The Nelion - Solio Ranch and Conservancy
The Nelion is a hotel near Solio Ranch and Conservancy.
- Location
- Solio Ranch and Conservancy, Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region, Kenya, East Africa
- Coordinates
- -0.147708, 37.027187
- Elevation
- 1,974m
- Activities
- hotel
PlnrScore: 31/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
600 species observed within 20 km, 66 mammals, 264 birds.
- African Buffalo (Mammalia, 72 observations)
- Mantled Guereza (Mammalia, 70 observations)
- Superb Starling (Aves, 54 observations)
- Southern Tree Hyrax (Mammalia, 46 observations)
- White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 44 observations)
- Waterbuck (Mammalia, 43 observations)
- Baglafecht Weaver (Aves, 40 observations)
- Speckled Mousebird (Aves, 34 observations)
- Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 34 observations)
- Kenya Rufous Sparrow (Aves, 33 observations)
Best Time to Visit The Nelion
The best months to visit The Nelion are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Good, temperature 17.24°C, rainfall 100.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 71.8%
- February: Great, temperature 18.23°C, rainfall 78.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 66.3%
- March: Good, temperature 18.23°C, rainfall 89.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 70.1%
- April: Good, temperature 17.3°C, rainfall 218.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 82.8%
- May: Good, temperature 16.95°C, rainfall 114.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 81.8%
- June: Good, temperature 15.86°C, rainfall 29.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 78.6%
- July: Good, temperature 15.2°C, rainfall 38.7mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 79%
- August: Good, temperature 15.55°C, rainfall 54mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77%
- September: Good, temperature 16.57°C, rainfall 54.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 74.1%
- October: Good, temperature 17.42°C, rainfall 92mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 71.9%
- November: Good, temperature 16.75°C, rainfall 198mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 80.7%
- December: Good, temperature 16.8°C, rainfall 98.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 77.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to stay at The Nelion for optimal wildlife viewing in Solio Ranch?
Solio Ranch, known for its rhino conservation, offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but the dry season (June to October and January to February) is particularly good as animals congregate around water sources. During these months, the sparse vegetation also makes spotting wildlife easier, enhancing your safari experience from The Nelion.
What safari activities can guests arrange directly from The Nelion to experience Solio Ranch and Conservancy?
While The Nelion itself is a hotel, it serves as an ideal base for exploring Solio Ranch and Conservancy. Guests can arrange guided game drives through the hotel or with local operators to witness Solio's renowned black and white rhino populations, along with other plains game and predators. The lodge's staff can assist with booking these excursions.
What is the typical cost range for a stay at The Nelion, and does it include Solio Ranch conservancy fees?
The Nelion offers various accommodation options, with nightly rates typically ranging from mid-range to upper-mid-range, depending on the season and room type. It's important to note that conservancy fees for Solio Ranch are separate and are usually paid directly to the conservancy or included in the cost of a booked game drive, not inherently part of The Nelion's room rate.
What specific wildlife can I expect to see during a safari from The Nelion into Solio Ranch, beyond the general 'Big Five'?
Solio Ranch is world-renowned as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Beyond rhinos, you can also expect to encounter giraffes, zebras, buffalo, various antelope species, and often predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, all thriving within the conservancy.
How safe is the area around The Nelion and Solio Ranch for international travelers, and what are the best travel logistics?
The area around The Nelion and Solio Ranch is generally considered safe for tourists, with Solio being a well-managed private conservancy. For travel logistics, most guests fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and then take a domestic flight to Nanyuki Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer to The Nelion. Alternatively, a scenic road transfer from Nairobi takes approximately 3-4 hours.