Rating: Mid-range
Ilkeliani is a permanent tented camp by the Talek River, a short drive from the Talek Gate into the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, making it a superb safari destination. There is excellent game viewing all year, and in the months from July to October you have the added bonus of the annual wildebeest migration. Your driver-guide has the most up-to-date information on wildlife activity and plans each day's activities accordingly. Game drives can be combined with guided walks, Maasai homestead visits and balloon rides for a varied and enjoyable stay.
Accommodation is in 17 traditional safari tents, each providing ample space for relaxation and storage. You have your own viewing deck to the front, looking out across the river and plains, with chairs and a daybed set beneath shade. There is an en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower, hand basin and flush toilet, plus a supply of toiletries.
Socialse with other guests in the lounge or over a drink at the bar, or head out to the main deck where you can watch elephants by the Talek River. Meals are served in the dining tent and also outdoors, with dinner usually eaten by candlelight. The campfire is the focal point after dark, where guests gather to swap stories of the day's events and enjoy some star gazing.
The staff at Ilkeliani Camp are very welcoming and their friendly, professional service helps you feel at home.
Open: Ilkeliani Camp is open all year.
Location: Ilkeliani Camp is on the banks of the Talek River 4kms from the Talek Gate of Masai Mara Game Reserve. The nearest airstrip is Ol Kiombo, about a 25-minute drive from the camp.
Rooms: There are 17 guest tents, a mix of twins and doubles. Each has an en-suite bathroom with solar-heated water for the shower, a flush toilet and toiletries. All have private decks to the front with deck chairs and a daybed. All tents have an electronic safe. Maasai watchmen are available to escort you from and to your tent after dark.
Activities: The main activity is game drives in shared vehicles, with private vehicles available for an extra charge, all led by a local Maasai driver-guide. There is good game viewing all year, and from July to October the migration is at its peak in the Mara. You can take nature walks with a resident naturalist guide. Village visits and hot air balloon rides can be arranged, payable locally.
Facilities: The main areas comprise a dining tent, lounge, bar and viewing deck. The campfire is lit each evening and is gathering place for guests before and after dinner.
Dining: Meals are served in the dining tent and outdoors in the fresh air. Picnic lunches and sundowner drinks in the bush can be arranged.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access.
A 4x4 exploration of some of Kenya's top locations, including Amboseli, the Rift Valley Lakes and Masai Mara, staying in comfortable lodges and camps.
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0"Good food, excellent staff, good value for money, pity about the location. Ilkeliani camp not in the best position on the mara, spent a long time driving to wildlife sightings (Tribes reply: Ilkeliani is quite central, so often in the thick of wildlife, though at migration time much of the wildlife favours the river areas). "