Marriott Hotels & Resorts
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp has opened in Laikipia, Kenya. The property, which offers 19 tented suites, sits on the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve, a private conservancy known for its role in rhino protection and home to one of Africa’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos, as well as leopards, lions, waterbuck, zebras, Thomson's gazelles and more than 300 species of birds.
The camp’s tented suites offer sweeping views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Mountains, nearby waterholes or the open savanna. They feature roll-up canvas walls and outdoor living areas with private decks and plunge pools.
The tents’ interiors offer natural palettes of warm earth tones, soft greens and charcoal hues and are decorated with Kenyan craft and influences, including woven textiles, hand-carved timber and artworks.
Mavuno, the camp’s signature restaurant, features seasonal menus shaped by Kenyan flavors, global influences and open-fire cooking. The Ember Bar and Lounge offers a fireside setting for drinks and sharing plates. The property’s “Five Elements” cocktail program draws on smoke, spice, earth, honey and fire, complemented by cold-pressed juices and botanical infusions that use fresh local ingredients. A dedicated wine room offers tastings of a curated selection of wines and serves as an intimate private dining venue.
Guests also can enjoy bush dining experiences, from brunches under acacia trees to candlelit dinners beneath the stars.
Wildlife experiences
A highlight of the camp is wildlife viewing, which takes place throughout the day, with guided game drives at sunrise and in the late afternoon. Night drives reveal leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, servals and caracals.
An educational visit to the Solio Rhino Orphanage offers guests 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 game drives, guests can discover their surroundings through guided walking safaris, cycling excursions and birding safaris led by expert guides. Guests have access to the camp’s professional Canon camera equipment and receive expert guidance from the resident photographers.
Wellness and community engagement
The property’s spa 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.
The camp also offers a fully equipped fitness center, outdoor pool and quiet spaces for reflection.
The property contributes to a number of initiatives through the Lazizi Welfare Foundation, including a daily meal program for students at the Riacho Comprehensive School. It also supports the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project, where women from surrounding communities create handcrafted pieces such as beaded room-key bracelets and crochet rhinos. Select items are available in the camp’s retail boutique, with all proceeds directly benefitting the project.
Sustainability measures at the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp include solar energy infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems. Waste is managed to minimize environmental impact, and materials are reused, recycled or repurposed where possible.