​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 sanctuary on Solio Ranch (also Solio Game Reserve) on Laikipia Plateau was founded in 1970 as a breeding ground for white and black rhinos. This has been extremely successful, and many rhino have been translocated to other parks and reserves. The small park is literally full of rhino, and a variety of 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 breeding program
  • Excellent photo opportunities of black and white rhino
  • Stunning views of Mt Kenya
  • One of the most luxurious lodges in Kenya
  • Very small reserve with small game-drive circuit
  • Unnatural number of rhinos and interactions between black and white rhino

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.

Scenery

Solio Ranch is located in the valley between the dramatic, snowcapped peak of Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. Most of the terrain consists of grassy plains, and the acacia-lined Moyo River traverses the entire reserve.

Weather & Climate

Throughout the year, there’s little change in temperature because of Solio’s proximity to the equator. But it gets significantly cooler when the sun sets. It’s worth remembering this when you’re dressing for an early morning game drive. The Dry season (June to September) is generally sunny. The Wet season (October to May) starts with the short rains and ends with the long rains, with a drier period in between.

Best Time To Visit

Solio Ranch offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Dry season (June to September) is a lovely time to visit as your activities won’t ever be interrupted by rain. December, January and February are also quite dry. The reserve closes in November, the peak of the short rains. April, the peak of the long rains, is also best avoided.

Want To Visit Solio Ranch?

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