Ilkeliani Camp

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Ilkeliani Camp has an 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. Guests enjoy an “under canvas” experience of the African bush but with modern comforts and great levels of service. 

 

 

 

 

Ilkeliani is located 4km downstream from the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Talek Gate and is centrally positioned to explore the game-filled reserve. 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 camp accommodates a maximum of 30 guests at any one time and it prides itself on its personal service and attention to detail. 

 

 

Ilkeliani camp consists of only 17 tented rooms, each commanding views of the plains and the wildlife action throughout the day. Each guest tent provides a pleasant retreat with attractive furnishings and private en suite facilities. The tents have a raised position under vegetation and overlook the Talek river and surrounding landscape. Each tent has been carefully sited under its own cluster of shady indigenous trees giving guests a true feel of being out in the wilderness.

 

The chefs prepare high quality meals including hearty breakfasts, alfresco lunches and candle light dinners in the Mess Tent. Picnic breakfast / lunches can be prepared if you prefer to stay out and explore the reserve all day long. The camp fire is lit from 6 pm onwards and safari experiences can be shared with fellow guests while enjoying a relaxing drink.

 

 

Game drives are taken in proper off-road 4x4 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.