Solio Lodge Review
Laikipia, Kenya

Quick Facts

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Highlights:

★★★★★

Laikipiai, Kenya

Domestic Flight + Car
50 min + 40 min

Very small

5

• Best for rhino sightings
• Small & intimate lodge

• No neighbouring lodges
• Exceptional sundowners

Reviewed by Florian

Introduction About Solio Lodge

Located in the heart of Laikipia, Kenya, Solio Lodge sits within the Solio Game Reserve, a private 45,000-acre conservancy renowned for being home to one of the largest populations of black and white rhinos in Africa, over 200 in total.

This boutique property, part of The Safari Collection portfolio (which also includes Giraffe Manor, Sasaab, and Sala’s Camp), offers an intimate and ultra-luxurious safari experience that perfectly combines exclusivity, comfort, and exceptional wildlife viewing.

With only five spacious suites, Solio Lodge is one of Kenya’s most private safari lodges, ideal for couples, families, or friends seeking a peaceful retreat with world-class rhino encounters and outstanding personalized service. You’ll see why we love it so much in our in-depth review of Solio Lodge.

How to Get There

Getting to Solio Lodge is smooth and effortless. After landing in Nairobi, we were greeted immediately upon arrival by a representative who took care of everything, from baggage to domestic flight check-in.

From Nairobi, it’s an easy 50-minute flight to the Solio airstrip, followed by a 40-minute drive through the game reserve to reach the lodge. Even during this transfer, we started spotting wildlife: zebras, gazelles, and of course, rhinos, the perfect introduction to what awaited us.

The journey was seamless, and we truly appreciated how well-organized the entire transfer process was, setting the tone for a flawless stay.

Our Accommodation: Suite N°3

Let’s continue our review of Solio Lodge with our accommodation.

Solio Lodge features only five expansive suites, including one two-bedroom family villa. We stayed in Suite N°3, and it was absolutely spectacular.

We’ve stayed in many lodges across Africa, but this was one of the largest and most comfortable rooms we’ve ever seen in the bush. The atmosphere was cozy yet elegant, with large bay windows overlooking the savanna where rhinos and zebras roamed freely.

The bathroom is huge, with a freestanding bathtub offering panoramic views. We literally watched rhinos while taking a bath.

Our friends stayed in Suites 1 and 2, which arguably have the best views in the lodge. Rhinos regularly walk just a few meters from the terraces, offering surreal moments right from your doorstep.

Each suite is designed for privacy and comfort, with fireplaces, large terraces, and inviting decor that perfectly blends modern luxury with African authenticity. As you can read in our review of The Safari Collection, all their lodges have excellent accommodations, all super unique and spacious.

The Property

The property itself is stunning and definitely something to point out in this review of Solio Lodge. Surrounded by open plains and a small waterhole that attracts constant wildlife, Solio Lodge offers a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle.

The main area is elegant yet unpretentious, with a cozy living room, bar, and dining space centered around a large fireplace, the perfect gathering spot after a day of game drives.

Evenings are magical: pre-dinner drinks by the fire, stargazing in the crisp highland air, and delicious dinners prepared with love. The lodge feels incredibly private and exclusive, making it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility away from the crowds.

The Game Drives at Solio Reserve

This is where Solio Lodge truly shines. The review of Solio Lodge wouldn’t be complete without saying it’s arguably the best place in the world to see rhinos.

We saw dozens of rhinos every single day, sometimes up to 15 or more at the same place. It’s truly breathtaking to see so many of these majestic animals together, an experience very few places on Earth can offer.

In addition to rhinos, we spotted lions (both males and females), giraffes, zebras, a leopard, and countless monkeys and antelopes. While we didn’t encounter elephants or cheetahs during our stay, we knew we’d see them later during our safari circuit through Samburu and the Masai Mara.

The game drives were exceptional. Vehicles are equipped for comfort and even have roof seats, allowing you to enjoy 360° panoramic views.

One of our highlights was the bush breakfast, enjoyed just 70 meters from grazing rhinos, a surreal and unforgettable moment. The sundowners were equally impressive, especially the barbecue sundowner on our final evening, where the team served some of the best grilled meat we’ve ever tasted.

Every outing felt personal, perfectly timed, and organized with passion.

The Food & Beverages

Like all properties in The Safari Collection, Solio Lodge operates on an all-inclusive basis, covering all meals and premium drinks.

The food was consistently excellent. Dishes were freshly prepared with local ingredients and served with elegance. From hearty breakfasts to three-course dinners, everything was flavorful and beautifully presented.

Premium alcoholic beverages are included, with top-shelf brands like Grey Goose vodka and Tanqueray gin available.

The bush breakfasts and sundowner barbecues were true highlights, freshly cooked eggs, grilled meats, and vegetables right in the middle of the bush. The experience is both authentic and luxurious, with the team cooking everything live on-site.

The Service

An other area to cover in our review of Solio Lodge is the service.

The service at Solio Lodge is impeccable. The staff are friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive. They anticipate your needs, remember your preferences, and create a relaxed, family-like atmosphere.

Every member of the team, from guides to chefs, genuinely cares about making your stay extraordinary. This level of personalized service is what elevates Solio Lodge from a great lodge to an unforgettable one.

The Spa & Gym

At the moment, Solio Lodge doesn’t have a dedicated spa or gym, but you can book in-room massages for an additional charge. We tried it and the massage itself was excellent. The therapist was skilled and professional. However, the portable massage table was very narrow, which might be uncomfortable for taller or larger guests.

There’s also a wood-heated outdoor sauna, which adds a charming touch to the property. We didn’t try it, but it’s a lovely option, especially in the cooler evenings of Laikipia.

A new wellness area with spa and gym facilities is reportedly planned, which will make the experience even more complete in the future.

The Rhino Orphanage

One of the most heartwarming experiences of our stay was visiting the Solio Rhino Orphanage. Located just 20 minutes from the lodge, it’s a must-visit.

We had the chance to feed baby rhinos, adorable, playful, and full of character. These young rhinos are orphans rescued from various situations and raised here until they are ready to return to the wild.

We also saw baby zebras, equally charming and curious. This visit added a deeply emotional dimension to our safari and gave us an even greater appreciation of Solio’s conservation work.

Value for Money: is the price of Solio Lodge too high?

Solio Lodge is undeniably luxurious and exclusive, and with that comes a high price tag. However, considering the exceptional wildlife experience, the comfort of the suites, and the quality of service, we feel the value is absolutely justified.

It’s not cheap, but it’s fairly priced for what you get and it offers an experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

As luxury travel agents for safaris in Kenya, we’ll be more than happy to assist you to prepare your itinerary and stay. When booking through The Resorts Collection, our clients benefit from up to 15% discounts compared to public rates. Feel free to contact us for a personalized quote, we’ll make sure you get the best possible deal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best place in the world to see rhinos

• Only 5 suites, ultra-private and exclusive

• Huge, beautifully designed rooms

• Exceptional food and drinks

• Unmatched personalized service

• Stunning bush breakfasts and sundowners

Cons

• No gym, pool or proper spa (yet)

• Slightly cooler climate than other safari areas (pack warm clothes)

• Not ideal if you’re looking for big herds of elephants

Conclusion: Solio Lodge is close to perfection

Our review of Solio Lodge can be summed up in one word: extraordinary. It’s the ultimate destination for rhino lovers and one of the most exclusive safari experiences in Africa.

From the unforgettable wildlife encounters to the warmth of the staff and the comfort of the suites, everything at Solio Lodge feels genuine, refined, and personal.

If you want to witness Kenya’s incredible rhino conservation success story while staying in luxury and privacy, Solio Lodge should be at the very top of your list.

Contact us for more information or to book with up to 15% discount.