Solio Lodge

Solio Lodge is located within Solio Conservancy, a private wildlife sanctuary positioned between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya’s Central Highlands.

Internationally recognised for its pioneering rhino breeding programme, the conservancy has played a major role in restoring both black and white rhino populations across Kenya. Because of this long-standing conservation success, Solio is widely considered one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos in significant numbers.

Importantly, Solio Lodge is the only accommodation inside the conservancy, offering a remarkably private safari experience surrounded by open plains and dramatic mountain views.

Landscape & Setting

The landscape of Solio Conservancy is defined by wide grassland plains bordered by acacia woodland and forested highlands.

To the east, the peaks of Mount Kenya rise above the horizon, while the Aberdare Mountains form a dramatic western backdrop. Between these mountain ranges the conservancy’s open plains support large concentrations of wildlife, particularly rhinos.

Because the area is privately protected and carefully managed, wildlife sightings often take place with very few other vehicles nearby. As a result, the safari experience here feels calm and unhurried.

Accommodation

Solio Lodge consists of a small collection of spacious guest cottages positioned along the edge of the conservancy.

Each cottage features:

Large glass-fronted bedrooms overlooking the plains
Private terraces with wildlife views
Fireplaces for the cooler highland evenings
Spacious bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs

Thanks to the lodge’s elevated position, many rooms look directly across the conservancy where rhinos are frequently visible grazing in the distance.

Safari Experience / Activities

Safaris at Solio Lodge focus on exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the conservancy.

Activities include:

• Game drives within Solio Conservancy
• Rhino-focused wildlife safaris
• Guided nature walks around the lodge
• Scenic drives with views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares

Since the conservancy is private, safari vehicles are limited. Consequently, wildlife viewing tends to feel far more exclusive than in many national parks.

Wildlife

Solio Conservancy supports one of the highest densities of rhinos in Africa.

Wildlife sightings commonly include:

• Black rhinoceros
• White rhinoceros
• Buffalo
• Zebra
• Giraffe
• Lion and leopard

Rhinos are frequently seen grazing across the plains, sometimes in remarkable numbers. In addition, the conservancy also supports healthy populations of other plains wildlife.

When to Visit

Solio Lodge can be visited throughout the year thanks to the cooler highland climate.

June – October
During the dry season wildlife viewing is particularly strong as animals gather across the open plains.

December – March
Clear skies and warm days often provide excellent views toward Mount Kenya.

April – May / November
Although occasional rains occur during these months, the landscape becomes beautifully green and visitor numbers are lower.

Insider Tips

Morning game drives often provide the best rhino sightings as animals move across the plains in cooler temperatures.

In addition, the lodge’s position offers beautiful views of both Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, particularly in the early morning light.

Evenings beside the lodge fireplaces are especially pleasant during the cooler months of the year.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Take a morning rhino safari across the plains of Solio Conservancy, where both black and white rhinos are often seen grazing across the landscape.

Few places in Africa offer such consistent rhino sightings.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend a sunrise game drive through Solio Conservancy, when the soft morning light across the plains and the presence of numerous rhinos create one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Kenya’s 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.