Ilkeliani Camp
Ranked in Best Safari Lodges in Masai Mara
About
Casual national game reserve lodge offering warm tents, plus a restaurant, game drives & free Wi-Fi.
Ilkeliani Camp is a camp in Masai Mara. It has tents, a restaurant, game drives, free Wi-Fi and butler service.
Highlights
- Wheelchair accessible
Google reviews
- Isabella S.Google review · 22 Oct 2025
Stayed 4 nights Aug25 It was luxury. What a wonderful place The attention to detail at this place was amazing. Camp grounds we beautiful. Our room over looked the Talek River, we was Zebras from our luxury tent & you could hear the hyenas at night. It had everything you needed & more. The staff were amazing, happy & helpful. Food was 5 star quality. Thankyou for a memorable time.
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- EricaGoogle review · 4 Oct 2025
We had a wonderful stay at Ilkeliani Camp and would highly recommend it. Our butler Felix was fantastic — very funny, friendly and always helpful, which made our experience even more enjoyable. The camp itself was extremely comfortable and welcoming. The food selection was excellent, with plenty of delicious options to choose from each day. Our tent was clean, spacious and cosy, making it the perfect place to return to and relax after long days of travel and incredible safari drives. One of the highlights for us was listening to the sounds of hyenas at night, which made the experience feel truly authentic and connected to nature. The only concern we had was that the bridge to access the camp is very, very slippery, especially after rain or morning dew. This could become a safety issue in the future, as someone could easily slip and fall into the river where hippos live or injure themselves. Installing non-slip matting or replacing the bridge would make access much safer. Overall, our stay was memorable and exceeded expectations, and we would happily stay here again on our next safari adventure.
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- Lisa L.Google review · 18 Sep 2025
You cannot fault this place. It was our absolute favourite of all our accommodation on safari. WOW, WOW, WOW. The service, accommodation, food and attention to detail was next-level. We felt like royalty. They were incredibly welcoming and couldn’t do enough for us. It had a lovely family feel to it. We appreciated the complimentary laundry service too. We didn’t want to leave. 5+++ stars from us. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Thank you VERY much Team Ilkeliana, you're amazing, Lisa, Craig, Mike & Jacqui (the Kiwis) :)
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- Lesley R.Google review · 16 Aug 2025
This place is incredible. Everything was exceptional including the wonderful staff, the stunning rooms, the wildlife..... I could go on and on. If you want a truely special experience spend your money wisely and book this place.
- Ashwin B.Google review · 4 Aug 2025
If you’re planning a trip to the Maasai Mara, Ilkeliani Camp is an absolute must-stay. Our recent stay here was nothing short of magical, an unforgettable blend of comfort, wildlife, and warm Kenyan hospitality. The location is perfect—right on the banks of the Talek River with sweeping views of the savannah. We saw wildlife from the comfort of our tent, including a hyena family with four pups right outside the camp and even crocodiles crossing the river. You truly feel immersed in nature while still enjoying complete safety and top-tier service. There was a masai security (Masek) stationed right in front of our tent all night. The game drives were phenomenal, expertly led by our guide Joseph, whose knowledge and tracking skills were exceptional. Every drive brought new surprises—from lion prides and cheetahs to elephants and the elusive leopard. The bush breakfast during our morning safari was a standout moment—imagine sipping coffee with huge herds in the distance! And the sundowner dinner under the open sky, was simply magical. The tents are more like luxury suites—spacious, beautifully appointed, and incredibly comfortable. Hot showers, cozy beds, and thoughtful touches made it feel like a five-star hotel in the wild. The hospitality was outstanding—from the warm welcome by Erik Kip and Frank and the front office team to the exceptional care by the restaurant staff, especially David, who made every meal memorable. The food was a pleasant surprise and every meal was Michelin quality, consistently excellent—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every meal felt curated and personal, with stunning views to match. The chef Noor has a great future. What truly sets Ilkeliani apart is the genuine warmth of the staff. Every person we met—from the housekeeping team to the guides—went above and beyond to make our stay special. You’re not just a guest here; you’re treated like family. Ilkeliani is the perfect blend of authentic safari adventure and modern luxury. We left with full hearts, incredible memories, and a one of the best experience we had. This place is a gem, highly recommended for anyone visiting the Mara.
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Location
Talek River
Masai Mara
Hotels via Stay22Affiliate link
Explore guides
Where to Stay in Masai Mara: Guide 2026
From $40/night budget camps to $2,750/night Angama Mara, the Masai Mara has accommodation for every budget. The Big Five don't care where you sleep — but your comfort, guide quality, and migration access vary enormously.
Read guide →Safari & WildlifeSafari in Masai Mara: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to plan your Masai Mara safari: getting there, what to expect, conservancies vs the main reserve, accommodation from budget to luxury, and timing the Great Migration.
Read guide →Safari & WildlifeKenya Safari Packages: Honest Booking Guide
A mid-range private safari with a local operator costs $300-400/day — 30-300% less than booking through international agents for the exact same lodges and guides. Here's how to book smart.
Read guide →Safari & WildlifeAngama Mara: Honest Review & Rates 2026
Ultra-luxury tented camp perched on the Great Rift Valley escarpment with Out of Africa views. At $1,850-2,750 per person per night, it's among Africa's most expensive — and most beautiful — safari properties.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
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