Solio Ranch Conservancy

Tour Operator: Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Location

Solio Ranch Conservancy lies approximately 110 miles north of Nairobi, nestled in the valley between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. The nearest town is Nyeri, 24 miles away.

Size

The Solio Ranch Conservancy in its entirety covers around 70 square miles.

History

Solio Ranch Conservancy was originally a cattle ranch with a focus on rhino conservation. This led to the establishment of Solio Ranch as a conservancy in 1970. With a black rhino breeding program as well as a large complement of white rhinos, many reserves around East Africa have received rhinos from Solio Ranch Conservancy.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The entrance fee to Solio Ranch Conservancy is USD 80 per person.

Hours of Operation

Solio Ranch Conservancy is open between 6 am and 6 pm daily.

How to Get There

By Road

The drive from Nairobi will be along good roads and a journey of 110 miles that will take approximately four hours.

By Air

Visitors to Solio Ranch Conservancy can choose to fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip where they will be met and transferred to the conservancy, a drive of around 45 minutes. Alternatively, there is the option to opt for a private charter flight directly to the Solio airstrip.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The weather is generally mild due to Solio Ranch Conservancy’s closeness to the equator. Daily temperatures average around 73°F. The dry season falls between June and September, with the short rains falling around October and November. Longer rainfall occurs between March and May. Game viewing is at its best between July and October.

Avoiding Crowds

Consider traveling to Solio Ranch Conservancy between October and February. The rains will cool the days, animal sightings will still be good, and there will be availability in nearby accommodations. There will also be fewer vehicles traversing the conservancy.

Value for Money

Solio Ranch Conservancy is located around 111 miles from Nairobi with a small number of lodges and camps situated near the conservancy and one main lodge suitable for international visitors located within the conservancy. Visiting Solio Ranch for a night or two is a wonderful and value-for-money experience.

The conservancy is a comfortable distance and drive from Nairobi and pricing is lower than options offered in the larger and more popular parks in Kenya. It is a great add-on to a larger safari adventure in bigger and more popular parks in Kenya.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings in Solio Ranch Conservancy

Witness four of the famous “Big Five” at the Solio Ranch Conservancy (elephants noticeably and purposely absent). Sightings of lounging lions, beautiful waterbuck, and the much-loved white and black rhino can be seen on safari here. There have been over 350 species of birds recorded.

The Terrain

The terrain of Solio Ranch Conservancy comprises grasslands with the yellow fever tree-lined river bank of the Moyo River providing vegetation and refuge for a myriad of wildlife.

Experiences

Game Drives

Game drives are conducted in the Solio Ranch Conservancy in enclosed or open 4×4 safari vehicles. These are conducted by local tour operators and would take part in the early morning or late afternoon.

Guided Walking Safaris

Walking safaris are available, conducted by an experienced ranger and take place just outside the main Rhino Sanctuary. Other non-4×4 game drive activities include guided horseback safaris and cycling safari opportunities.