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Ilkeliani Camp

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- River views
- Good value option
- Safari ambience

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Overview

Ilkeliani is an excellent mid-sized 17 tent camp in the Masai Mara with a nice safari atmosphere and a good choice if you are travelling by road to the Mara. Given the location (separated from the Park itself only by the Talek River which makes for fantastic views), the comfort and atmosphere, Ilkeliani is excellent value for money.

Ilkeliani is located in the Talek River area, arguably one of the most unattractive entrances to the Mara through a fast growing Maasai village. Usually we would avoid this area, but Ilkeliani is so well priced for what it offers that we feel it is a good recommendation. The location is probably the best in the Talek area, the camp feels well nestled in the bush, nicely sited away from the village on the banks of the Talek river with all tents overlooking the river (frequented by hippos). What is more, the Camp boasts a lovely suspended footbridge which means you can cross the river directly into the Reserve and meet your vehicle there, thereby avoiding having to enter the park through the village each day.

The accommodation tents and mess area are similar in feel and standard as many more expensive Camps. All tents have ensuite bathrooms and shaded verandas overlooking the river. There is a game viewing platform that overlooks the river and the Mara reserve, small shop and occasional candle lit bush dinners. The location means a minimal approach to a prime wildlife area in the Reserve.

Ilkeliani doesn’t have a swimming pool or family tents, but nevertheless is a great option for families because of its excellent value and its relatively central location to the Mara, meaning split morning and afternoon game drives can work, giving the kids time to unwind in the mid-day.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • We had the most incredible time thank you. We loved Karen Blixen camp and felt part of a family there, it was incredibly special. And Breezes was very relaxing.
    We can't fault all the transfers and the moment we were greeted on the tarmac at Nairobi airport we knew we were going to be well cared for.

    Thank you so much to you and all the Tourdust team for making it such a happy and memorable trip.

    MissingZoe A reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 27 August 2019

  • We had an amazing trip. Everything was well thought out and so much fun. What a great way to truly see the country and learn the culture.

    Joseph was the perfect guide. Very kind, professional, knowledgeable and patient. The kids loved Joseph and keep asking when will they meet him again. He found the Big 5 for us which was unforgettable! Please pass along our appreciation to Joseph.

    Maji Moto was also another incredible experience. They had great customer service and we loved experiencing their culture.

    Sunbird was absolutely beautiful and I wish we had more time there. We loved the view of the lake!

    One suggestion to make the trip even better for other guests in the future would be to have a cooler with drinks and snacks in the Jeep at all times because a ton of driving is involved and it would be helpful to have a cold drink and snacks during the long trip.

    Thanks again for organizing this experience of a lifetime for us!

    MissingBrandon H reviewing Maasai Family Adventure on 12 June 2019

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