Ilkeliani Camp

Plenty of wildlife & exclusive access to the Masai Mara at this luxury riverside camp.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most iconic safari settings on the planet, not least for being at the heart of the Great Migration when more than two million animals traverse borders and rivers in search of good grazing. Refurbished...

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Ilkeliani Camp

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most iconic safari settings on the planet, not least for being at the heart of the Great Migration when more than two million animals traverse borders and rivers in search of good grazing. Refurbished and better than ever, Ilkeliani Camp sits beside the Talek River, just a few kilometres beyond the official boundary of the famous reserve. Surrounded by woodlands, water, and the wildlife that draws so many travellers to the region, it's the perfect spot to camp out for a while. Expect spacious tented accommodation, warm Kenyan hospitality and of course, excellent game viewing.

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From $460 person/night

Camp

12 Tents

Masai Mara National Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya

What you'll love

One of the wonderful new additions at Ilkeliani is a suspension bridge leading straight into the Masai Mara. You won't have to wait in any lines to see the reserve at dawn.

Insiders tip

Ilkeliani now offers a tent designed for families and one for visitors with specific mobility requirements - be sure to ask when you book.

Something to think about

Peak migration season is generally from July to October; come near the end of it to get the best of the best.

The property

The main areas are scattered over multiple levels and include several places from which to enjoy the river views over a meal off the superb menu. The lounge, furnished in a comfortable, unfussy style, is a fine place to linger; choose your own cosy corner, or head to the dining room's long tables for a convivial gathering, after which a chat around the fire is obligatory. Whether it's the river, bar or sundowner deck, you'll have the perfect perch to watch a never-ending parade of elephant, buffalo, baboon and other passersby.

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The rooms

Twelve tents are strung out on wooden decks along the river, promising striking views into the Masai Mara and the utmost privacy. They tents are spacious and immaculately designed with plenty of foldaway flaps for excellent airflow. Out front is a furnished deck with sun loungers for between-activity game viewing or siesta-ing. Inside, a double bed is made up with quality linens and surrounded by mosquito netting. Running the length of the tent, you'll find an en-suite bathroom, which consists of a flush toilet and solar-heated shower.

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Activities

Cultural

Bush Walks

Night Drives

Walking safari

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Game drives will likely yield the best up-close encounters with wildlife, although guided walks in select areas add another rewarding dimension and emphasise the small-in-size (plants and insects and birds) that deserve closer examination. A hot-air balloon ride offers an extraordinarily privileged view of the landscape and the action. Of course, the Great Migration is the big draw here, meaning not only herds of herbivores, but the predators that follow them: lion and leopard, cheetah and hyena. Untold action awaits...

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Reviews

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About Masai Mara

Masai Mara

A safari classic filled with the Big Five, wildlife-dotted landscapes and vibrant Maasai warriors.

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Wildlife in Masai Mara

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Abundant

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

Occasional

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Occasional

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

The Masai Mara is Kenya's flagship conservation region: a place of rolling plains, bush scrub and acacia thicket— known for the seasonal great wildebeest migration, a mass movement of more than two million, wildebeest, zebra, kongoni, topi and gazelle. As exciting as this phenomenon is, there is so much more to this wilderness. Encounter elephants, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, crocodiles and a variety of cats including lion, cheetah, leopard and the shy serval during a stay in these parts.

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