Silole Sanctuary
Silole Sanctuary
4.5
About
There's nothing like a quick, authentic getaway if you are in the City of Nairobi for a short time! Silole Sanctuary, accessible through the Masai Gate of Nairobi National Park, or down the Magadi Road to Masai Lodge is a must. Here you can walk with the impala & warthogs on the plains which abut Nairobi National Park or you can explore several kilometers of ecologically rich habitat along the Kiserian & Empakasi Gorges (beware of buffalo!) Rolf's Place & Masai Lodge are available for meals, whilst accommodation is offered at Silole Villa & Silole Cottage. Kitengela Glass is great for shopping across the Kiserian suspension bridge on foot! Perfect as a break from the city. Karibuni!
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
29 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
7
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Tom V
Brussels, Belgium137 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Silole House in Silole Sanctuary, tucked away right next to Nairobi National Park, is a true gem for nature lovers and those looking for a serene escape from the city's hustle.
The meals are delicous—fresh, hearty, and lovingly prepared with local ingredients. Each dish feels like a celebration of Kenya's culinary heritage.
The dawn patrol safari is nothing short of magical. Starting early when the park comes alive, it’s an intimate and thrilling experience. Watching the savannah wake up, with the first rays of sunlight casting a golden glow over the landscape, is breathtaking.
Silole House offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation. It's a place you'll want to return to, again and again. Highly recommend!
The meals are delicous—fresh, hearty, and lovingly prepared with local ingredients. Each dish feels like a celebration of Kenya's culinary heritage.
The dawn patrol safari is nothing short of magical. Starting early when the park comes alive, it’s an intimate and thrilling experience. Watching the savannah wake up, with the first rays of sunlight casting a golden glow over the landscape, is breathtaking.
Silole House offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation. It's a place you'll want to return to, again and again. Highly recommend!
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucille
Nairobi, Kenya3 contributions
Oct 2021
I really enjoyed my stay at Silole Cottage. It was super to find an affordable and cozy place to stay which is on the outskirts of Nairobi but on the edge of the Nairobi National Park, so you still feel like you have got away from the city and are in the wild. The cottage is equipped with all the basic of what you need, had good hot water showers and the verandah and front garden are so peaceful and the perfect place to sit and read a book or watch the resident impala graze quietly past you.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mercy C
World1 contribution
May 2022
This is the ideal place to breathe. The views are truly amazing and the Wildlife is just amazing. From the roaring lions and the laughing hyenas at night to the visiting Girrafe and glimpses of buffaloes, the neighing of Zebras, and the cute impala. SO breathtaking. The countless varieties of birds are just splendid. I recommend this experience. 10/10
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles M
2 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
We had a fabulous game drive-even locals were surprised at all the game we saw, e.g. 7 rhinos and a lion kill. Game is often visible from the verandah (watch out for the buffalo)- a perfect spot for a sundowner. An ideal getaway from the city.
Written February 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theinspectorishere
Nairobi, Kenya212 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Love this place. The cottage at the sanctuary is for rent and has been newly renovated. It's a slingshot throw from Nairobi and not at all expensive. Bring your own food or eat at the hotel down the road. The verandah looks out upon Nairobi National Park and some of the wildlife may wander onto the property. A fireplace provides a meditative gathering point at night and it's so quiet. Wracked by the perpetual clanging of the Nairobi pressure cooker? Then go to Silole!
Written January 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delta W
Kenya72 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
In an era when luxury tented camps with expresso makers and over the top lodges can cost over $800 per person per night, a fabulous cabin on the southern edge of Nairobi National Park provides a base camp for game drives to see rare rhino, cheetah, lions, leopard, colorful birds, and your own private verandah where giraffe and dik dik meander by. Manager Will Knocker knows his birds, mammals, and how to find lions in the park, plus providing a taste of old, authentic Kenya in this unfussy bush adventure, very reasonably priced. The cottage is designed with two bedrooms plus loft sleeping space for children; you have your own kitchen, but most important, you are out of the city in real Africa.
Written December 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dashgoodtrip
Oxford, UK39 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
My son and I spent a few days at Silole and with it's owner, Willie. Early morning coffees and evening sundowners on the cottage veranda with the wildlife strolling past just meters away. Just about as perfect a way to see nature up close and personal as you could want. A perfect guide round the National Park in Willie Knocker - expert in wildlife, ecology and the local culture and people. A fantastic time spent at a stunning location with the perfect host. Would highly recommend it.
Written December 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina R
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
May 2014 • Solo
Last month I had a brief trip to Kenya leaving no time for a long safari so was lucky enough to be recommended visiting Silole Sanctuary to safari with Will Knocker. He was a fantastic guide, very entertaining, knowledgeable, informative and knew exactly where to take me to see as many animals as possible, and when to stop for photos. It was a such a great experience, away from the crowded tour groups, and I was amazed at the amount of animals and birds I got to see. I'm hoping to come back for longer next time, staying in the villa from which you can watch the sun set over Nairobi National Park with the city in the background. Great spot and a truly enjoyable safari.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safariafficionado
Kampala, Uganda3,332 contributions
Aug 2019
My return to Silole was prompted by the desire to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and yet be close enough so not to spend hours on the road or by air to reach a similarly 'remote' place.
On arrival was Mwangi, Silole's Jack of All Trades, at hand to promptly take the baggage and shopping from the car and deliver it to the Silole Cottage which was just steps away from the car shade where my driver had parked.
Silole can be booked on Full Board if guests so wish but I always opt to bring food myself and then cook my meals, often shared with the owner Will Knocker, who can then narrate the many stories he has to tell about his life, and life in general, in Africa.
The cottage has, ideal for families, two bedrooms each with their own bathroom and notably above both an attic space where kids can bunk.
A common sitting room, including a fireplace, and a kitchen complete the layout of the cottage but the main feature is of course the terrace outside. from one side can one see the skyline of Nairobi and from the other goes the view into the bush, where, better believe it, plenty of game are found.
By the way, plenty of books are on the shelves in the living room of the cottage and Will says one can take any book but should replace it with another, something I always do when I visit.
The first view, with a cup of tea at hand, was towards the city of Nairobi which skyscrapers made a unique background, seen across the adjoining national park.
I sat down on a safari chair, watched the birds come by to drink at a little feeding and waterings slab stone and then moved to the other side of the terrace where, book in hand, I spread out across the sofa.
A dining table is available outside too, perfect for teas or a lunch.
Will, when he is in residence, is always ready to take guests staying in the cottage for a walk or for a drive into the park through the nearby East Gate, against a fee of course but which is very reasonable given his vast experience as a safari guide. Into the park we ventured and saw in the space of a few hours one morning 8 rhinos, mating ostriches and plenty plenty of other game. Lions were elusive that day but are according to Will regularly seen and even more often heard.
Mwangi helped out to prepare for dinner by expertly cutting the vegetables, onions, garlic and ginger and then even washed the dishes before he left for the day.
My five star ranking for Silole is for the solitude, the peace and quiet - apart from jets overhead on their final approach to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - and the ability to walk on the sprawling Silole Sanctuary, WITH A GUIDE PLEASE! Kitengela Glass' is located nearby too and the crossing of the suspension bridge is an adventure all by itself.
My visits to Silole always give me my own personal 'Out of Africa' experience, of course these days with connectivity and solar powered lights, hot showers and running water.
The cottage itself is well worn but this precisely adds to its charm. Close up with nature, that close to Nairobi, few other properties can match the feeling I experience when I am here.
The guests staying at the cottage before me saw a lioness walk by their front porch but also saw buffalo, gazelles and warthog - I only heard a male lion roar, close enough to make my hair stand and beating a hasty retreat into the cottage, firmly closing the door.
One night were hyenas very vocal and after supper one evening did the growl of a leopard ensure I did not venture out again to watch the stars overhead.
Overall, when leaving I was already planning my next return and that, for all intent and purpose, tells the story ...
On arrival was Mwangi, Silole's Jack of All Trades, at hand to promptly take the baggage and shopping from the car and deliver it to the Silole Cottage which was just steps away from the car shade where my driver had parked.
Silole can be booked on Full Board if guests so wish but I always opt to bring food myself and then cook my meals, often shared with the owner Will Knocker, who can then narrate the many stories he has to tell about his life, and life in general, in Africa.
The cottage has, ideal for families, two bedrooms each with their own bathroom and notably above both an attic space where kids can bunk.
A common sitting room, including a fireplace, and a kitchen complete the layout of the cottage but the main feature is of course the terrace outside. from one side can one see the skyline of Nairobi and from the other goes the view into the bush, where, better believe it, plenty of game are found.
By the way, plenty of books are on the shelves in the living room of the cottage and Will says one can take any book but should replace it with another, something I always do when I visit.
The first view, with a cup of tea at hand, was towards the city of Nairobi which skyscrapers made a unique background, seen across the adjoining national park.
I sat down on a safari chair, watched the birds come by to drink at a little feeding and waterings slab stone and then moved to the other side of the terrace where, book in hand, I spread out across the sofa.
A dining table is available outside too, perfect for teas or a lunch.
Will, when he is in residence, is always ready to take guests staying in the cottage for a walk or for a drive into the park through the nearby East Gate, against a fee of course but which is very reasonable given his vast experience as a safari guide. Into the park we ventured and saw in the space of a few hours one morning 8 rhinos, mating ostriches and plenty plenty of other game. Lions were elusive that day but are according to Will regularly seen and even more often heard.
Mwangi helped out to prepare for dinner by expertly cutting the vegetables, onions, garlic and ginger and then even washed the dishes before he left for the day.
My five star ranking for Silole is for the solitude, the peace and quiet - apart from jets overhead on their final approach to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - and the ability to walk on the sprawling Silole Sanctuary, WITH A GUIDE PLEASE! Kitengela Glass' is located nearby too and the crossing of the suspension bridge is an adventure all by itself.
My visits to Silole always give me my own personal 'Out of Africa' experience, of course these days with connectivity and solar powered lights, hot showers and running water.
The cottage itself is well worn but this precisely adds to its charm. Close up with nature, that close to Nairobi, few other properties can match the feeling I experience when I am here.
The guests staying at the cottage before me saw a lioness walk by their front porch but also saw buffalo, gazelles and warthog - I only heard a male lion roar, close enough to make my hair stand and beating a hasty retreat into the cottage, firmly closing the door.
One night were hyenas very vocal and after supper one evening did the growl of a leopard ensure I did not venture out again to watch the stars overhead.
Overall, when leaving I was already planning my next return and that, for all intent and purpose, tells the story ...
Written August 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cibalom
Muscat, Om2 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
The owner had the nerve to swear at us and demanding us to leave for having a fire (at least 10m from the patio), which was actually started and maintained by the guard who ended up getting drunk and groping the women in our group, and refused to get the hot water started until he was close to passing out at 6am. He abruptly left and if one of our group didn't know how to open the correct valve the cottage would have burned down with us sleeping inside..stay away and book at the eco cottages that are part of the hot glass factory instead, they are much better and do not have the nerve to curse out their guests for no fault of ours.
Written August 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankfully Silole Cottage is designed for peaceful family time & not all-night raves like this !
Written August 17, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zeinab e
Bristol, United Kingdom
can one person go by himself..what does it cost for one person only?
Written October 26, 2016
Hallo Zeinab: I charge 15 K for a n early morning trip to NNP: the car takes 4 people or more: just get in touch with me on 0721 646 588
Asante Will Silole
Written January 25, 2017
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