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At a glance

  • The only accommodation in the incredible 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve
  • One of the best places in the world to see black and white rhino
  • Just five contemporary glass-fronted cottages with private decks and open fireplaces
  • Delicious farm-to-fork cuisine
  • Take a helicopter to nearby Mount Kenya for a hilltop picnic breakfast

Overview

Solio is famed for its mind-blowing rhino encounters. With over 200 black and white rhinos living on Solio Conservancy, it's not uncommon for guests to see up to 40 rhinos at any one time. Flanked by the dramatic slopes of Mount Kenya and the verdant peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, the lodge forsakes the classic look of so much safari accommodation and opts instead for something much more contemporary, with slick curves, whitewashed walls, floor-to-ceiling glass and colourful, funky prints.

When to visit

  • January
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    55mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the height of the summer season and falls into the 'short dry season'. It's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that watch them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, though January is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
  • February
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    42mm
    Average Rainfall
    February falls well into the short dry season with hot, dry and clear days with just the odd shower. It's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that watch them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, however February is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
  • March
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    95mm
    Average Rainfall
    For most of March, days are warm and dry, however Kenya is approaching the 'long rains' so more rainfall is to be expected. Overall it's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing and good opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that stalk them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, however March is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    123mm
    Average Rainfall
    April heralds the start of the green season and the beginning of the 'long rains', which bring an explosion of greenery and a drop in temperatures, especially in the evenings. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photographers to visit, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
  • May
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    120mm
    Average Rainfall
    May is characterised by the long rains. Vegetation is thick and tracks and dirt roads in the conservancies can become quite muddy. Days are warm and wet with cool evenings, when layers are recommended. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photographers to visit, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
  • June
    20ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    26ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    Dry weather for the most part returns to Kenya in June, though there may still be some light showers. Days are clear and sunny with low humidity and evenings can be cool, so layers are recommended. The grasses and vegetation are still verdant after the rains making some wildlife viewing a bit more difficult. However, as water sources start to dissipate animals begin to congregate around rivers and water holes, making them easier to spot.
  • July
    26ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    20mm
    Average Rainfall
    Winter continues through July with warm dry days and very little rain, though nights and early mornings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier. July is also a good time to climb Mount Kenya.
  • August
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    25mm
    Average Rainfall
    August is the last month of winter in Kenya. Days are pleasantly warm with very little rain while nights and early mornings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier. August is also a good time to climb Mount Kenya.
  • September
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    30mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to increase as Kenya moves out of its winter. Days are warm and clear with little chance of rain, though early mornings and evenings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing. September is also a good month to climb Mount Kenya.
  • October
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    35mm
    Average Rainfall
    October is the last month of the dry season before the short rains start in November. Temperatures are on the rise and days are warm and clear with little chance of rain, though early mornings and evenings can still be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing and fewer visitors ensure a more private safari experience. Many migrant bird species start to arrive from Europe.
  • November
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    105mm
    Average Rainfall
    November sees the start of the short rains, bringing with it a return to green and lush landscapes. Wildlife viewing becomes a bit more challenging with the thickening of vegetation and more surface water, and there are lots of newborn animals around. Days are hot with cooler evenings and mornings. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.
  • December
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    80mm
    Average Rainfall
    By mid December the short rains have ended for the most part and the country tends to be sunny and dry, with lush landscapes following the short rains in November. Days are hot and humid, with early mornings and evenings slightly cooler. Wildlife viewing is a bit challenging due to the thicker vegetation. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.

Location

Solio Lodge sits between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains on its own 45,000-acre private reserve. Access is via daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki Airstrip, followed by a 90-minute transfer to Solio Lodge (one hour of which is a game drive through the sanctuary). Guests can also arrive by private charter to Solio’s airstrip, just a 10-minute drive from the lodge. The lodge can also be accessed by road from Nairobi, which takes about three hours.