Ilkeliani Camp is set on the banks of the Talek River, right on the border of the Masai Mara Reserve, and is nestled in an area that is a favourite for elephants coming to the river to drink. A suspension bridge links the camp to the reserve itself.
At Ilkeliani you can fill your days with activities or enjoy the camp at leisure. The game-filled plains of the Maasai Mara offer all manner of activities. Drive out of camp at dawn to watch the animals waking to the start of a new day and return to camp for breakfast, or spend a full day in the reserve, stopping for lunch at a picturesque viewpoint. Stroll along the riverbanks observing the prolific birdlife, and talk to the Maasai about their medicinal uses of the indigenous plants.
Experience the local culture in a traditional village, and learn the people’s unique stories of creation. Ride a horse across the savannah, mingling with the animals as one of them, or float through the sky in a balloon, gazing down on the animals moving within rippling grasses. Your schedule at Ilkeliani is flexible and your days designed according to your wishes.
The huge grounds offer a selection of spaces to recline, dine and enjoy the views. Whether you prefer privacy or company, you’ll find a spot that suits you. Have lunch on the deck then unwind on a sunbed beneath the boughs of an acacia. Sip a gin and tonic on the raised viewing deck as the sun casts golden light over the plains or join friends around the campfire to share the experiences of your day. Watch the Maasai dance on the riverfront deck and perhaps join them to display your jumping prowess before heading to the dining tent for a candelit dinner.
Ilkeliani’s spacious Standard and Premium tented suites have been thoughtfully designed to provide all the little luxuries that enhance a safari. Each suite has complete privacy, tucked into a grove of trees with its own private entrance. Raised on stilts, each offers sweeping views across the Talek River onto the golden plains of the Masai Mara. The suites have spacious wooden decks with detachable canvas sides and are elegantly adorned with flowing fabrics, comfortable furnishings and subtle lighting. The bathrooms, with views on all sides, include an indoor shower that opens to the outdoors.
The luxury family suite has a spacious living area between two bedrooms and is ideal for families or groups of friends.
Game Package: Mara Reserve fees; all meals; shared game drives with an Ilkeliani Camp guide; airstrip transfers; transfers for cultural visits; and one guided nature walk within the camp are included.
Full Board Package: Mara Reserve fees and all meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.
All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Ilkeliani Camp can be included in you own dream holiday.
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Featured Accommodation
Ilkeliani Camp
Masai Mara
Destination: Kenya.
The Masai Mara remains most famous for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration - undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary natural events on the planet. On this 3 night fly-in safari package, watch as the animals cross the rushing river waters, wrestling with rapids and currents while trying desperately to avoid the snapping jaws of hungry crocodiles. This is your chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other in Africa.
A 10 night trip staying for 3 nights on the edge of one of the world's New Wonders followed by a 7 night beach stay at one of Kenya's finest beaches at an award-winning hotel rated amongst the top 10 beach hotels in Diani.
This is a 10 night itinerary including Masai Mara and The Kenyan Coast.
*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.
Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.
Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 17 ratings
Ilkeliani was brilliant back in 2019 (hence us re-booking to go back this year), but this year it felt like it had shifted upwards at least two notches in terms of quality and service. It really was absolutely fabulous. The new tents are terrific, the staff were tremendous and the food was delicious.
C MALLENDER
Thank you for the excellent service provided, even more considering such a short lead time.
The camp [Ilkeliani Camp] was exactly what I was looking for, with the right balance of quality and service. Major advantage of the camp is the little bridge over the river that limits the reserve. This way, just by crossing it on foot to the vehicles on the other side, already in the reserve we are able to start the safari right away. By this we save a good 30m each way between the camp and the reserve, which is an extra hour for relaxing we have per day.
The balloon ride was also a success.
So overall I enjoyed a lot every moment.
I am surely recommending your services.
A SANTOS
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Ilkeliani Camp Location.
General Information For Guests
The tented suites are all en-suite with solar water heater showers, flushing toilets and bath amenities. They also have a verandah with a day bed and canvas safari chairs. All tents have an electronic safe.
The premium tented suites offer more spacious accommodation and have a separate sitting area.
The camp has a dining mess tent, bar, lounge and a viewing deck.
Activities that are available at Ilkeliani Camp include morning/afternoon game drives. Other activities (at an additional cost) include balloon safaris, walking safaris and community visits.
The camp offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
Credit cards are accepted at the camp (MasterCard and Visa).
Guests will be escorted around the camp in the day by either the guides or camp staff. At night the Masai watchmen will escort guests to and from the tents and patrol the area. Accidents involving wildlife are rare but guests should never wander out of the camp alone.
Ilkeliani firmly believes that tourism should benefit the ecosystem, the wildlife and the local communities. The camp operates fully on solar power, and helps guests live plastic free by providing refillable water flasks and plentiful water stations. The camp has a tree nursery and an organic vegetable garden, and eco-friendly systems are in place for recycling, kitchen operation and waste disposal. Members of the local community make up the majority of the staff, and many have been trained at the camp. Should guests wish to contribute further to local communities, Ilkeliani has partnered with Pack for a Purpose to supply goods to local schools, clinics and projects.
Popular Alternatives to Ilkeliani Camp
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Ilkeliani Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Ilkeliani Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
Ilkeliani was brilliant back in 2019 (hence us re-booking to go back this year), but this year it felt like it had shifted upwards at least two notches in terms of quality and service. It really was absolutely fabulous. The new tents are terrific, the staff were tremendous and the food was delicious.
