Tipilikwani Mara Camp

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Google reviews

• JCJoseph C.Google review · 29 Jan 2026

  We stayed at Tipilikwani for 3 nights in Jan 2026 to explore the Masai Mara. The Lodge is located about 15-20m drive from Talek Gate (but be warned, it's a bumpy road), and right across the Mara on the other side of the Talek river. The grounds are lushly set inside heavy forestation, with a stone path, giving a jungle-like feel. I specifically wanted a tented room to have a “glamping” experience, and Tipilikwani delivers on this; the bedroom features 2 queen-sized beds, dark wooden furniture, and African decor as accents. I particularly liked the dim light setup, because it adds a coziness to the room at night. Outside the tent is a patio space facing the sunset, where you could linger in the evenings and have a sundowner; the vegetation across from our tent was a little too thick to see the actual Mara and the animals though. The bathroom, however, is the rough spot, with discolored grout on the tiles, some permanent stains in the toilet, obvious mold, and a constant musty smell - I think the hard water likely contributes to a lot of the unpleasantness of the bathroom, but it doesn't give a clean impression. Be aware that there is no AC in the room (just a fan supplied); but across our 3 lodges in Kenya, none ever featured AC - because while noon temps might reach 85F, the nights cool down to the 60s, and the rooms can even feel chilly by morning. One interesting feature of the Lodge is a metal bridge that straddles the Talek River and into the Mara; you can easily just walk over and be amidst the animals since no one will stop you (but of course, officially you're not allowed to meander on foot outside of a vehicle in the park). This bridge was sometimes used for pickup and drop off by our guide, which was really convenient and time saving. There is also a medium sized pool, which no one ever seems to use and isn’t really staffed either. Lunch and dinners were served Ala carte style over 3 courses; I wasn't sure if this is always the way, or if the Lodge was just too underbooked to serve a buffet. Breakfast did feature a small-ish buffet, and interestingly, individual French press coffee per table. Overall the food was fine, not especially tasty or memorable. Staff seems to alternate between being very friendly (Dan in the restaurant, and the tall skinny night Masai chaperone come to mind), to apathetic and detached. Perhaps it's a cultural thing. Overall Tipilikwani is an ok place to stay, and convenient. But I think the tents show their age and are a bit rustic - the bathroom feels gross; while there are premium elements (e.g, the ala carte dining and the plethora of toiletries in the room), it's most certainly not a luxury lodge, so have the right expectations.

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• NGNitesh G.Google review · 15 Jan 2026

  Nice camp along the river. One entrance is within the mara park where you can cross a bridge on foot. Other entrance is getting outside the park. Excellent service by all the staff. Great food which can be customized by their delightful chef. Even packed lunches/ breakfast were customized for full day safari.

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• DFDanielle F.Google review · 24 Dec 2025

  Wow wow wow! I have been wanting to go to Kenya since 1989 and I was finally able to realize the dream this year! From beginning to end, our stay was amazing! The staff was phenomenal and our server, George, is now one of my favorite people! My husband and I are picky eaters and being in a different country on the other side of the world was a concern, but we didn't need to worry. The food was AMAZING and they packed our lunches for our safari drives as well. **But for full disclosure, keep in mind that food prep and storage is different than in countries where refrigeration is readily available in most homes so be aware of foods you would normally refrigerate and maybe opt out of those for the safari drives** While we were there, my husband did end up getting sick and the hotel staff was amazing, yet again. They came by the tent to check on him and made sure he was taken care of, complete with bringing him food. We also splurged for a bush dinner which was a romantic and unique experience. We were escorted by two security guards (a safety measure because of animals) to a spot about a 10 minute walk away. There was a beautiful table for two, a bonfire and a chef behind a huge table of food. It was quite the experience eating dinner in "the wild" hearing the animals roaring not too far away (though they said a lion's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away). The ONLY thing I would say could use improvement would be the lighting in the tent as it's rather dim, especially at night. And even then, I would only take away a quarter of a star. We definitely hope to be able to go back and will 100% be asking for George as our server again!

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• MDMakutiroofing D.Google review · 17 Dec 2025

  Tipilikwani Mara Camp delivers outstanding hospitality, comfort, and a genuine Maasai Mara safari experience. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking luxury, tranquility, and unforgettable wildlife adventures.

• LWLuis W.Google review · 27 Nov 2025

  Tipilikwani Mara Camp has a special place in my wife's and my heart. We have been in a couple of lodges throughout our Kenya Safari. However, Tipilikwani for us was the most special. The tents are big and offer a special luxury camping experience. The staff makes you feel very welcome with their friendliness and warmth. The food was delicious. Our caterers Samuel and Banard were especially good offering good drink, jokes to laugh with them and superb service. Our tent steward took very good care. The tent always felt like a little home next the Massai Mara. Thank you for that special experience and all the best from Germany:)

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