Solio Game Reserve

Solio Game Reserve is a privately-owned, enclosed sanctuary comprising 19,000 acres of dedicated conservancy, surrounded by a 45,000-acre ranch with just one luxury lodge. This pristine haven is home to four of Africa’s Big Five (excluding elephants) which have been purposefully kept out to protect the delicate ecosystem, and boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife.

Among its most notable residents are over 200 black and white rhinos, with sightings of up to 40 at once not uncommon. Visitors may also encounter Thompson’s gazelles, buffalo, reticulated giraffes, zebras, oryx, impalas, eland, waterbuck, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and warthogs. The sheer abundance of wildlife, especially the rhinos, offers a safari experience that is truly unmatched anywhere else in the world.

How do I get to the Solio Game Reserve?

By Road: It takes approximately three hours to get to the Solio Game Reserve, which is located 111 miles (180 km) north of Nairobi.

By Air: Or you can take a domestic flight from Nairobi to the Nanyuki airstrip, followed by a 30-minute transfer to Solio Lodge. The nearest town is Nyeri, 24 miles away

What is the best time to visit the Solio Game Reserve?

January to March is the best time to visit the Solio Game Reserve and July to October is the peak season, which means a lot of tourists visit Kenya. Just after December is the best time to plan your visit as the short rains allow the flora to flourish and attract a lot of wildlife.

You can visit Solio Ranch at any time or season of the year. The roads are well-graded, access is well-planned, and game drives are easy. The average temperature at Solio is between lows of 15 Degrees and highs of 25 Degrees.

Kenya has a cold season from June to November with average temperatures of 20°C during the day. Nights can get cold during this season, so it’s best to take a sweater. Mid-October to November is the short rainy season, after which temperatures rise up to 30°C during the day from December to April.

April and May come with showers again as this is the long rainy season. It normally doesn’t rain throughout the day as one sees sunny mornings with rain clouds building up towards the afternoons and evenings.

What kind of activities can be done in Solio Game Reserve?

Game Viewing: Game drives through Solio Conservancy offer an exceptional chance to witness a wide range of African wildlife in a serene, uncrowded setting. While elephants are absent to protect the black rhino’s habitat, the reserve is home to four of the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos.

Reticulated giraffes, eland, waterbuck, zebras, and gazelles also roam the landscape. With plentiful wildlife and peaceful surroundings, Solio allows for unhurried sightings and close encounters, making each drive a memorable safari experience.

Rhino Tracking: Guided by expert rangers, rhino tracking at Solio offers a chance to observe these endangered animals up close while learning about the conservation efforts that have made the reserve a leader in rhino protection.

Horse Riding: Solio’s stables host six horses—five for guests and one for the guide—welcoming riders of all experience levels. The surrounding open plains are perfect for relaxed rides or adventurous canters. Though the rides take place outside the rhino conservancy, wildlife such as zebras, impalas, warthogs, and giraffes are commonly seen, often at closer range than on foot. Helmets are provided and required.

Bush Dinners and Sundowners: Sundowners are a beloved part of the safari tradition at Solio. Set in a scenic acacia grove, the experience features our upcycled mobile bar, Jolene, fully stocked for evening drinks and canapés. As the sun sets and the sky turns pink and orange, you may be joined by rhinos and giraffes moving silently through the dusk—an unforgettable and magical moment in the wild.

Click on the links below to view our Solio Game Reserve tours:

Solio Game Reserve Day Trip | Click Here
Solio Game Reserve 2 Days 1 Night Safari | Click Here
Solio Game Reserve 3 Days 2 Nights Safari | Click Here
Solio Game Reserve 2 Days 1 Night Fly-in Safari | Click Here
Solio Game Reserve 3 Days 2 Nights Fly-in Safari | Click Here

Is there accommodation in Solio Game Reserve?

Solio Game Reserve Entrance Fee (1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025)

Notes;

* Night Game Drives (8:00pm till 11:00pm) – 15 US Dollars
* Walking, Bicycle riding activities in Ranch Area – 10 US Dollars
* Horse riding in Ranch (Maximum 2 hours ride) – 58 US Dollars

Game Viewing

Game drives at Solio take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening, offering relaxed and intimate wildlife experiences in one of Kenya’s quietest private reserves. With abundant wildlife and open terrain, sightings are frequent and rewarding.

Solio is home to four of the Big Five—excluding elephants—and features black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, eland, waterbuck, and more. You can enjoy unhurried drives with frequent close-up views of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Bird Watching in Solio Game Reserve

Solio is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 recorded bird species. The central wattle forest, cut through by a seasonal river that sometimes forms marshy areas during the dry season, provides an ideal habitat.

Visitors may spot Montagu’s harriers, buzzards, European rollers, long-crested eagles, flycatchers, and eagle owls. On lucky days, sightings may include European storks and majestic crowned cranes, making bird watching at Solio a serene and rewarding experience.

Rhino Tracking

Solio is world-renowned for its rhino conservation efforts, making it an ideal location to observe these endangered giants. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, guests can track both black and white rhinos while learning about the threats they face and the vital work being done to protect them. It’s an educational and moving experience, offering rare insights into rhino behavior and conservation.

Horse Riding

Solio’s stables house six well-trained horses, five for guests and one for the accompanying guide. Riders of all skill levels can explore the ranch on horseback, with open plains ideal for both gentle rides and faster canters.

Although horse riding takes place outside the rhino conservancy, there is still plenty of wildlife to see—zebra, impala, warthog, and giraffe often appear nearby. Horseback safaris offer a unique and often closer encounter with wildlife compared to walking.

Guided Walks

Walking safaris on Solio Ranch, just outside the core rhino conservancy, offer a deeper connection with the landscape. Led by experienced guides, these walks allow you to stroll among zebra, waterbuck, impala, and warthogs while learning to recognize animal behavior and interpret signs of wildlife—like paw prints, dung middens, and scent markings. Along the way, guides also introduce you to the traditional medicinal uses of local plants, blending storytelling with hands-on exploration.

Cycling

Mountain bikes are available for both adults and children, offering a fun and active way to discover Solio Ranch’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer a short ride or a longer loop, the cycling routes—located outside the rhino sanctuary—pass through areas teeming with wildlife.

Ride alongside zebra, giraffe, and antelope as you explore the terrain with a guide who shares insights into the local flora and fauna. It’s an invigorating way to experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the African wilderness.

Bush Dinners and Sundowners

Sundowners at Solio are a signature experience, blending nature, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. Guests can step out into the bush to enjoy drinks and canapés served from “Jolene,” a charming mobile bar fashioned from a vintage horsebox.

Set in a scenic acacia grove, the setting provides a perfect view of the sunset’s warm hues while rhinos and giraffes may quietly pass by, adding a magical touch to the evening.

Solio Game Reserve only has two luxury lodges within its 45,000-acre expanse: JW Marriott Mount Kenya Safari Camp and Solio Lodge. Set between the rolling Aberdare Mountains and the majestic slopes of Mount Kenya, both properties provide unrivaled access to this pristine wilderness and the extraordinary opportunity to witness large gatherings of white and endangered black rhinos.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Safari Camp

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Safari Camp is a refined luxury camp featuring 20 elegantly appointed tented suites, including two-bedroom units with private plunge pools. The camp combines comfort with immersive nature experiences and includes tranquil wellness spaces such as the brand’s signature Spa by JW, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a conservation house. Culinary experiences are offered across four distinct dining venues, including a sky deck with panoramic views.

Guests can enjoy a variety of curated activities, including guided horse-riding safaris, nature walks, quad biking, night game drives, and visits to a private rhino orphanage, all while surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Solio plains.

Solio Lodge

Solio Lodge offers a more intimate stay, with only 5 spacious cottages, one of which is designed as a family unit accommodating up to five guests. Each cottage features a private lounge with an open fire, expansive windows framing the nearby hills, and private decks offering unobstructed views of Mount Kenya.

The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with both a bath and shower, providing a blend of luxury and functionality. Meals at the lodge are thoughtfully prepared using fresh ingredients from the property’s own organic garden and are served in the dining room or outdoors under the stars.

Evenings at Solio Lodge are a relaxed affair, with bonfires and candlelit tables setting the ambiance for storytelling and quiet reflection. Guests may also enjoy in-room spa treatments, including massages and beauty therapies, ensuring a well-rounded and restorative stay.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com