​Overview – Solio Ranch

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

The well-run sanctuary at Solio Ranch (also called Solio Game Reserve) on the Laikipia Plateau was founded in 1970 as a breeding ground for white and black rhinos. It’s now known as an important refuge for both species. The program has been so successful that many rhinos have even been translocated from here to other parks and reserves. The small park is literally full of rhino, and other safari animals have been introduced as well.

Best Time To Go June to September (Dry season)
High Season July to October (High-season rates apply)
Size 77km² / 30mi²
Altitude 1,890-2,035m / 6,201-6,677ft

Pros & Cons

  • A chance to support a successful rhino conservation program
  • Excellent photo opportunities of white rhino (and possibly black rhino)
  • Stunning views of Mt Kenya
  • An excellent luxury lodge that’s rarely busy
  • Very small reserve with small game-drive circuit

Solio Ranch Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

Solio Ranch supports a big population of black rhino and white rhino. The reserve also protects zebra, buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species. All the usual predators including the big cats are present, although sightings are not common. Lion is most frequently seen, followed by cheetah. Leopard is very rarely seen.

Scenery

Solio Ranch occupies the valley between the dramatic, snowcapped peak of Mt Kenya and the Aberdare mountains, and you’ll enjoy fine views of both at many places across the ranch. Most of the terrain consists of grassy plains, and the acacia-lined Moyo River meanders through the entire reserve.

Activities

Guided game drives are the main activity on Solio Ranch, although self-guided game drives may also be possible. On these game drives, you’ll look for wildlife along the main circuit. Horseback riding is another popular activity here, although it’s available only to guests staying at the lodge. Nature walks are also possible, but only within the grounds of the lodge.

Weather & Climate

There’s little change in year-round temperatures because of Solio’s proximity to the equator. But it gets significantly cooler after dark. Remember this when dressing for early morning game drives. The Dry season (June to September) is generally sunny. The Wet season (October to May) starts with short rains (October and November) and ends with long rains (March to May), with a drier period (December to February) in between.

Best Time To Visit

Solio Ranch offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Dry season (June to September) is the best time to visit as your activities won’t ever be interrupted by rain. December to February is also quite dry and a good time to visit. Avoid the wettest months of November (the peak of the short rains) and April (the peak of the long rains). Birding is best from December to February.

Want To Visit Solio Ranch?

Solio Ranch Safaris

Solio Ranch Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Philip Briggs  –  
South Africa ZA

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

Rhino overload
3/5

This is the most southerly conservancy in Laikipia, easily accessed from the towns of Nyeri or Nanyuki, and one of the few that actively encourages private day visits (the first lodge opened on the property as recently as 2011). Since 1970...

Full Review

Latest User Review
Super disappointed customer  –  
Kenya KE
Reviewed: Dec 31, 2022
Terrible roads and service
2/5

While the ranch is supposed to have a good variety of wildlife including rhinos, we went on New Year’s Eve and we’re thoroughly disappointed. There were no guides as they were on vacation despite it being purportedly a high season. We...

Full Review