JW Marriott Unveils a Mindful Sanctuary in Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve
- EDITOR
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
JW Marriott today announces the opening of JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp in Solio Game Reserve, Laikipia, Kenya. Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, the camp introduces a wellness-focussed safari experience where guests can slow down, reset and connect with the wonders of the reserve’s wildlife and vibrant flora.
Wildlife viewing takes place throughout the day, with guided game drives at sunrise and in the late afternoon, while night drives offer a distinct perspective, when predators such as leopard, lion and spotted hyena are most active, and elusive nocturnal species, including serval and caracal, emerge after dark. Evenings can also be spent at camp, gathered around the fire pit to share the day’s meaningful moments.
Design Inspired by Nature
Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, the camp’s 19 tented suites, including a two-bedroom suite, are 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, offering a relaxed setting where younger guests can unwind and connect. The retail boutique showcases contemporary Kenyan art and craft, including beadwork and textiles from local makers.
Enriching Safari Experiences
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. Photography also plays a central role with guests able to access professional Canon camera equipment and benefit from on-site guidance from resident photographers to frame the landscape and wildlife. Guests can embark on adventures to connect with the destination and discover its natural beauty through bespoke experiences, arranged by request, including helicopter excursions, trout fishing on Mount Kenya, and painting sessions at sunset.
Nourished by Nature
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 flavors, global influences and open-fire cooking, while Ember Bar and Lounge offers a fireside setting for relaxed drinks and sharing plates. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp’s “Five Elements” cocktail program draws on smoke, spice, earth, honey and fire, complemented by cold-pressed juices and botanical infusions using fresh local ingredients. A dedicated wine room offers bespoke tastings of a curated selection of wines, alongside intimate private dining experiences.
Beyond the camp, guests can enjoy bush dining experiences, from brunches under acacia trees to candlelit dinners beneath the stars. Further foodie experiences rooted in place include bread-making and Kenyan cooking classes.
Serene Wellness
Tranquil wellness spaces encourage guests to embrace the present moment. 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. At the center of the offering is the signature Solio Passage half-day experience designed as a complete reset, bringing together a sequence of treatments – from volcanic stone therapies and botanical massage to a glacial hydrotherapy soak, and cedar forest bathing – within one immersive, restorative program.
A fully equipped fitness center, a serene outdoor pool, and quiet spaces for reflection provide additional opportunities for guests to restore balance and unwind at their own pace.
Stewardship of Place
Operating within Solio Game Reserve, the camp embraces established guidelines that prioritize 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. The experience brings guests closer to the realities of this work, from daily care to long-term recovery, highlighting the dedication required to protect local species.
Beyond this, the camp contributes to a number of locally driven initiatives through the Lazizi Welfare Foundation, including a daily meal program 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.
Ninety-five percent of the workforce comprises Kenyan nationals, supporting long-term employment, skills development and economic contribution within the region.. Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
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