Ilkeliani Camp
Save
Share
Masai Mara P.O Box 64196, Maasai Mara National Reserve 00620 Kenya
Full view
View all photos (536)536
Dining (46)
Room & Suite (43)
About
#50 of 165 Specialty lodging in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travelers' Choice
Nestled in a riverine forest in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the area is a favourite for elephants coming to drink from the Talek River. Ilkeliani camp consists of only 17 tents, each commanding views of the plains and the wildlife action throughout the day. The tented rooms are raised up slightly on earth mounds, overlooking the river and the plains. These mounds are covered in vegetation, and feel quite natural, and each one has been sited under its own cluster of shady indigenous trees and you do feel like you are out in the wilderness. The camp now has a suspension bridge for easy access to the reserve for early game drives
Read more
Property amenities
Free parking
Internet
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Room features
Safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
River View
Location
Full view
Contact
Masai Mara P.O Box 64196, Maasai Mara National Reserve 00620 Kenya
Getting there
See all nearby hotels
411Reviews14Q+A72Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 330
- 73
- 5
- 2
- 1
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
I spent 2 night at Camp Ilkeliani, and from the moment I saw the bridge I knew I was going to like this place. The staff there is very friendly and welcoming, especially Daniel, Eric and Sara. After checking in with reception, I was escorted to my tent by a Maasai warrior. The accommodations are very comforting and relaxing. The meals that were prepared were always delicious. The staff offers wake up calls, were you'll be greeted in the morning with your choice of coffee or tea. I always felt safe knowing there were Maasai warriors standing guard outside the tents. The observation deck is great way to enjoy a few cups of coffee as you watch the sun rise. The bar/lounge is a great place to unwind after a full day out in the Mara to enjoy an adult beverage and review the days pictures. Or to talk to the other guest and share experiences. I'm personally recommending this location to my friends that will be planning safaris in the near future. Ansate Sana!…
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
I stayed there with my 5 year old son for 2 nights. We loved the location - truly in nature. There are masais to help drop you to & from your room in the night. Our room was big, clean & with a Talek Review view. There is hot water facility, electricity at night, mosquito repellents. We also got mosquito nets on request. We had a wakeup call both the mornings that was accompanied by bed tea/coffee & biscuits. We had packed breakfasts for both the morning safaris. Our driver cum guide Patrick was just outstanding. He was well connected over radio phone & mobile phone with the others & was constantly on a look out for the big 5. We could see 4 out of big 5 (didn't see leopards). We were lucky to see a Rhino. The guide was very well aware of different types of animals / birds & shared his knowledge with us. We enjoyed the breakfast in the Savannahs! The entire staff - Mr Musa, Ms Silvia, Ms Diana, Mr Edgeon & all others were extremely helpful. The chef offered special preps to my son & the veg option was very good. I liked the set menu style. There was also a common terrace / viewing deck where one can just relax. There is a bridge that connects the camp to the other side of the Talek river where you board the safari vehicles. This saves a lot of travel time as you do the safaris. We also enjoyed the guided nature walk. For sure we will visit Ilkeliani again!!…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We stayed two nights at Ilkeliani and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff were very friendly and service was excellent. My husband had a coffee brought to the tent each morning. The location provides direct access to the Mara from a walking bridge across the river. The tents were very nice with a hot water bottle put in your bed each night. The Masai were always there to walk you to and from your tent in the dark so you felt very safe. The food was very good. I would definitely return.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I cannot say enough good things about my stay at Ilkeliani and especially about the staff. From the minute you walk in, you are taken care of and everything feels very seamless. The accommodations are great. It was my first safari so I have little to compare it to but private tents on the Talek River, hot showers, toilets, giant king sized beds and large tents with a seating area outside - not to mention turndown service, delicious food and plenty of security. The observation deck was great and allowed us to see many more animals. Sarah and Gideon were especially nice and took care of all of our needs. Highly recommend and would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We liked this camp. It's great asset is its staff, they were all very welcoming, friendly and efficient. Our safari guides were a pleasure to be with, they did everything they could to provide us with great wildlife viewing, cheetahs, lion, leopard, buffalo, and after a prolonged search black rhinocerous. So the big five in one trip. The guides also introduced us to many birds, many previously unseen by me. The location is excellent, all of the comfortable, clean tents, with good bathroom facilities are in their own secluded setting overlooking the Talek river, with a shaded terrace. Jimmy, the chef, provided good food. We were part of a group trip with Naturetrek. We had a wake up call each morning, then tea or coffee and biscuits, before crossing the Talek River at 06.00 hrs to the safari vehicles for the morning game drive. On most days we had a packed breakfast (a good packed breakfast) during the drive, returning to camp at about 11.30 hrs for a three course lunch. Then the afternoon was free until 16.30 hrs to bird watch in camp or use the observation deck or just relax. The afternoon game drive returned at about 18.45 hrs, in time for another three course meal at about 20.00 hrs. On the game drives we had the best viewing of cheetah that I have seen in 25 years of traveling in Africa. We like this place and we loved the people.…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: all tents have a river view, ask for a tent near public areas if mobility a problem
See more room tips
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
ALSO KNOWN AS
ilkeliani camp hotel maasai mara national reserve
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceMaasai Mara National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Ilkeliani Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Ilkeliani Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Ilkeliani Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Ilkeliani Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.