JW Marriott Opens Safari Camp in Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve

JW Marriott Solio Reserve Camp Brings Wellness and Safari Experiences to Kenya

JW Marriott has opened the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp in Solio Game Reserve, Laikipia, Kenya. Located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, the new safari camp combines wildlife experiences with wellness, offering guests an opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful setting.

Situated within the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve, the camp is surrounded by one of Africa’s important rhino conservation areas, home to both black and white rhinos as well as lions, leopards, zebras, waterbuck, Thomson’s gazelles and more than 300 bird species.

Safari Experiences in a Private Conservancy

Guests can explore the reserve through guided game drives at sunrise and sunset, while night drives offer the chance to observe nocturnal wildlife including servals, caracals and spotted hyenas. Additional activities include guided walking safaris, cycling tours, birdwatching and wildlife photography with support from resident photographers and Canon camera equipment.

The camp also offers optional experiences such as helicopter tours, trout fishing on Mount Kenya and outdoor painting sessions.

Nature-Inspired Accommodation

Designed by LW Design, the camp features 19 tented suites, including a two-bedroom suite. Each accommodation includes private outdoor decks, plunge pools and views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Mountains or the surrounding savannah.

The interiors incorporate locally sourced materials, handcrafted furniture and artwork by Kenyan artisans, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage through a contemporary design approach.

Dining and Wellness

Dining focuses on seasonal produce grown in the camp’s own garden. Guests can enjoy meals at Mavuno, the camp’s signature restaurant, relax at Ember Bar and Lounge, or dine outdoors in the bush and within the property’s garden.

The camp also offers cooking classes, bread-making sessions and private dining experiences.

Wellness facilities include the Spa by JW, which provides treatments using locally sourced botanical ingredients from Kenyan skincare brand Jani. Additional facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and quiet spaces for relaxation.

Conservation and Community Support

Operating within Solio Game Reserve, the JW Marriott camp follows conservation-focused tourism practices designed to minimise environmental impact.

Guests can visit the Solio Rhino Orphanage to learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programmes. The property also supports local initiatives through the Lazizi Welfare Foundation, including school meal programmes and the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project, which creates handcrafted products sold at the camp.

The camp uses solar energy, rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems, while recycling and composting form part of its daily operations. Around 95% of the workforce comprises Kenyan nationals, supporting employment and skills development within local communities.

The safari camp is accessible via a 30-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer, or by a three-hour drive from Nairobi.

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