In this article, I’d like to share experiences from our visit in August 2025, including the incredible opportunity to see both white and black rhinoceroses up close. I’ll also cover other wildlife encounters and some practical travel advice. You’ll find different sections below the video summary.
Before visiting Solio, I wasn’t sure what to expect: would it feel more like a cattle ranch or a true nature reserve? Fortunately, Solio is very much a nature reserve – beautiful, tranquil, and absolutely worth a visit if you’re interested in rhinos!
Brief Video About Our Impressions At Solio
Rhino Conservation & Game Drive Experiences
Solio Game Reserve is a private wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, famous for its pioneering rhino conservation efforts. It is home to one of the largest populations of both black and white rhinos in Africa.
Originally established in 1966 as a private cattle ranch with abundant indigenous wildlife, a large fenced area was set aside in 1970 to protect endangered species. The first rhinos were relocated here soon after. While rhino numbers across Africa have dropped by about 90%, Solio has become a critical stronghold for breeding and protection. Today, 68 square kilometers are reserved for rhino conservation, and there is even a dedicated rhino “orphanage.” Over the past 25 years, Solio has supplied rhinos to many parks across Africa.
Currently, around 250 rhinos live in the reserve, about 20% of them black rhinos. Spotting them during game drives is easy, but what makes Solio truly special is the chance to see these majestic animals at close range in varied landscapes – a dream opportunity for photographers.
We explored the reserve with Lmeei Olekashira (“Ole Senior”) and his son Peter (“Ole Junior”) from „Oloerien Guiding Safaris“, and can highly recommend them. Ole Senior has more than 20 years of experience at Solio and has trained many guides. Together, they provided a fascinating introduction to rhino behavior. When conditions were safe (few white rhinos nearby, no black rhinos), they even allowed us to step out of the jeep – something rarely possible in other African parks. Photographing rhinos from low angle and short distance was an amazing experience.
Wildlife Sightings Beyond Rhinos
If your main goal is to tick off the entire “Big Five” quickly, Solio is not a good fit. But if you come for the rhinos, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife sightings.
Compared to the Maasai Mara and other famous East African reserves, Solio feels much more exclusive – there are far fewer visitors, which means no crowded sightings and very few other jeeps. Beyond rhinos, you will encounter a wide variety of bird species, as well as different species of gazelles (Thomson‘s, Impala, Oryx, Eland), jackals, reticulated giraffes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, monkeys, and more. It’s a wonderfully calm and intimate safari experience.
Travel & Accommodation
Solio Ranch lies about 22 km north of Nyeri town. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Nairobi airport and about 8 hours from the Maasai Mara by car.
At an altitude of 2,000 meters, temperatures can be surprisingly chilly at night – especially in August, when we visited. If you plan early morning game drives, bring a warm pullover, jacket, and cap. Daytime temperatures are usually much milder and very comfortable.
There are several accommodation options near Solio Ranch and even one within the ranch. We stayed at Rhino Watch Lodge, just five minutes from the entrance, and were very happy with the experience.
Final Thought
Solio Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa to observe rhinos in their natural environment. For photographers, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quieter safari experience, it’s a true gem.
Ingo Moench Photography 