Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, on planning a multigenerational safari from grandparents to grandkids.
The challenge of a trip for three generations is that mobility, stamina and interests differ. The answer is flexibility, not a fixed schedule everyone must follow. Plan the trip around the least mobile or youngest traveller first, then add optional activities for everyone else.
Build flexibility into a multigenerational safari
Choose camps that offer a range of activities each day. Everyone can join an easy morning game drive, while the more active members take an optional afternoon walk or longer excursion, and others rest at camp.
Check access and rooms
- Step-free access: not every camp is built for limited mobility, so confirm it rather than assuming.
- Family suites or connecting rooms: three generations rarely want to share one tent.
- Private vehicles: they let you set the pace. See private vs group safari.
Split the trip into chapters
Try a wildlife-heavy first half led by the fittest members, followed by a relaxed beach stay in Zanzibar or the Seychelles that suits every age. Everyone can then come together for the easy half. See combining safari with Zanzibar.
A sample multigenerational safari plan
- Safari first (5 to 6 nights): two camps with a private vehicle, so grandparents can take the morning drive and skip the afternoon one.
- Optional extras: a walk, a balloon flight or a longer drive for the more active members.
- Beach to finish (4 to 5 nights): Zanzibar or the Seychelles, where every generation can do as much or as little as they like.
Our Family Tanzania Safari (8 days) is paced for children and grandparents, and pairs well with a Zanzibar Family Beach Holiday (7 days).
Check the age rules
Minimum ages apply to some activities, including gorilla trekking (15) and chimpanzee tracking (12). See best age for a family safari, family-friendly camps and gorilla trekking fitness.
Health and insurance
Talk to a doctor about health needs, and see travel insurance and medical evacuation. Tell us everyone's needs when you enquire.
See also: the family safari from the gorillas to Zanzibar.
Plan your multigenerational safari
Official park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Kenya Wildlife Service, TANAPA and the Rwanda Development Board. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.
For the older travellers in the group, see our safari for seniors and accessible safari guide.
For a short stop that suits all ages, see our Giraffe Centre guide.
For grandparents and teenagers on a gorilla trek, see our gorilla trekking age limit guide.
For a Uganda trip with children and grandparents, see our Uganda family safari guide.
For a Tanzania trip with children, read our Tanzania family safari guide.