ABOUT SOLIO LODGE

Located in Laikipia Kenya on a private conservancy, Solio Lodge first opened its doors in 2010, although the story of Solio goes back much further. The history of this pioneering rhino breeding sanctuary began when it was purchased back in 1966 as a cattle ranch. The new owners were passionate about conservation and soon fenced off a large area within the ranch to protect the indigenous wildlife they enjoyed seeing, including leopard, numerous antelope species, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. This area of Laikipia Kenya thus became home to an exclusive new wildlife sanctuary.

In 1970, the Kenya Wildlife Service requested help from Solio, now a Laikipia conservancy, to temporarily house five black rhinos which had been left isolated due to prolific poaching. Black rhino populations in Kenya were suffering a horrific decline, plummeting from around 200,00 individuals in the 1960s to less than 300 two decades later. Happily by 1973, Solio’s core fenced area was an established wildlife sanctuary and by 1980 had become home to 27 black rhinos from nine different areas of the country, as well as a founder herd of 16 white rhino re-located from South Africa. Solio’s rhino population swiftly prospered and as other private game reserves and National Parks grew more secure, Solio became the source for moving nucleus populations of rhino all over Kenya and even to Uganda and Malawi.

Centrally involved in the translocation of the original rhinos into Solio was the family of one of our directors, Mikey Carr-Hartley. Having known and loved the ranch from a young age, when Mikey grew up and began to guide mobile safaris around Kenya, he enjoyed taking his guests to encounter the wildlife at Solio. With such an abundance of animals living in the sanctuary and so many majestic rhinos to encounter, photographic opportunities never disappointed. When, in 2010, an opportunity arose to create an exclusive lodge within this private Laikipia conservancy, the decision was easy. Thus, Solio’s unique and historical destination became the fourth property to be added to The Safari Collection’s portfolio. Today, Solio remains the only visitor accommodation on the conservancy, giving guests an exclusive experience. Although other visitors do have access to the sanctuary for game viewing, only Solio Lodge guests are able to spend the night and enjoy the unforgettable and unique experiences offered by the lodge. Picture sunset cocktails against an iridescent African sky with a crash of rhinos just a few metres away. It really is one of the best places in the world to encounter wild rhinos

Solio Conservancy is home to over 200 black and white rhinos which live within a core 19,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. They are looked after by a team of dedicated rangers who protect them from poachers 24 hours a day. The core rhino sanctuary is surrounded by a 45,000 acre private ranch, making for an exclusive Laikipia Kenya game viewing experience.

Say hello to a few members of Solio’s fabulous team who will be welcoming you to this area of Laikipia Kenya. Our team are passionate about sharing their insights and knowledge of the local landscape and wildlife and dedicated to making your time with us as special as possible.

Due to being located on a private Laikipia conservancy, Solio Lodge guests benefit from being able to explore the wilderness and wildlife on foot, horse-back and mountain bike, as well as on epic game drives. Wander across Solio Ranch on a guided nature walk, enabling you to get closer to some of the smaller creatures. Spot a myriad of bird life on a cycle ride or enjoy getting a little closer to some of our animals from horse-back. These activities take place just outside of the core rhino sanctuary area, but still within Solio Ranch where a diversity of wildlife can be encountered.