding anyone back
Kids can eat on their own times, meals that they comfortable with and get rowdy without disrupting other guests
Nobody feels rushed, excluded or constrained
Managing Different Energy Levels
On safari, an 8-year-old and a 75-year-old have completely different endurance levels and interests. For example, grandparents may need more rest and seek a slower pace, whereas the kids often have buckets of energy! Parents are usually juggling both and endlessly seeking a happy medium, which is exhausting. Your private guide at The Safari Cottages understands this; they’ll craft an itinerary that suits everyone and even split the group if needed — some people do a full morning game drive. Others rest. By afternoon, you regroup.
It’s easier to figure out when you’re not working around the needs of strangers as well as your own family.
Activities That Work for All Ages
Not every activity suits every age, but Ol Pejeta and The Safari Cottages offers enough variety that everyone finds something:
Game drives — The main activity because Ol Pejeta’s wildlife is thriving and this is the best way to see it all. Our vehicles are spacious and comfortable vehicles with good suspension.
Around The Campfire — A favourite activity for all ages happens when it grows dark. The askaris (night guards) lights a fire, crack open a bag of marshmallows and entrance families with tales of the stars and how they came to be whilst they roast marshies over an open fire.
Rest — Rest is a part of everyone’s daily schedule, as it should be. Grandparents need them and kids and adults appreciate the downtime too. If you have particularly high energy kids then this is a great opportunity for them to talk a walk around the property with the guide; discover footprints, dung, insects and birdlife all around you.
Photography — Kids aged 4 and over quickly get into photography in places as beautiful as this. And those that carry a basic little camera are quickly entranced with the hobby. This opens up such wonderful discussions across all ages about photography and light and animal behaviour too.
Stories and Conversation — Three generations sitting around a campfire sharing stories in the African bush, watching the landscape change, talking without the distractions of normal life is the real magic of a multigenerational safari. We also recommend taking part in one of Ol Pejeta’s conservation focused activities: children are so often fascinated by these encounters and the memories of sharing these experience with their grandparents live on for them for a lifetime!
Accommodation: Privacy and Connection
Multigenerational groups typically book two cottages: a one-bedroom safari cottage for grandparents, and a two-bedroom safari cottage for the adult children and grandkids. This arrangement gives everyone privacy; grandparents can rest when they want without worrying about noise. Kids can be themselves without disturbing them. Everyone has space.
But the safari cottages are just a short walk from one another. They’re close enough that you can easily gather for meals, meet for game drives, and stay connected. You're not isolated from each other — just not sharing walls. Speaking of meals, your private chef can accommodate different preferences (grandparents might want lighter meals; kids might want familiar food).
Sample Daily Rhythm (Three Generations)
6:00 AM: Early morning tea or coffee. Grandparents can then head out for a morning game drive. Kids and parents can sleep in if they want to (or join if they wake early).
9:30 AM: Meet out in the bush for a bush picnic together, or return back to The Safari Cottages if everyone is tired or a bit groggy. No matter where you eat, you’ll be well fed and enjoy some wildlife too. Continue your drive, or return for rest if you’ve been up early.
1:00 PM: Lunch al fresco.
2:00–4:00 PM: Afternoon rest. A great time to nap, or read or take a walk around the property — let our chefs show their vegetable garden and beehives. Look for wildlife on the plain behind camp, or spot footprints of animals who passed in the night.
4:30 PM: Afternoon tea and an evening game drive for those who wish to head out again. Sundowners are a tradition on safari; where everyone stops on the plains for a drink and a snack to watch the sun set. Kids love it, but the younger ones might want to head back earlier and have a light dinner by the fire then head to bed. You decide what works best.
7:30 PM: Bonfire, stargazing and dinner. Everyone heads to bed when they’re ready.
The rhythm of the day is built around ease, and finding a pace that is sustainable for all three generations.
Real-Life Multigenerational Stories
Here are a few reviews from multigenerational families that have visited us over the last couple of years…
Booking and Planning Multigenerational Travel
Book earlier than usual. Two or more Safari Cottages at the same time requires more planning so be sure to book atleast 3-4 months ahead of time, and a year out if you’re travel in high season (July - October).
Discuss health and medications. Your reservations team needs to know that you have an 8-year-old and a 75-year-old. This helps them anticipate energy levels and different needs. Let them know all about dietary requirements, medical concerns and special requests and they'll plan accordingly.
Plan for flexibility. Energy, moods and preferences can change quickly, so choose providers and properties that allow for this.
Multigenerational Safari Summary
Multigenerational travel isn't complicated if you choose the right place and keep an open mind. Remember that the real magic isn't the place, it’s the people that surround yourself with. It's three generations sharing something extraordinary, together.
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