Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages — A Luxury Family Safari in Kenya

A deeply personal family safari experience in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

There are certain details that stay with you long after you leave a place.

Not the big, obvious ones — but the quiet things you didn’t even know to ask for.

Like arriving in the middle of the Kenyan bush and finding almond milk in the fridge and lactose-free butter already waiting on the table. I had mentioned it briefly before we arrived, not expecting much to come of it. But it was there.

No reminder.

No follow-up.

Just quietly taken care of.

That rhythm — thoughtful, intuitive, personal — defined our stay at Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages.

In December 2025, we travelled to Kenya to photograph and film content for Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages — documenting not only the experience of staying there, but the feeling of the place itself. What followed became a mix of family travel, storytelling, and commercial content production in one of the most remarkable settings we’ve worked in.

A Private Luxury Safari in Kenya That Feels Personal

Set within Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya, around four hours north of Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages feels immersed in the landscape around it — with wildlife nearby, open conservancy views, and a pace that quickly encourages you to slow down. The conservancy is also home to the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos, making it one of the most significant conservation spaces in Africa.

One of the most defining aspects of Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages is its scale. There are only five cottages in total, and that intimacy shapes the entire experience. Each cottage is completely standalone and comes with its own private kitchen, dedicated chef, house manager, safari vehicle, and personal driver.

Cozy jungle bedroom with open doors, wicker chairs, lush greenery views, wooden floors, and a white bed with natural light.

Safari lodge interior with wooden floors, tropical plants, African masks, and open veranda overlooking lush green landscape.

Cozy rustic bedroom with a queen bed, pink bedspread, red accent pillows, wooden beams, and natural light from a window.

Rustic glamping tent interior with wooden furniture, canvas walls, and lush green trees visible through large windows.

Cozy living room with brown sofa, lion wall art, wooden coffee table, notebook, and open door with natural light.

Cozy safari lodge interior with lush greenery, large windows, wooden furniture, and scenic African savanna views.

Warm bohemian bathroom with wooden cabinet, wicker basket, hardwood floors, mirror, and plant near a sunlit window.

Rustic safari lodge deck with wooden furniture, thatched roof, and lush green forest views in a tranquil outdoor setting.

Aerial view of a lone safari lodge surrounded by vast African savanna woodland at golden sunset.

Aerial view of a lush African savanna landscape at sunset with a lone lodge nestled among dense green trees.

Nothing feels shared unless you want it to be.

Nothing feels rushed.

And nothing ever feels like you’re fitting into someone else’s schedule.

From the moment we arrived, everything revolved around us — our timing, our preferences, our energy levels.

Each day unfolded gently. Our house manager would quietly check in to see what felt right for us, such what time would we like to leave for a game drive? Breakfast packed or served at the cottage? Coffee waiting early, or a slower morning? Lunch on the river deck, or back at the cottage?

The experience adapted around us rather than us having to adapt to it.

Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages Hero Video

A glimpse into the atmosphere of Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages — from quiet mornings on the veranda to evenings beside the fire in the heart of the conservancy.

We’ll also be sharing another journal entry soon from our time in Nairobi at Ololo Lodge — a very different experience that became another memorable part of our Kenya journey.

Child pointing from safari vehicle toward grazing animals on African savanna at dusk, with Ololo branding visible.

coming soon

Safety in the Wild — Without Losing the Feeling of Freedom

Because the cottages sit within a working wildlife conservancy, the property is protected by an electric fence designed to keep elephants and other large animals outside the immediate grounds.

On arrival, everything was explained calmly and clearly.

During the day, guests are free to walk throughout the property independently. At night, if you’d like to move between cottages or walk to dinner, an Askari (night guard) accompanies you.

It never felt restrictive. It felt thoughtful and responsible.

Each cottage is also equipped with a radio transmitter for emergencies — reassurance that someone is always there if needed, even in the middle of the bush.

But truthfully, evenings naturally became slow and quiet anyway (although one evening, we could hear lions calling in the distance!).

As the light faded each evening, the cottages quietly transformed. Curtains would be drawn, fires lit, and hot water bottles tucked into the beds to warm the linen before nightfall. Each morning, we would leave out our laundry, and by the afternoon it would return washed, folded, and ready to wear again the next day.

Travelling with a toddler usually means packing endless clothing options for spills, dirt, and constant outfit changes. But because everything was washed daily, we realised we barely needed most of what we had packed. It removed one more layer of thinking from the trip, and made the entire experience feel easy in a way that’s difficult to describe until you experience it.

Two people in safari attire watch a green jeep drive along a bush-lined dirt track on an African safari.

Two tourists interact with a safari guide in a green Land Rover on a dirt road surrounded by lush African vegetation.

Couple walking through a lush garden path surrounded by blue flowers and green trees on a sunny day.

Green insulated water bottle beside a red berry cocktail on a wooden table with tropical plant leaves.

Guests relax on a shaded safari lodge deck surrounded by lush greenery during an outdoor gathering.

Rustic outdoor seating area at sunset overlooking lush African savanna landscape with acacia trees at a safari lodge.

Group of people gathered around a glowing campfire at night outside a rustic lodge surrounded by trees.

Interiors That Feel Warm, Not Staged

So often, luxury accommodation can feel beautiful but strangely impersonal — styled perfectly, yet lacking warmth.

These cottages felt different.

The interiors at Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages are layered with rich textiles, beautiful patterns, thick robes, warm lighting, and thoughtful details that make the space feel lived-in rather than staged.

Nothing felt sterile or over-designed. It felt welcoming. Comfortable. Soft.

Even without air conditioning, the cottages somehow always felt balanced — never too hot during the day, never too cold at night. The architecture allowed air to move naturally through the space, and with the fires lit in the evenings, everything felt cosy.

It often felt like we were outside, even while under a roof.

Woman in floral dress standing on a sunlit terrace surrounded by lush greenery, viewed through open wooden doors.

Two women in festive robes sharing a cozy moment with hot tea on a wooden porch.

Wicker chair with green plaid cushion and patchwork pillow on wood floor with red geometric rug.

Rustic driftwood console table with a spider plant and woven basket on hardwood floors near a black chair.

Cozy living room with brown leather sofas, potted plants, wooden coffee table, and warm sunlight through large windows.

Rustic pink adobe house with chimney, wooden window frames, potted plants, and corrugated metal roof surrounded by greenery.

Close-up of a peach bedspread with elephant border pattern, layered over ornate brown and red Persian rugs on wooden floor.

Boho bedroom nightstand with wicker lamp, decorative items, and elephant print pillow on wooden bed.

Sunlit wooden Dutch door open to a lush green garden, casting warm shadows on hardwood floors.

The River Deck — Wildlife Right in Front of You

One of our favourite places at the property quickly became the private river deck.

Positioned near the edge of the conservancy fence, it’s a quiet space where meals can be arranged privately — breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply drinks in the afternoon.

Wildlife regularly comes down to the river to drink, and during our stay we watched elephants, giraffes, impalas, and countless birds move quietly through the landscape while we sat there.

The stillness of it all was striking.

There are very few places where you can eat a beautifully prepared meal while watching elephants move through the bush only metres away.

Two safari tourists in wide-brim hats observe an elephant grazing in a lush African savanna landscape.

Two travelers sit on a log observing elephants in the vast African savanna landscape with acacia trees under cloudy skies.

Silhouette of a child gazing at a lush African savanna landscape with acacia trees from a shaded veranda.

Child stands on safari lodge deck overlooking lush African savanna with acacia trees under cloudy sky.

Person photographing two tall giraffes standing in a lush African savanna landscape during a wildlife safari.

A vibrant yellow bird perched among dense, bare branches of a tree in its natural habitat.

Tourists relaxing on a safari lodge veranda overlooking lush African savanna landscape with wildlife in the distance.

Fine Dining in the Middle of the Conservancy

The food deserves its own section, because it genuinely exceeded every expectation we had.

Each cottage has its own private chef, and the property shares a kitchen garden where fresh salads, herbs, fruits, and vegetables are grown and harvested daily.

You could taste that freshness immediately.

Meals consistently felt thoughtful, seasonal, and connected to the place itself. Many dinners became full three-course experiences — beautifully plated and generously served.

At times, it honestly felt like fine dining in a major city restaurant.

We had one of the most delicious steaks I’ve ever eaten, incredible desserts, and beautifully balanced meals every single day — all while sitting in the middle of a wildlife conservancy.

Beyond dining at the cottage itself, experiences could also be arranged throughout the conservancy:

Bush breakfasts
Picnic breakfasts
Private sundowners at sunset

Everything felt unrushed and personal.

Group of people dining outdoors under a large tree in an African savanna landscape beside a safari vehicle.

Overhead view of a colorful spread of Asian appetizers including dumplings, samosas, fresh salad, and sliced tomatoes.

A chef in a white hat and red apron carefully prepares a dish, adding toppings with focused attention.

A waiter carries a tray of refreshments toward an open-air pavilion where guests dine surrounded by lush greenery.

Overhead view of a plated appetizer with red sauce on a white dish, set on a woven placemat at a wooden dining table.

Smiling woman holding a wicker basket filled with fresh green vegetables and leafy greens outdoors.

Woman tending to lush tropical garden surrounded by banana trees and green foliage in natural sunlight.

Young girl watching as an adult serves colorful fruit salad into a white bowl at a wooden dining table.

A bowl of granola with fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt served with a golden spoon on a woven placemat.

Elegantly set outdoor dining table with patterned napkins, green glass cups, and white plates overlooking a scenic savanna.

Overhead view of a white plate with cake slice and lemon on a woven placemat beside a patterned black napkin.

Safari Cottages server presenting three plates of caramelized bananas with cream dessert on a wooden tray.

Guests dining under a warm thatched canopy at an open-air safari lodge restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.

A safari lodge waiter in uniform carries a tray of fresh pastries through an elegant tented dining area.

Waiter serving plates of spring rolls with tomato sauce and garnish at The Safari Cottages restaurant.

Group of safari travelers dining under an acacia tree on the African savanna with vast grasslands stretching to the horizon.

A Family Safari in Kenya — With a Toddler

Before arriving, one of my biggest concerns was how our daughter would manage the game drives.

She doesn’t normally enjoy long car rides, and safari drives are often anything but short.

But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

She absolutely loved them.

Every animal quickly became a “horse” in her eyes — zebra, giraffe, rhino, elephant. Antelopes running through the grass were met with excited shouts of “go, go, go!” and hands thrown into the air.

Because our car seat requires an anchor point — something most safari vehicles don’t have — she sat either on our lap or on the seat beside us with a belt across her hips. In the end, that freedom actually made the experience easier. She could move between us, lean toward the open windows, and fully take in everything around her.

Seeing wildlife together transformed the game drives from something I had worried about into one of the most joyful parts of the trip.

For families considering a safari in Kenya with young children, this experience felt not only manageable — but genuinely magical.

Tourists sitting in a green safari jeep with a local guide standing beside it on an African savanna.

Safari vehicle interior with green water bottle on wooden shelf, giraffes grazing on African savanna visible through open window.

Child in bucket hat on safari vehicle with green water bottles, overlooking a vast green savanna landscape.

Woman and child in straw hats standing through open vehicle roof on safari adventure.

A laughing mother holds a crying toddler in a cable-knit sweater during an outdoor safari vehicle ride.

Safari vehicle window view of a rhino grazing on vast green savanna plains under a cloudy sky in Africa.

Woman in safari attire smiling beside a green Land Rover on a dirt road in Africa.

Green safari Land Cruiser driving on a dirt road through lush African savanna landscape with acacia trees.

A lone zebra stands on the vast open savanna plains, viewed from a safari vehicle window on an overcast day.

Two waterbuck antelopes resting in green savanna grassland with acacia trees in the background.

Person in a brown hat photographing African safari landscape from a vehicle during golden hour.

A bison grazes in a sunlit meadow viewed through a rustic wooden cabin window in a serene wildlife setting.

Smiling African safari guide sitting in driver seat of safari vehicle in lush green landscape.

Two women on safari stand through a vehicle sunroof, one using binoculars to scan the vast African savanna.

A lion rests in green savanna grass beside a safari jeep with tourists photographing wildlife in Africa.

A pride of lions walks toward the camera on a dirt path in the African savanna, with safari vehicles visible in the background.

A male lion and lioness rest beside a safari jeep as tourists photograph them on an African savanna game drive.

Two jackals standing alert on the vast open grasslands of the African savanna under a clear sky.

Woman on safari vehicle watching two elephants graze on African savanna under blue sky.

A Safari Experience That Worked Across Generations

What made the stay even more remarkable was how effortlessly it worked across generations.

We travelled with my parents, who are in their sixties, alongside our 18-month-old daughter, and the entire experience adapted naturally to everyone’s pace. They were there to take care of Runo whilst Zach and I filmed. During our stay there, we also met Laura and her dad, Rick, as well as Kat, who was managing the project, and visiting with her 2-year-old daughter. You can easily see how versatile the Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages experience can be, regardless of the age.

Nothing ever felt rigid.

If someone wanted a slower morning, plans shifted. If energy levels changed, timings adjusted. There was space for both quiet rest and shared experiences together.

That flexibility is what made the experience feel truly luxurious.

Family in safari hats walking hand-in-hand toward a green safari jeep in an African savanna.

Grandmother and grandchild reading a book together on a wooden porch at an outdoor safari lodge.

A toddler peeks over the edge of a safari vehicle while an adult relaxes with a drink in the background.

Happy baby laughing with grandparents wearing safari hats inside a safari vehicle during a family game drive.

Family enjoying an open-top safari vehicle overlooking vast African grasslands on a sunny day.

Baby in pajamas lying on a large wooden bed with white bedding, beneath a framed wildlife photo on a beige wall.

Silhouetted landscape at sunset with a vehicle and trees against a vibrant orange and purple sky.

Outdoor safari dining setup with wooden chairs and a drinks table on a green field at dusk with mountains and a full moon.

Guests enjoy a sunset bush sundowner with drinks table on African savanna plains under a full moon.

Three wooden bowls of assorted snacks including potato chips on a green patterned tablecloth outdoors.

Four people toasting with wine glasses at a golden sunset picnic in an open field.

Group of people enjoying wine in a golden sunset field, celebrating outdoors in a scenic countryside landscape.

Visiting the Northern White Rhinos

One of the most emotional experiences during our stay was visiting the last two remaining northern white rhinos on earth.

To stand so close to them — and to meet Zachariah, their caretaker — was quietly moving.

It’s difficult to explain the feeling properly.

The experience was calm, heavy, beautiful, and heartbreaking all at once.

It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after you leave.

Two white rhinoceroses grazing together on dry savanna ground in warm sunlight.

Two white rhinos walking across an African savanna, viewed through a safari vehicle window.

A rhino grazes in golden savanna grass as tourists observe from a safari jeep in the background.

A wildlife ranger stands beside a large rhino in a lush green African savanna under a clear blue sky.

The People Who Made the Experience Feel Special

Luxury isn’t only about beautiful spaces. It’s about people.

Andy and Sonja, the owners, made us feel genuinely welcome from the very beginning. Conversations with them became some of our favourite parts of the stay — listening, learning, sharing stories. You can read the wonderful story of how they transformed Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages into what they are today over here.

And our driver, Mike, was exceptional.

Particularly while we were filming, he understood light intuitively. He would reposition the vehicle so we could capture better angles, or drive around to approach wildlife from a different direction simply because we mentioned the light would work better there.

At one point, we circled around lions purely to shoot them from the opposite side.

That level of collaboration felt thoughtful and natural.

Two people and a dog walk through a lush green archway tunnel on a scenic woodland trail.

Smiling senior couple sitting together on a couch in a cozy lodge, wearing safari-style clothing.

Four African safari lodge staff members in beige uniforms relaxing on a bench under a thatched roof veranda.

Safari lodge staff in uniform smile outdoors, with a chef in white jacket among four team members near a thatched building.

A group of safari staff in khaki uniforms smiling with two tourists at an African wildlife lodge.

Large group of safari lodge staff in khaki uniforms posing outdoors with a German Shepherd dog near a rustic wooden building.

Behind the Scenes — Producing This Safari Project

This project actually began months before we ever arrived in Kenya.

Long before the flights, there were extensive email conversations back and forth with Kat, the media manager, carefully planning every detail.

We discussed:

logistics
timing
sunrise and sunset positioning
cottage availability
shot lists
voiceovers
filming schedules
travel with a toddler
coordinating my parents (to look after out toddler) arriving separately
and even how to make two vehicles appear as one in certain filmed sequences

Man holding a professional camera on a gimbal stabilizer while sitting in a vehicle in a desert landscape.

Smiling woman in green hat holding DSLR camera with telephoto lens inside safari vehicle on wildlife tour.

Person sitting inside a rustic camper van with scenic green fields visible through the windows at dusk.

Green beanie hat, travel mug, water bottle, and red hot water bottle on a brown seat at The Safari Cottages.

Safari guide speaking to tourist through vehicle window in African savanna landscape.

Smiling African safari guide sitting in Toyota Land Cruiser driver seat holding green tumbler cup wearing white cap.

A safari guide looks through binoculars from a vehicle window scanning the savanna landscape on an African safari.

Two safari visitors in sun hats observe a rhinoceros grazing in a lush green African savanna landscape.

Producing luxury travel content at this level requires far more planning than most people realise.

We carefully mapped what could realistically be achieved in four days:

Which staff members would appear on camera?
Which stories mattered most?
Which experiences best represented the property?
How would the visuals align with the brand while still feeling honest and human?

And once we arrived, the logistics continued constantly behind the scenes.

We adjusted around naps. Around weather. Around shifting light.

One morning, we even filmed a “sunset” scene at sunrise — wine glasses in hand at 6am — simply because the light was more beautiful then.

By the final day, something had shifted.

On day one, we were still learning how the light moved through the cottages. By day four, I knew exactly when it would hit certain doorways or reflect across parts of the veranda.

Ol Pejeta began to feel familiar. Understood.

Finishing the project honestly felt emotional.

After months of preparation and days immersed in the experience, leaving felt strangely like closing a chapter we had become very connected to.

Main video for exclusive-use safari cottages in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy

We also created a longer-form film during our time at Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages — capturing not only the property itself, but the atmosphere, rhythm, and people behind the experience.

A Luxury Safari in Kenya That Truly Stayed With Us

Even though our time in Kenya wasn’t purely about safari drives and relaxing, but also about adventure, family time, and producing content for Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages, the entire experience unfolded in a way that still felt slow, meaningful, and memorable.

What stays with me most about Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages is not one singular moment.

It’s the feeling of the place as a whole.

The quiet mornings with coffee on the veranda.

Wildlife wandering past the river deck.

The fires lit each evening.

The warmth of the cottages.

The stillness of the conservancy at night.

The feeling that every detail had already been thought about before we even realised we needed it.

Luxury travel can sometimes feel performative or overproduced.

This didn’t.

It felt personal.

Grounded.

Warm.

And long after leaving Kenya, Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages still feels like a memory of home.

We’re incredibly grateful to Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages for welcoming us into this project and allowing us to document the experience so honestly and personally.

If you’re a boutique accommodation, tourism operator, or hospitality brand looking for photography and videography content creation, you can learn more here.