Ilkeliani Camp

lkeliani is an elegant oasis in the centre of the world-famous Maasai Mara and is situated in attractive setting in a glade on the banks of the Talek River in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The location is popular with the local elephant population who come to the river to drink. The redesigned camp Overlooking game-filled plains has stylish new tented suites, a selection of viewing decks, and a wealth of enticing activities.

Ol Kiombo airstrip is 25 minutes away from the camp and transfers are included. The camp offers some of the Mara’s best game-viewing, even directly from your own tent.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 along the sumptuous mess area, then unwind on a sunbed beneath the boughs of an acacia.

Accommodation

Ilkeliani’s spacious 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 Maasai 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 that opens to the outdoors, and have amenities made specifically for Ilkeliani from indigenous local plants. The luxury family suite, with a spacious living area between two bedrooms, is ideal for families or groups of friends.The camp offers a fusion of French and Italian cuisine with a hint of Africa. Using fresh organic produce and locally grown vegetables, the cuisine is a modern Kenyan take on popular European dishes. Meals can be served at the venue of your choice around the camp, on your private veranda, or out in the bush for that special safari experience.. The camp fire is lit from 6 pm onwards and safari experiences can be shared with fellow guests while enjoying a relaxing drink.

Activities

Game drives are taken in proper off-road 4×4 vehicles with experienced Masai driver-guides who have an intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. Ilkeliani also has a resident naturalist who conducts daily nature walks along the Talek River and guests can learn how to identify various animal tracks and birds. The camp offers cultural excursions to the local Maasai village to help guests discover more about the local tribe and their way of life.Ilkeliani employs local Maasai driver-guides who are highly trained and have an instinctive talent for tracking and spotting game. The guides are happy to share their cultural background and may even take you outside the reserve to visit their Maasai homesteads, depending on your day’s game viewing schedule.Days are planned by the driver-guides, who are in the best position to know where the animals are that day, including where the last crossings were made, whether there are new resident lions in the area or nomad lions passing through.