Solio Lodge: Information from the owner

Family Cottage 5 & 6

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.

Luxury Cottages

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.

EXCURSIONS TO 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 here. Park entry fees are extra.

BIKE RIDING

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.

CINNABAR GREEN VISIT

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.

COFFEE FARM VISIT

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.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS VISIT

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.

FLOWER FARM VISIT

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.

FOR CHILDREN

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.

HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS AND TRANSFERS

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/

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.

NATURE AND BIRD WALKS

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.

ROOF TOP GAME DRIVES

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!

WELLNESS IN THE WILD

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.