Luxury Safaris in Solio Private Reserve made for you
Kenya
Rhinos galore in the foothills of the Aberdares
Nestled in a valley between the dramatic slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling peaks of the Aberdare Mountains is Solio Private Reserve. Within the 45,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, 19,000 acres have been set aside as a conservancy geared towards conservation. Solio is Kenya‘s leading rhino breeding sanctuary and it has been so successful, rhinos have been transferred from here to other reserves across the country.
Naturally, your private guide will endeavour to help you spot one of these majestic rhinos on a game drive, but you can also spot many other species during a luxury Solio Private Reserve safari. The area was originally a ranch and used for beef cattle, but it was home to a range of animals including buffalos, zebras, gazelles and leopards. Its original owner, Courtland Parfet, had already fenced a section of the ranch to protect the wildlife and in 1970, Kenya‘s Wildlife and Conservation and Management Department approached Parfet to see if he would look after a handful of black rhinos threatened by poaching and trophy hunting. The first five rhinos were brought over from Kiboko in the south, marking the beginning of Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary.
As well as being a haven for both black and white rhinos, Solio is home to giraffes, impala, buffalos and zebras as well as leopards, lions and cheetahs. There is also a fantastic array of birdlife. The acacia forest in the middle, crossed by a river, provides the perfect sanctuary for around 300 feathered species.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Solio specialists
Stay at Solio Lodge
Stay at the luxurious Solio Lodge – the only accommodation within the 45,000 acre reserve.
Spot black and white rhinos on a game drive
Spot some of the reserve’s 200 strong population of both black and white rhinos on a game drive
Track lions, leopards and giraffes
Your experienced private guide will track a range of animals, including lions, leopards and giraffes, to help give you the best chance of game sightings
Observe over 300 bird species
Go birdwatching, keeping an eye out for the over 300 species you can find among the sanctuary’s forests
Ride or bike through varied terrain
Explore the terrain by mountain bike or on horseback for a fresh perspective on safari
Luxury accommodation in Kenya
There are many incredible places to stay in Kenya. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
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Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
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Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip Inspiration
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Angela Thomas
Client Experience Manager for Africa
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Charlie Cottar
Travel Designer
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Chloe Ainscow
Travel designer
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David Drayton
Travel Designer
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Ellie Smith
Travel Designer
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Emily Wallington
Senior Travel Designer
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Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
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Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
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Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
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Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
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Kamogelo Dolo
Africa concierge
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Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
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Robynne Trueman
Africa Concierge
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Sara Bellemore
Travel Designer
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Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
When to visit Solio Private Reserve
For game viewing and wildlife, including rhinos, the best time to visit Solio Private Reserve is during one of Kenya’s two dry seasons. Visit during the long dry season, which runs from June to October, or the short dry season from January to February. During this time, the vegetation thins out, allowing for better visibility of the animals as they congregate around the remaining water sources. For birdwatching, you should consider going in the rainy season, when the scenery is lush and vibrant, and a greater range of bird species can be spotted.
Dry season
June–October, January–February
Wet season
November–December, March–May
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?
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