Overview
Where rhinos roam
Solio Lodge can be found in the middle of a private 7,700 hectare wildlife sanctuary surrounded by a further 18,000 hectares of rolling Laikipia ranchland.
The only property in the wildlife sanctuary, its five contemporary thatch and glass cottages enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kenya and green Aberdare Mountains from their sundecks, fire-warmed lounge and private dining spaces. One of five can be turned into an interconnected family unit with two en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to five guests.
The Solio Reserve is internationally recognized as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya with sightings of dozens of rhinoceros at a time a highlight of any stay here.
Facts
At a glance
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Five cottages
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Lounge and bar
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Private or communal dining
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In-room spa treatments
Experiences
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Game drives
Wildlife is abundant and easy to spot on Solio Conservancy, making for fabulous game drives. You will find four of the ‘big five’ (there are no elephants as they have been purposely fenced out to preserve vegetation for the endangered black rhino), as well as lion, giraffe, waterbuck, oryx, leopard and much more.
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Cycling
Mountain bikes are a great way to get some exercise whilst also appreciating the beautiful scenery of Solio Ranch.
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Helicopter flights
To gain a real appreciation of Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscape, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight. A Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter is based at either Solio or sister Sasaab and is on standby to whizz guests off on a variety of excursions to the most remote destinations in northern Kenya.
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Abedare National Park day trip
The Aberdares is a beautiful volcanic mountain range thirty minutes’ drive away from Solio. With its highest peaks rising 4,300m above sea level, it has several distinct vegetation zones and a great diversity of plant and tree species. There is also abundant wildlife to be spotted. For keen anglers, the Aberdares has several trout-filled mountain rivers and streams, so fly fishing can be enjoyed here.
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Horse riding
Solio's lovely stables are home to six horses. Riders of all abilities can enjoy Solio Ranch on horseback. More experienced riders can canter across some beautiful open plains.
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Nature walks
Stretch your legs and take the time to appreciate the flora, fauna and birdlife within Solio Ranch. Although outside the fenced-off wildlife conservancy, you might come across zebra, impala, gazelle, warthogs and dik-dik, as well as abundant birdlife.
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School visit
Visit one of the local community schools supported by The Safari Collection to meet the children and teachers.
Community & Culture
The Safari Collection’s project TEAMTalk focuses on health, female empowerment, FGM reduction and HIV awareness in the communities near their properties. Run in local schools, the project uses sports to help raise awareness of these issues.
The Safari Collection also runs yearly week-long clinics across the country, as well as free dental and eye clinics for local communities and Solio Lodge, and is heavily involved in the funding and improvements of this local orphanage which is home to 32 students from around the local area.
Conservation
There are over 250 rhinos on Solio Game Conservancy, and it is internationally recognized as the most successful private rhinoceros breeding conservancy in Kenya. It is responsible for having trans-located over 100 black and 60 white rhinoceros to other parts of Kenya over the years, including 6 to Uganda. Each guest who stays at the lodge directly contributes to rhino conservation through a conservation fee and it possible to meet the conservationists if they are available.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.