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Solio Game Reserve
Size
76 km² (29 mi²)
Founded
1970
Best time to visit
All year round
One of the best places for spotting rhinos in Kenya
Solio Game Reserve is an ideal stop on a northern safari. The main attraction is the chance to see both black and white rhinos, but this small private reserve is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, various antelopes, and a wide variety of birdlife. Additionally, visitors have the option to explore the reserve on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback.
Solio Game Reserve: The home of rhinos in Kenya
Solio Game Reserve is known for its large population of rhinos. What makes rhino sightings in Solio special:
You can see rhinos in big groups, not just one or two animals at a time. The reserve also supports community projects that improve the local people’s health, education, and livelihoods.
Located 175 km north of Nairobi, it is a perfect stop on a northern safari, allowing you to visit Aberdare National Park and Mount Kenya National Park before continuing to Samburu National Reserve and Meru National Park.
Moreover, if you hope to see rhinos and enjoy outdoor activities, Solio’s numerous rhinos and multiple outdoor activities will not disappoint.
This history of Solio Ranch
The ranch spans 45,000 acres and has a unique history.
Initially purchased in the 1960s for cattle farming, it became involved in conservation efforts. In the 1960s and ’70s, poaching decimated Kenya’s rhino populations. In 1970, the Kenya Wildlife Service asked the ranch to temporarily home five black rhinos.
The ranch excelled in protecting the black rhinos and continued this valuable work.
In the 1980s, 16 white rhinos from South Africa were brought to the ranch. Since then, the ranch has maintained a successful breeding and protection program.
Which animals can you see at Solio Game Reserve?
While rhinos are the star of the show, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
These predators hunt antelopes such as eland, oryx, impala, waterbuck, and Thompson’s gazelle, as well as other species like warthogs, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes.
Additionally, the reserve is a habitat for 300 bird species, with highlights including Long-crested Eagles, European Rollers, and Eagle Owls.
There is only one lodge inside the game reserve.
However, you can opt to overnight at an accommodation close by and enter Solio for morning and afternoon game drives together with your experienced guide.
Experience the beauty of Solio Game Reserve, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kenya.
Explore the reserve by participating in thrilling game drives, walking safaris, and horseback riding adventures.
Experience unique activities
Enjoy a walking, horseback riding, or mountain biking safari to create unforgettable memories.
Intimate safari experiences
Solio is a private game reserve that offers tranquil game drives due to its low visitor numbers.
Established in 1970
In 1970, Solio was tasked with protecting five black rhinos, and since then their rhino population has increased to hundreds.
Rhinos are undoubtedly the star of the show at Solio Game Reserve. Guests usually enjoy multiple sightings of single rhinos and large groups.
But there are other species too, including lions.
The game reserve is located in the Mt Kenya region and can be combined with other national parks in the area.
Solio is a scenic game reserve with yellow-fever acacias dotting the grasslands.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to go to Solio Game Reserve
Wildlife viewing at Solio Game Reserve is excellent year-round due to Kenya’s tropical climate.
The best times to visit are during the dry seasons, from June to October and from January to mid-March.
The main dry season, from June to October, offers the best wildlife viewing.
However, it is the high season, and the number of visitors in Kenya is higher than usual. Afternoon temperatures reach 25°C (77°F), while temperatures fall rapidly at dusk.
From January to mid-March, temperatures increase, making early morning drives more comfortable.
The short rains from November to December also offer good wildlife viewing with slightly lower prices.
The long rains, from mid-March to May, mark the low season when it can rain daily.
Dry Season
June to OctoberIdeal for wildlife viewing
Rainy Season
Mid-March to MayBest for landscape photography
Experience Solio Game Reserve
Small Group Lodge Safari
Kenya – Savannah and Sea
Places Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, ends in Diani Beach
8 Days
from 2,790 USD person sharing a double room
Private Lodge Safari
Northern Kenya – Experience Remoteness
Places Solio Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
5 Days
from 1,610 USD (based on 7 persons)
Why to go
See large numbers of rhinos while surrounded by beautiful scenery
Solio Game Reserve is an ideal stop on a northern safari, particularly when combined with Aberdare National Park and Mount Kenya National Park.
Why is Solio worth a visit? Because of the large herds – or crashes – of rhinos!
There are very few places in Africa where you can observe rhinos in larger groups rather than just one or two animals at a time. We have never had a guest who did not see multiple rhinos on their game drives in Solio.
You will spot numerous other animals that are part of the ecosystem, but rhinos are the main reason visitors go to Solio Game Reserve.
‘Solio Game Reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to see the rhinos, and the reserve is an ideal stop on a safari in northern Kenya.’Arno | Kenya Travel Expert
Walking safaris
Explore Solio on foot. Walking safaris and other activities are organised by Solio Lodge.
Mountain biking
They offer cycling tours around the ranch.
Bush lunch
Enjoy a bush lunch or bush breakfast in the wild under the open sky.
Horse riding
You can even discover the game reserve on horse rides.
Things to do
A secluded getaway with multiple activities to enjoy on a northern safari
As a private reserve with lower visitor numbers, you can expect an exclusive experience while enjoying classic game drives to see the wildlife, particularly the rhino.
However, there is so much more to do, including:
- Walking safaris
- Mountain biking safaris
- Horse riding safaris
- Enjoying a breakfast and lunch in the bush
Antelopes
There are numerous types of antelopes, including the beautiful waterbucks.
Rhinos
You can often see multiple rhinos at once in Solio.
Martial Eagle
You can spot birds of prey, including the Martial Eagle in the Acacia woodlands.
Lions
Seeing lions is not always easy, but together with your guide, your chances increase.
WILDLIFE IN SOLIO GAME RESERVE
A rhino sanctuary with stunning views of Mount Kenya
Solio Game Reserve in Kenya is renowned for its successful rhino breeding program, making it one of the best places to observe large numbers of Black and White rhinos grazing together.
Additionally, the fenced-off grasslands interspersed by Yellow-Fever acacia forests are home to 350 bird species and numerous other animals, including:
- Giraffes
- Warthogs
- Waterbucks, Eland, Impalas
- Zebras
- Lions, Leopards
- Buffalo
- Beisa Oryx
Where to stay in and near Solio Game Reserve
Location
Solio Game Reserve is located 175 kilometres north of Nairobi, between Aberdare National Park and Mount Kenya National Park.
It is a 4.5-hour drive from the capital or a 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport.
Solio Game Reserve is an ideal stop during a northern Kenya safari, providing a secluded experience.
- Solio Game Reserve
- Nairobi City 190 km | 4 to 5 hours by road
- Aberdare National Park 30 km | 30 minutes by road
- Mount Kenya National Park (Chogoria Gate) 180 km | 4 to 5 hours by road
- Lake Nakuru National Park 185 km | 4 to 5 hours by road
- Lake Naivasha 180 km | 4 to 5 hours by road
- Masai Mara Game Reserve 350 km | 7 to 8 hours by road
- Samburu National Reserve 175 km | 4 to 5 hours by road
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