SOLIO LODGE – SOLIO GAME RESERVE – LAIKIPIA

Solio Lodge is located on a private wildlife sanctuary tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains directly north of Nairobi.  With just six rooms including one family unit it is small and imtimate with fabulous wildlife viewing.

Solio Reserve is part of a private ranch and is home to a diverse population of wildlife including both black and white rhino. The Reserve is internationally recognised as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya and the reserve is now home to both black and white rhino, as well as numerous other species including buffalo, zebra, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah and plains game such as eland, oryx, impala, waterbuck, Thompson’s gazelle and warthog.

A good selection of activities are available and cater to all energy levels – from soaking in the magnificent beauty of Mount Kenya to walking, mountain biking, trout fishing, horse riding and a 4×4 safari in the rhino sanctuary.

LOCATION

Solio Lodge is located inbetween Mount Kenya and the Aberdates on a private wildlife sanctuary in Laikipia in northern Kenya.

LODGE

The lodge has just five cosy and luxurious rooms, each ensuite with large glass pane windows to take in the panoramic view of the landscape which is framed by Mount Kenya. Meals are freshly preparedby the chef from the lodge’s own kitchen gardens and the wonderful cuisine can be enjoyed in the bush, on the deck overlooking a watering hole, in the main dining room, or privately in the comfort of your cottage.

Luxury Cottages 1 – 4 have a private decks with panoramic views of the nearby hills and Mount Kenya in the distance. The cottages have private lounge areas with open fires for cooler evenings, as well as a large ensuite bathrooms with a double sink, bath and shower. Large windows allow for outstanding views of Mount Kenya and offer you the opportunity to spot a rhino from their bed.

Solio’s fifth cottage is a family unit encompassing one twin cottage and one double cottage with a shared living area. The room has a private lounge area warmed by a corner fire, as well as large bathrooms with a double sink, bath and shower.

ACTIVITIES

Solio Lodge offers a wide range of activities including game drives, horse riding, a visit to a Kenya coffee plantation and birdwatching. You can also take a helicopter to nearby Mount Kenya and for a hilltop picnic breakfast or go trout fishing in the Aberdare National Park. Back at the Lodge you can relax with the help from our massage therapists who are available for in-room treatments.

Visitors will find that sightings of up to 40 rhinoceros at a time are not uncommon – the wildlife experience here is intense and exclusive with 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch – and just one lodge, Solio Lodge, in the middle of it.

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. Solio’s safari vehicles have been specially modified to have unique roof top benches which offer the ultimate game viewing experience. Kitted out with ponchos to keep you warm, suncream, fridges filled with cold drinks, hot drinks, books and sweets the vehicles have everything to keep you happy during a game drive.

Bike Riding – mountain bikes are available for adults and children to use at any time. It’s a great way to get some exercise whilst also appreciating the beautiful scenery of Solio Ranch.

Helicopter excursions and transfers – to gain a real appreciation of Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscape take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight. The Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter is based at either Sasaab or Solio and is on standby to whizz you off on a variety of excursions to the most remote destinations in Kenya. With five passenger seats, sliding doors and proven superior performance in extreme conditions the AS 350 is perfect for low level cruising with optimum viewing (Extra charge).

Excursions to the Aberdare National Park – the Aberdares is a beautiful volcanic mountain range thirty minutes’ drive away from Solio. With its highest peaks rising 14,100 feet 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. Park entry is not included.

Horse Riding – the 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.

Nature and Bird 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.

In room Massages and Beauty Treatments – Indulge in a massage or beauty treatment from the lodge’s trained therapist. Solio cottages are huge with plenty of space for a massage bed by the fire or in front of the floor to ceiling glass front looking out into the bush and Mount Kenya beyond.

Local School Visit – Visit one of the local community schools supported by The Safari Collection to meet the children and teachers. Not available at weekends or during school holidays.

SOLIO LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES