Central Highlands Safari Lodges
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Central Highlands Safari Lodges

Central Highlands Safari Lodges

(Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Solio & the Aberdares)

Kenya’s Central Highlands form one of the country’s most varied safari regions, centred around the landscapes surrounding Mount Kenya. Here travellers encounter elegant highland lodges, important rhino conservation areas, and historic safari properties that have long been part of Kenya’s classic safari circuit.

Within a relatively compact area it is possible to explore the wildlife-rich plains of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the famous rhino sanctuary of Solio, the forested slopes of the Aberdare Mountains, and the remote wilderness landscapes of Meru National Park.

For many safaris, the Central Highlands also act as a natural gateway between Nairobi and the northern ecosystems of Laikipia and Samburu. As a result, the region often forms a relaxed first or final stop on a longer Kenyan safari journey.

Landscape & Setting

The landscapes of the Central Highlands are shaped by Mount Kenya, whose snow-capped peaks rise above rolling highland plains and fertile valleys.

North of the mountain lies Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most important wildlife conservation areas and home to a significant population of both black and white rhino. Nearby, Solio Game Reserve is internationally recognised for its pioneering rhino breeding programme and consistently offers some of the finest rhino sightings in Africa.

To the west, the Aberdare Mountains form a chain of forested peaks, waterfalls and bamboo forests. Meanwhile, further east, the remote landscapes of Meru National Park reveal a far wilder side of the region.

Together these areas create a safari destination that combines mountain scenery, historic safari heritage, and some of Kenya’s most significant wildlife conservation landscapes.

Accommodation

Accommodation across the Central Highlands ranges from elegant highland estates to intimate tented camps and historic safari lodges.

Recommended properties include:

Two historic lodges also remain part of Kenya’s traditional highlands safari route:

• Aberdare Country Club (Aberdare foothills)
• The Ark Lodge (Aberdare National Park)

Each property offers a slightly different perspective on the region, from classic safari estates to small conservation-focused camps.

Safari Experience / Activities

The Central Highlands offer a wide range of safari experiences that combine wildlife viewing with conservation and scenic exploration.

Activities may include:

• Game drives across Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Rhino tracking and conservation visits
• Wildlife viewing beneath the slopes of Mount Kenya
• Forest excursions within the Aberdare Mountains
• Exploring the remote landscapes of Meru National Park
• Visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Because several of these areas are conservancies, guests often enjoy a more varied safari programme than in traditional national parks.

Wildlife

Wildlife viewing in the Central Highlands is particularly strong within the rhino conservancies and protected areas surrounding Mount Kenya.

Encounters may include:

• Black rhinoceros
• White rhinoceros
• Elephant and buffalo
• Lion and leopard
• Grevy’s zebra
• Numerous antelope species

Ol Pejeta and Solio are globally important rhino conservation areas, and both locations provide excellent opportunities to observe these endangered animals in well-protected environments.

When to Visit

The Central Highlands can be visited throughout the year thanks to the region’s cooler highland climate.

June – October
The dry season brings excellent wildlife viewing and clear conditions.

December – March
Warm days and bright skies often offer impressive views of Mount Kenya.

April – May / November
Rainfall during these periods creates greener landscapes while visitor numbers are generally lower.

Overall, the climate remains comfortable compared with many lower-lying safari destinations.

Insider Tips

• Many travellers stay at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and then take a day safari to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which lies roughly 45 minutes away.
• Solio Lodge offers some of the finest rhino viewing anywhere in Africa in a very private conservancy setting.
• Meanwhile, the Aberdare lodges provide a historic safari experience quite different from the open plains of other Kenyan destinations.
• Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park is closely connected to the famous story of Elsa the Lioness from Born Free.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Spend a morning exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy and visit the northern white rhino sanctuary.

This remarkable conservation project protects the last surviving northern white rhinos and offers one of the most meaningful wildlife encounters in Kenya.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

For most travellers we recommend staying at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and combining the stay with a safari into Ol Pejeta Conservancy. However, Solio Lodge remains an excellent choice for those seeking a more private and rhino-focused safari experience within the Central Highlands.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.