JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp has opened its doors within Solio Game Reserve, Laikipia, Kenya.
Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, the camp features 19 tented suites, including a two-bedroom suite, set discreetly for privacy, each offering sweeping views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Mountains, nearby waterholes or open savannah.
Designed by LW Design, the architecture is guided by a philosophy inspired by the quiet presence of the rhino, shaping an intimate retreat where design defers to nature. Low-slung timber and canvas structures sit lightly within the landscape, expressing a restrained sense of luxury.
Roll-up canvas walls create a fluid transition between interior and exterior, allowing the sights and sounds of the conservancy to move effortlessly through each space. Generous outdoor living areas offer private decks and plunge pools while indoor freestanding baths invite moments of reflection, immersed in the natural surroundings.
Inside, the design draws on Kenyan craft and influences. Natural palettes of warm earth tones, soft greens and charcoal hues are layered with tactile materials, woven textiles, and hand-carved timber, creating a calming, contemporary aesthetic. Furnishings and artwork sourced from Kenyan artisans, including Kitengela Glass, Safari Bronze and Ceramiqa, can be seen throughout, anchoring each space in local heritage.
Shared spaces invite guests to curate their experience, from the Map Room – featuring a detailed map of the conservancy and serving as a natural gathering point to plan each day – to the library and games room. The retail boutique showcases contemporary Kenyan art and craft, including beadwork and textiles from local makers.
Beyond game drives, guests can discover their surroundings through guided walking safaris, cycling excursions and birding led by expert guides, offering insight into the region’s diverse plant life and more than 300 recorded bird species.
Dining at the camp is a celebration of seasonality and a deep connection to place. At the heart of the experience is the signature garden, where herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown on site and incorporated directly into menus. The garden also serves as a dedicated dining setting with The Garden Table, an intimate multi-course experience showcasing freshly harvested ingredients.
Mavuno, the camp’s signature restaurant, presents seasonal menus shaped by Kenyan flavours, global influences and open-fire cooking, while Ember Bar and Lounge offers a fireside setting for relaxed drinks and sharing plates.
Beyond the camp, guests can enjoy bush dining experiences, from brunches under acacia trees to candlelit dinners beneath the stars.
The Spa by JW features a curated menu of treatments rooted in regional healing traditions and highland botanicals. These restorative therapies incorporate premium products from Kenyan skincare brand Jani, enriched with raw, local ingredients like highland moringa, wild aloe, Laikipia honey, cedar and clove.
A fully equipped fitness centre, serene outdoor pool and quiet spaces for reflection provide additional opportunities for guests to restore balance and unwind at their own pace.
Operating within Solio Game Reserve, the camp embraces established guidelines that prioritise conservation and responsible tourism. This low-density approach creates a thoughtful experience, where fewer vehicles and open space allow for a deeper sense of immersion.
An educational visit to the Solio Rhino Orphanage offers a rare, unfiltered insight into the conservation efforts that underpin the reserve, where orphaned rhino calves and other wildlife are rehabilitated before being reintroduced into the conservancy.
Beyond this, the camp contributes to a number of locally driven initiatives through the Lazizi Welfare Foundation, including a daily meal programme at Riacho Comprehensive School, providing consistent nutrition to support student well-being and learning.
The camp also supports the conservancy-led Solio Women’s Empowerment Project, where women from surrounding communities create handcrafted pieces such as beaded room-key bracelets and crochet rhinos – all integrated into the guest experience. Select items are also available in the camp’s retail boutique, with all proceeds returning directly to the project, ensuring meaningful and sustained economic benefit at a local level.
Sustainability is embedded across operations, supported by solar energy infrastructure and water conservation measures including rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems. Waste is carefully managed to minimize environmental impact, with materials reused, recycled and repurposed where possible, including composting and selective upcycling for in-camp use.
