The world’s first private rhino sanctuary, Solio Game Reserve was started in 1970 when Courtland Parfet, the owner of Solio cattle ranch, fenced off a large section of land and dedicated it to conservation; since then, breeding has been so successful that rhino from Solio has stocked game reserves all over Africa. Between 1970 and 1980 the numbers of black rhinos in Kenya crashed by over 90%, from 20,000 to 1,500, and continued to do so until 1990 when only 400 were left, just 2% of the 1970 population. For the most part, these deaths were at the hands of poachers seeking a lucrative income from the sale of the horns. While the largest market for rhino horn was, and is, as an ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicines, Kenyan horn was mostly smuggled through to North Yemen where the horns were fashioned into handles for their ‘Djambia’ daggers. While the black rhino lives mostly on browsing bushes and trees, there was abundant grassland in the reserve which is the food source of the other species of African rhino, the white. In 1980, Solio decided to introduce a founder herd of 16 individuals imported from South Africa with excellent habitat and securely hidden from view, this new group of rhinos bred and prospered such that the reserve had to be extended to 68 sq km in 1991. In the meantime, other areas in Kenya in both National Parks and private ranches were made sufficiently secure to house rhinos and Solio became the prime source of many founder populations. Some 30 individuals were moved out of Solio to help form nucleus populations in other new reserves including Nakuru National Park, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Lewa Downs Conservancy, and Ol Jogi By 1992 there were 66 black and 55 white rhinos in the reserve. The rhinos continued to thrive and so did translocations to other areas.

Things to do in Solio Reserve Kenya

During your stay at Solio, you can enjoy a wide range of activities such

Game drives on the private reserve

Enjoy guided game drives within the dedicated rhino sanctuary home to black and white rhino, and have the chance to enjoy sightings of buffalo, lion, zebra, cheetah, giraffe, leopard, and plenty of plains game that all roam free.

Guided walks

Guided nature walks are extremely fruitful in Solio reserve, the well-trained guided will take you on a journey of a lifetime on foot as a lookout for wildlife birds and small rodents in the reserve.

Stretch your legs and take the time to appreciate the flora, fauna, and birdlife within Solio Ranch. Although outside the fenced-off wildlife conservancy, you might come across zebra, impala, gazelle, warthogs, and dik-dik, as well as abundant birdlife.

Horse riding

Our lovely stables are home to six horses. Riders of all abilities can enjoy Solio Ranch on horseback. More experienced riders can canter across some beautiful open plains.

Mountain biking

Fishing in the Aberdare National park

The Aberdares is a beautiful volcanic mountain range thirty minutes’ drive away from Solio. With its highest peaks rising 14,100 feet above sea level, it has several distinct vegetation zones and a great diversity of plant and tree species. There is also abundant wildlife to be spotted. For keen anglers, the Aberdares has several trout-filled mountain rivers and streams, so fly fishing can be enjoyed.

Enjoy a helicopter flight over Mount Kenya.

To gain a real appreciation of Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscape, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight on Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter based at either Sasaab or Solio and is on standby to whizz guests off on a variety of excursions to the most remote destinations in Kenya. With five passenger seats, sliding doors, and proven superior performance in extreme conditions, the AS 350 is perfect for low-level cruising with optimum viewing.

Local school visit

Visit one of the local community schools supported by The Safari Collection to meet the children and teachers. Not available at weekends or during school holidays.

Best time to visit Rhinos at Solio Reserve Kenya

Wildlife viewing at Solio Ranch is good any time of the year, but heavy rains can disrupt safari plans. The reserve closes in November meaning your best takes will be from June to September and from December to February when weather conditions are dry and wildlife viewing is spectacular.

How to get to Solio Reserve Kenya

Solio reserve and conservancy is located about 200 km from the main capital Nairobi and using a 4×4 safari vehicle or a flight to the nearby airstrip is the easiest way of getting to the conservancy.

Where to stay while visiting Rhinos at Solio Reserve Kenya

Solio Lodge

Solio Lodge is located between Mt Kenya and the Aberdares Mountains. This new exclusive lodge offers the exclusivity of a private ranch and an unrivaled wildlife experience. The lodge is on the Solio Game Reserve, home to the endangered Black and White Rhino who live in harmony alongside other wildlife such as leopard, lion, and a wide variety of birds. Solio Lodge’s close proximity to Nairobi makes it the perfect en-route destination.