Solio Lodge, Laikipia

Who wouldn’t love the sound of sundowners in the African bush with a herd of white rhinos in the distance? Tucked away on Solio Game Reserve, the most successful rhino breeding reserve in Kenya, that’s exactly what you can expect at Solio Lodge. With five luxurious and contemporary cottages to choose from, each boasting stunning panoramic views over Mount Kenya, and with dinner served outside and within sight of waterbucks, zebras and impalas, Solio is a must for all you safari seekers out there.

Location

Solio is directly north of Nairobi, about a four-hour car journey or a short 40-minute flight. It is picturesquely hidden in a valley of Solio Game Reserve, with Mount Kenya on one side and the Aberdare Mountains on the other. Being on a private wildlife sanctuary means you have direct and uninterrupted access to the area’s plentiful game, such as tree-climbing lions, leopards and cheetahs – and it is not uncommon to see herds of up to 40 rhinos trot past your bedroom window as you’re sipping your morning cup of tea.

Your room

There are five luxury cottages at Solio, all of which are indulgently spacious with a comfortable private lounge, an open fireplace and an en suite bathroom with stand-alone tub. Floor to ceiling sliding doors and a private terrace help you in your rhino spotting, which will no doubt be the most pressing thing on your mind during a stay here. As an extra special touch, the staff will light candles and the fire in your room and warm up a hot water bottle, ready for your return from dinner on a chilly evening.

Why we like it

The wildlife surrounding Solio is really remarkable and it is a truly breathtaking and rare spectacle to see so many rhinos at once. Beyond rhinos, go in search of the elusive Bongo antelope with Solio’s knowledgeable guides on a game walk or drive and keep your eyes peeled for lions snoozing up in trees. After all that safari, head back to the Lodge for a relaxing in-room spa treatment before a bushfare dinner beneath the stars.