A new JW Marriott camp brings wellness-led safari to Kenya’s Solio rhino reserve

The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp offers 19 tented suites, a wellness-led program and direct conservation access to a 45,000-acre Kenyan conservancy home to one of Africa’s largest rhino populations

JW Marriott has opened JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp in Solio Game Reserve, Laikipia – a 45,000-acre private conservancy known for its longstanding role in rhino conservation and home to one of Africa’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos, alongside leopards, lions, zebras, waterbuck, Thomson’s gazelles and more than 300 recorded bird species.

Design inspired by nature

The camp’s 19 tented suites, including a two-bedroom suite, are designed by LW Design around the quiet presence of the rhino: low-slung timber and canvas structures with private decks and plunge pools framing views across Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Mountains, nearby waterholes or open savannah.

Roll-up canvas walls dissolve the boundary between exterior and interiors, which layer warm earth tones, soft greens and charcoal with woven textiles, hand-carved timber and artwork from local artisans including Kitengela Glass, Safari Bronze and Ceramiqa. Shared spaces include the Map Room, library, games room and retail boutique, with evenings often spent gathered at the fire pit.

On safari

Game drives run at sunrise and late afternoon; night drives bring a different set of sightings, with leopard, lion and spotted hyena most active after dark alongside elusive serval and caracal. Walking safaris, cycling excursions and birding are led by expert guides. Professional Canon photographic equipment is available with support from resident photographers, and bespoke arrangements extend to helicopter excursions, trout fishing on Mount Kenya and sunset painting sessions. An educational visit to the Solio Rhino Orphanage offers direct insight into the rehabilitation of orphaned calves before their return to the conservancy.

Dining

The camp’s signature garden, growing herbs, fruit and vegetables on site, supplies the kitchen and serves as a dining setting in its own right through The Garden Table, an intimate multi-course experience built around freshly harvested produce. Mavuno, the signature restaurant, draws on Kenyan flavours and global influences with open-fire cooking; Ember Bar and Lounge offers a fireside setting for drinks and sharing plates. A Five Elements cocktail program draws on smoke, spice, earth, honey and fire. Bush dining includes breakfasts beneath acacia trees and candlelit dinners under the stars, extending the offer beyond the camp’s walls, alongside Kenyan cooking classes and bread-making sessions.

Wellbeing

The Spa by JW’s treatment menu draws on regional healing traditions and highland botanicals through Kenyan skincare brand Jani, whose formulations incorporate highland moringa, wild aloe, Laikipia honey, cedar and clove. The signature Solio Passage is a half-day program combining volcanic stone therapies, botanical massage, glacial hydrotherapy and cedar forest bathing. A fitness centre, outdoor pool and quiet reflection spaces complete the offering.

Destination

Operations are backed by solar energy, rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling. Ninety-five per cent of the workforce comprises Kenyan nationals. The camp supports the Lazizi Welfare Foundation’s daily meal program at Riacho Comprehensive School and the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project, whose members produce handcrafted pieces – including beaded room-key bracelets and crochet rhinos – available in the camp boutique with proceeds returning directly to the project.

The camp is accessible via Nanyuki Airstrip, approximately 30 minutes by air from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or three hours by road. A private charter to Solio Ranch Airstrip, a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport, reduces the road transfer to 10 minutes.

Rates at JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp start from US$1,499 per person, per night, all-inclusive. marriott.com