Solio Lodge | Solio Game Reserve
Nestled in the valley between the dramatic slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, almost on the equator, Solio Lodge is located in a private reserve well known for its rhino conservation efforts. Exclusivity, privacy, exceptional game viewing and luxurious accommodation are the hallmarks of a stay at Solio Lodge. Solio’s geographical position makes it the perfect destination enroute to Kenya's Northern circuit.
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Solio Lodge
Solio's cottages provide sumptuous sleeping and relaxation spaces. Each cottage faces east towards Mount Kenya, the craggy peaks of which can often be glimpsed in the mornings. Private decks look out onto nature, enabling guests to fully unwind in total seclusion.
High thatched roofs and floor-to-ceiling glass windows create a lovely feeling of space and bring the outdoors in, with pot plants to compliment the natural outlook. Whilst the bedrooms and bathrooms are expansive, open fireplaces in both rooms create a cosy atmosphere. Double-ended freestanding bathtubs and huge rain showers come as standard, along with double sinks, ample wardrobe space and comfortable seating areas. All the cottages are spacious enough to accommodate a baby cot or an additional third bed for a child if required, although this must be prearranged when booking.
For guests with less mobility, Cottage 3 is recommended as this is near to the central dining area. This is also the best suited cottage for accommodating wheelchair users. Cottage 1 is furthest away from the main mess area down a gravel pathway. All cottages share the same outlook and amenities. Cottages 2, 3 and 4 are able to be configured as twin beds as well as double beds, whilst Cottage 1 is a double only.
Solio's family suite is comprised of Cottages 5 and 6 which are interconnected by a shared lounge. The accommodation is more than spacious, with a large double en-suite and a large twin en-suite room joined in the middle by a comfortable seating area. Each bedroom enjoys beautiful views out onto the game sanctuary through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which open onto a sundeck and garden area, perfect for a spot of yoga or meditation. Enjoy a morning tea or coffee with a homemade cookie in bed whilst gazing out onto nature and listening to birdsong. Both bathrooms have freestanding tubs and large walk-in showers, whilst both bedrooms have their own fireplaces and separate access from the outside if required.
If the family cottage is not available on requested dates, the double cottages are more than spacious enough to accommodate extra beds for children by prior arrangement when booking.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Private Vehicle (Available)
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Horse Riding, Massages, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Fly Fishing
Wildlife is abundant and easy to spot on Solio Conservancy, making for fabulous game drives. You will find four of the ‘big five’ (there are no elephants as they have been purposely fenced out to preserve vegetation for the endangered black rhino), as well as lion, giraffe, waterbuck, oryx, leopard and much more. Solio’s safari vehicles have been specially modified to have unique roof top benches which offer the ultimate game viewing experience. Kitted out with ponchos to keep you warm, suncream, fridges filled with cold drinks, hot drinks, books and sweets, we have everything to keep you happy during a game drive!
We have mountain bikes available for adults and children to use at any time. It’s a great way to get some exercise whilst also appreciating the beautiful scenery of Solio Ranch.
To gain a real appreciation of Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscape, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter adventure. Through our partners at Tropic Air, we offer tailor made heli expeditions to explore some of Kenya's most remote and extreme landscapes. From the peaks and lakes of Mount Kenya to the desert dune fields of the Suguta Valley in Kenya's far north, a heli grants access to explore some of the most unforgettable places on earth.
For those travelling onwards to Sasaab, transfer by helicopter is an exciting alternative to road or chartered flight. Combine heli transfers with a tailor made trip to explore hidden landscapes as you go.
Discover more details on at website at: thesafaricollection.com/helicopter/
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 here. Park entry fees are extra.
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.
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.
Solio offers a range of in-room massage and beauty treatments with their expert therapist. The private cottages are huge with plenty of space for a massage bed by the fire, in front of the floor to ceiling glass windows or on the private verandas. Spa products are 100% natural by Cinnabar Green (locally made and available to visit) and Healing Earth, a premium organic brand inspired by ancient African healing traditions.
Visit Solio's custom built wood-fired sauna for deep relaxation within nature, tucked away in the lodge grounds and overlooking the sanctuary. One end of the sauna is a large glass window to allow for wildlife viewing.
Solio Lodge supports a range of health and education projects in local communities. Visit our Footprint foundation webpage to find out more about the initiatives we support. Just by staying with us, you’re making a positive impact on people in Kenya.
Laburra Primary School and Charles Wickham Primary School
The Safari Collection has been partnering with these two local primary schools to deliver school lunches, build new structures such as dining halls and classroom,s and run training programmes for the teachers. You are welcome to visit either of these local schools and see what happens during the day.
Mary Immaculate Hospital
The Mary Immaculate Shelter of Love is an orphanage at a nearby hospital which Solio Lodge has been involved in for several years now. Let us know if you would like to arrange a visit or help in any way.
Visit Cinnabar Green, a family-owned farm where they make the deliciously scented products you will find in your rooms at all of our properties. Located just one hour and fifteen minutes’ drive away from Solio Lodge, it is well worth a visit. Tour the farm and learn about the herbs and their fascinating therapeutic properties, see how they are pressed to release the scented oils, watch the manufacturing process and see them being lovingly hand packed before coming to us. From there you can either return to Solio Lodge or visit the nearby town of Nanyuki to do a little exploring and shopping.
Tour a working coffee plantation and research laboratory based at Kimathi University, a 45 minute drive away from Solio Lodge. This visit provides a fascinating look at the whole coffee value chain, from seedlings to bean to cup, as well as an insight into their innovative sustainability practices. This activity must be booked in advance and is not possible on Sundays.
This is one to invigorate the senses. Visit and tour Tambuzi Flower Farm which specialises in growing traditional scented garden roses. Tambuzi are committed to sustainable practices and having a positive impact on the communities around them, employing hundreds of local workers. Learn about their innovative ecological measures and the different ways in which they support health and education initiatives in their local community. The welfare of their employees and their commitment to sustainability is paramount, which is why we love to support their work.
Our younger guests often love to spend a few hours with our friendly guides who can teach them about simple bush craft and fun facts about our wildlife. Children can enjoy learning how to identify different animal tracks and signs of the wild. Guided torch light walks in the lodge surrounds open a whole new world of nocturnal wildlife. Interesting insects, chameleons and genet cats can be found. Budding young chefs are welcome to join our team in the kitchen for some cooking fun or even our gardener in the Solio Shamba (Swahili for small farm or field) where all manner of herbs and veggies grow. Inside the lodge we have a wonderful board game called ‘Safari’. Should you wish to play please ask a member of the team. We also have playing cards and backgammon.
Enjoy the freedom of stopping whenever you want to dine alfresco in the wild. Our vehicles are designed with pull out stoves so that guests can enjoy freshly cooked bush breakfasts, with eggs, omelettes and pancakes cooked to order.
Picnic lunches can be arranged upon request with prior notice. Enjoy stunning views and the feeling of being totally immersed in nature, whilst eating a freshly prepared picnic lunch in one of our selected shady spots.
Sundowners are an essential part of any safari experience. With a drink in hand and some homemade ‘bitings’ (the Kenyan term for canapes), watch the African sun sink low in the sky. Guests are frequently joined by rhinos and large journeys of giraffe moving silently through the dusk, making for magical evenings. There is also a fabulous, fully-stocked mobile bar named 'Jolene', created from an upcycled horsebox! Jolene adds a real touch of quirky glamour to the Solio sundowner experience.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Cycling, Fishing, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Sala's Camp | Masai Mara
Sala’s Camp is a tented camp that combines tradition with comfort and is a model of understated, intimate luxury. It is situated in the southern, wilder corner of Kenya’s mighty Masai Mara game reserve close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekerok Rivers – an idyllic geographical feature that attracts teeming wildlife. Sala’s Camp's location is a big draw, close to Tanzania with wonderful views of the Serengeti National Park, it is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the legendary annual migration of wildebeest, which thunders by from June to September each year. Sala’s Camp also offers the best of the Masai Mara’s wildlife and birdlife year round. Having first hosted guests in 2004, it has become renowned for combining an authentic safari experience with hospitality and fine dining. Sala’s Camp is owned and operated by The Safari Collection, and can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari.
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Sala's Camp
The honeymoon tent has a private plunge pool, veranda and spectacular views. The interior of the room is soft in colour, embracing the natural hues of the surrounding grasslands and river sand. The bathroom is elegantly accented with rich copper and brass fittings reflecting Africa’s warmth and includes a large copper bathtub and spacious shower. Floors are made from bamboo and covered with natural reed carpets, whilst striking black and white images hang on the canvas walls, enriching the space.
Sala’s newest Family Tent is made up of two spacious rooms inter-connected by a central communal lounge area leading out onto a beautiful and expansive wooden deck with sun beds, private dining area and plunge pool.
The Keekorok Family Tent can sleep up to six guests in a variety of layouts, depending on requirements. Both rooms can be doubles, twins or triples. Alternatively, the central lounge area contains a double sofa bed and can be separated by sliding doors to become a third bedroom. The two spacious en-suites each contain rain showers and free-standing copper bathtubs with fabulous views out into the wilderness.
Exclusive use of vehicle is included for all guests staying in the Keekorok Family Tent.
The Forest Family Tent consists of one enormous open-plan room with a bedroom at either end. The two sleeping areas are divided by an open-plan lounge area in the middle with a small wooden screen for separating each end if desired. Both bedroom areas have their own ensuite bathrooms with rain showers and flushing loo and one also has a bathtub. A small grassy area shaded by trees makes a great space for little ones to play in front of the tent.
The Forest Family Tent can sleep up to five guests, each end of the open-plan room able to be configured as a twin or double, with an additional fifth bed upon request. A large veranda spans the length of the tent and a private deck is located a stone’s throw away beside the Sand River with views looking south into Tanzania. Here there is a private plunge pool and day bed, plus a sunken seating area and fire pit.
Exclusive use of game drive vehicle is included for all guests staying in the Forest Family Tent.
Sala's Double Tents all embrace the charm of a traditional under-canvas style safari while incorporating contemporary touches like glass doors and private plunge pools overlooking the river.
Whilst they are all subtly different in design, they each have the same amenities and tranquil natural surroundings with views across the Sand River and into the Serengeti. The seclusion, sumptuous nature and incredible outlook of all the double tents make them the perfect choice for a honeymoon safari. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead out to a private garden area with space for private star-lit dining if desired. Private plunge pools and wooden decks allow for total relaxation in the soothing green surroundings of nature.
Tent 4 is the closest tent to the main dining area of the camp.
Sala's Double Tents all embrace the charm of a traditional under-canvas style safari while incorporating contemporary touches like glass doors and private plunge pools overlooking the river.
Whilst they are all subtly different in design, they each have the same amenities and tranquil natural surroundings with views across the Sand River and into the Serengeti. The seclusion, sumptuous nature and incredible outlook of all the double tents make them the perfect choice for a honeymoon safari. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead out to a private garden area with space for private star-lit dining if desired. Private plunge pools and wooden decks allow for total relaxation in the soothing green surroundings of nature.
Tent 5 is a little walk along a winding gravel pathway from the main mess tent.
Sala's Double Tents all embrace the charm of a traditional under-canvas style safari while incorporating contemporary touches like glass doors and private plunge pools overlooking the river.
Whilst they are all subtly different in design, they each have the same amenities and tranquil natural surroundings with views across the Sand River and into the Serengeti. The seclusion, sumptuous nature and incredible outlook of all the double tents make them the perfect choice for a honeymoon safari. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead out to a private garden area with space for private star-lit dining if desired. Private plunge pools and wooden decks allow for total relaxation in the soothing green surroundings of nature.
Tent 6 is a few minute's stroll along a winding gravel pathway from the main mess tent.
The Forest Honeymoon Tent is located furthest away from the main mess tent, at the end of the pathway, and is therefore the most secluded. Like our other double tents, it has floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading out onto a private garden area with a riverside deck and private plunge pool. A built in bath tub, spacious shower and seclusion in nature allow for total relaxation.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Massages, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Hot Air Ballooning
Sala’s is the first camp in the Mara to witness the phenomenal movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope, which move year round on a circular migratory route in the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Guests staying between July and October might be lucky enough to catch the animals thundering by. Watching a river crossing is a tense and thrilling spectacle and will bring you face to face with the brutal reality of mother nature. Do check dates before travelling if you don’t want to miss this, as timings vary each year depending on when the rains begin.
The anticipation and excitement of setting off in a 4 x 4 to explore the African bush is what being on safari is all about. The area around Sala’s Camp is teeming with diverse wildlife and Sala's fleet of professional guides are eager to tell guests about the plants and animals they come across. Guests staying longer might wish to venture further into the Mara and head out for the day with a picnic lunch. Each game drive vehicle is specially designed to ensure maximum game viewing and comfort. Kitted out with Maasai blankets and ponchos to keep warm, sunscreen, fridges filled with cold drinks, hot drinks, books and sweets, there's everything to keep you happy during a game drive.
During the dry months, the sandy riverbed in front of Sala’s Camp turns into a perfect volleyball pitch as well as the ideal place for a game of boules. Sala’s Camp has everything you need for both games. There are no hippos or crocodiles to worry about in the area, so enjoy unleashing your competitive side.
Sala’s Camp has a small, but well-equipped gym for guests to use at their leisure and really work up an appetite for the scrumptious cuisine!
Each tent also has a ‘gym-in-a-bag’ for guests to use during their stay, containing a yoga mat, skipping rope and post safari stretch card with some simple exercises to relax the body.
Each tent has a paint set and sketch pad for guests to use during their stay. Get creative in the camp’s idyllic, artistic surroundings and paint the unique scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna.
Sundowners are an essential part of any safari experience and there really is nothing better than watching the African sun sink low on the horizon over the vast animal filled plains of the Masai Mara. The fabulous vintage mobile bar at Sala's (named Eleanor) adds a special touch to the sundowner experience here. Fully stocked with everything needed to make cocktails, mocktails or whatever the drink of choice, plus delicious canapes to nibble on, it makes for an unforgettable evening spent in nature.
From a secluded shady corner of camp, or from the comfort of your own room, indulge in one of our therapeutic treatments. We use spa products by Healing Earth, a premium organic brand inspired by ancient African healing traditions.
Soaring high over the savannah on a sunrise balloon safari is a truly unforgettable and magical experience. Glide silently above the plains and spot wildlife as you experience 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. Balloon rides are particularly magnificent during the migration, when you will witness millions of animals grazing on a green carpet below you. Please refer to our rates sheet for the latest ballooning costs which include a champagne bush breakfast.
Join your Masai Guide for an exploratory amble around the camp environment. This gentle stroll is a great way for both adults and children alike to stretch their legs in-between game drives. You’ll be surprised by just how many smaller creatures and birds there are to spot around camp. It’s also fascinating to learn about the traditional uses of some of the plants and trees you’ll come across. Children might like looking for wildlife tracks, finding feathers and learning to identify different types of animal dung! If you are staying with us for several days and would like to go on a longer walk outside of camp, there is an area in the reserve approximately an hour away where you can amble along a small gorge of the Sand River.
Our guides and spotters love taking younger guests under their wing, helping them become enthralled by the wild. They might enjoy spotting the ‘little five’ and the ‘ugly five’ on game drives or finding animal tracks with their guide on a nature walk around camp. The shallow sandy riverbed in front of camp is ideal for little ones to splash about in during the wet season or dig around and spot animal spoor when it’s dry. Budding warriors can learn how to make a Maasai bow and arrow or how to make a fire using traditional techniques. Evening activities might include roasting marshmallows and making popcorn around the fire or searching for glow worms and frogs by torchlight. The camp is well-stocked with a selection of board games, including Scrabble, Kumiliki (African Monopoly), Chess, Liar Dice, Backgammon, cards and Mancala.
Setting off before sunrise offers the best chance of exciting wildlife encounters, and being able to eat a scrumptious, freshly cooked breakfast whilst doing it is even better! Sala’s vehicles are specially fitted out with stoves for freshly cooked bush breakfasts so you can enjoy eggs, omelettes and pancakes cooked to order whilst soaking up the incredible scenery.
Sala's team of chefs are renowned for their delicious, vibrant and nutritious lunch time platters. Enjoy a selection of stunning dishes with ingredients picked fresh from the organic kitchen garden. Dining takes place in front of the main mess tent, where it is not uncommon to see wildlife wondering past on the opposite bank of the river, so game viewing might continue over lunch!
At certain times of the year (and weather permitting) the Sand River next to Sala’s Camp is dry and we can set up a candlelit dinner in the riverbed. Enjoy a yummy barbeque prepared by our chefs whilst listening out for nocturnal wildlife.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
