Solio so good

At its finer end, East African tourism has developed a tendency over recent years to deliver something extraordinary – which is to combine world-class accommodation and magnificent settings with a genuine ethical purpose. One leading in this new class of tourist destination is Solio, a lodge and conservancy in Kenya which we were thrilled to visit for ourselves a few weeks ago.
 
Chic and comfort
 
The lodge itself is nothing short of a delight in which to spend time, and will give design aficionados plenty to smile about. Its series of buildings are gorgeous, sculptural structures, each topped with stunning thatched roofs that resemble hills and blend into the landscape from a distance.


A beautiful bathroom at Solio

Inside, the rooms are styled with relaxed, organic features against soft white walls, with organic shapes and natural materials aplenty and the underside of those vast thatched roofs providing a sweeping textured canopy. This rustic African look is given a contemporary twist with zingy hits of orange and bold art and artefacts. And, beautiful as the rooms are, they rightly yield to the stunning scenery outside by having vast panoramic windows.
 
But more than simply looking good, Solio offers sumptuous luxury and service. The bedrooms and bathrooms are generously sized, and we loved the stylish freestanding bathtub. There’s also an open fireplace in each cottage – being located at a fairly high altitude, this region feels fresh in the evenings, so the fire brings a welcome element of comfort and cosiness. The lavish experience is completed by fantastic food, much of it grown at the lodge, and staff who are friendly, warm and only too happy to help.


A panoramic view of a twin room at Solio

Thrilling wildlife experiences
 
If you can pull yourself away from the charm and comfort of such a chic interior, a breathtaking slice of Africa awaits outside. A private conservancy such as this always offers a unique and exclusive way to witness Africa’s wild wonders. In an open grassy landscape flanked by the dramatic Mount Kenya and Aberdare Mountains, game drives at Solio promise a feast of wildlife encounters. You might spot anything from giraffes and antelopes to leopards and lions.
 

Some of the wildlife we witnessed in the conservancy

But the creatures for which Solio is best known are rhinos. You can expect to see both the white and the rarer black species on your adventures around the reserve (you can see a pair we managed to photograph above). Solio has become recognised as one of Africa's most important refuges and breeding grounds for rhinos, iconic animals whose populations have dwindled and whose future has become uncertain. Solio’s conservation programme has been so successful that it has been able to trans-locate over 160 rhinos to other parts of East Africa to replenish populations.
 
For us, the combination of achingly gorgeous style and luxury with thrilling wildlife insights and the creditable ethical motivation which underpins it, makes Solio an absolute winner. If you’re thinking of experiencing it for yourself, let us know and we’ll discuss how Solio could be part of your own dream safari itinerary.

High hopes for 2014

Which East African safari destinations are we excited about for 2014?
Tourism in Uganda is beginning to come alive with the introduction of schedule flights from Entebbe connecting the main points of interest. We had a look at Uganda last year and thoroughly enjoyed visiting Murchison Falls and Murchison National Park. And it was a particularly exciting experience to be amongst the chimps and encounter other primates on our walk through the Kibale Forest. We were also able to visit with the gorillas and enjoy a different trek experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Have any new camps or lodges caught our eye for the Africa House portfolio?
Some of the accommodations in Uganda compared well with some of the top end camps and lodges in Kenya. Those that stood out were Kyanyinga Lodge (pictured, right) and Ndali Lodge in Kibale, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi. In Kenya, great new properties such as Ol Jogi, Sirai House, Segera and Elewana's Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara have pushed the boundaries of luxury to a new level. We hope to include these properties in a new and exciting Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary. Kilindi on Zanzibar and Mnemba Island just off Zanzibar to the North particularly caught our eye.

The stunning Kyanyinga Lodge in Uganda

What lies ahead for East African tourism?
This year there is a big opportunity for growth in the trending for multi-generational travel and first-timers on safari to experience the large herds of fabulous wildlife in East Africa in superb accommodations that have recently been added to the portfolio of luxury camps, lodges and bush homes.

What’s new in the Africa House Safaris team for 2014?
We have brought on board three safari guides that bring with them a wealth of many years’ experience and knowledge from guiding in East Africa. We will be looking to produce an exciting top-of-the-range safari itinerary using only the best properties, helicopters, private charters and superb guides.

Is there anywhere in East Africa we would personally like to explore this year?
We would love to find the time to visit places such as Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia, all of which have some fabulous attractions that can easily attach to East African safaris to provide that enormous, unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Africa, whether they be first timers, old hands or regular repeat guests.

What insider tips would we offer to savvy safari travellers?
Pack light, bring a good camera with a good lens and something to stabilise your camera, such as a Groofwin pod – which is easy to attach to a vehicle yet light enough to include in your safari luggage.