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Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp

About Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani, which means Young Maasai Warrior in the Maasai people’s Maa language, is a smart, elegant camp ...

... overlooking the Talek River, just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The camp has access via a private footbridge over the Talek river directly into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp's safari vehicles park on the reserve side, which puts it in a convenient location for game drives in the Sekenani sector of the reserve.

We really enjoyed our stay at Ilkeliani Camp and were pleasantly surprised with the standard of the tents. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

Our view

We really enjoyed our stay at Ilkeliani Camp and were pleasantly surprised with the standard of the tents. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

12 tents

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Ilkeliani Camp

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr W & Ms W + kidsfromNL

Arrived 5 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Ilkeliani Camp review"

"We had a great time here. The camp felt very well run. …" Read Mr W & Ms W + kids’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ryan & CarlyfromEdmonton

Arrived 18 Mar 2024, 4 nights

"Ilkeliani Camp review"

"Ilkeliani Camp was an overall amazing experience! …" Read Ryan & Carly’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Ilkeliani Camp reviews

Ilkeliani Camp: Our full report

Ilkeliani, which means Young Maasai Warrior in the Maasai people’s Maa language, is a smart, elegant camp ...

... overlooking the Talek River, just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The camp has access via a private footbridge over the Talek river directly into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp's safari vehicles park on the reserve side, which puts it in a convenient location for game drives in the Sekenani sector of the reserve.

Ilkeliani has a total of 12 tented rooms in two wings; the west wing on the left of the communal area has a total of four premium tents and the east wing on the right side has eight spacious standard tents. All the rooms overlook the Talek River, although views can be restricted by abundant vegetation.

The camp's main communal area consists of a large, open-fronted dining room or mess, and lounge area. The central lounge area is spacious, with a high ceiling and has several sitting areas with cream-upholstered sofas, scattered with cushions, wooden coffee tables and jute rugs, making for a lovely relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evening before dinner time. The lounge in front leads out to an open deck where there is a fire pit with directors’ chairs dotted around looking out onto the plains. At the back leading from the lounge area there is a well-stocked curio shop offering local handicrafts and safari gear. From here the path leads to the standard tented rooms and to the elevated observation deck area, offering sweeping views of the Maasai Mara plains.

The eight spacious standard tents are raised on wooden decks. The tents are well spaced out from each other and are furnished with wooden-framed beds and storage chests, bedside tables and lamps, cosy armchairs, writing desks, and canvas, stand-alone wardrobes with digital safes and free-standing fans for use on warmer evenings. The en-suite bathroom has twin cast iron wash basins and a shower, and complimentary toiletries. The deck at the front of the tent is furnished with two director's chairs.

One of the standard tents, plus the family unit (which consists of two tents with a living area in the middle) have access ramps making them accessible for wheelchair-users.

The four premium tents are away from the main communal area and offer more spacious accommodation with a separate sitting area, a writing desk and chair and a spacious wardrobe space behind the bed.

When Expert Africa was last visiting in 2023, they were constructing a swimming pool which will be a welcome addition when completed - though bear in mind water temperatures tend to be chilly at this altitude.

Spa treatments can be arranged at extra cost, with treatments taken on the balcony of your tent.

Activities at Ilkeliani focus on game drives, usually departing twice a day, at the crack of dawn, and again in the late afternoon. All-day game drives with packed meals can also be arranged. It is also possible to organise hot air balloon flights over the Maasai Mara and cultural visits to a nearby Maasai village.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
Spend three nights or more to ensure a good experience of the Maasai Mara eco-system
Directions
It is a 60-minute flight from Nairobi to Ol Kiombo airstrip in the Mara. From there, it is approximately a 30-minute drive to Ilkeliani Camp.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
During our last visit, we enjoyed an excellent dinner, preceded by pre-dinner snacks from a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. We had chicken nuggets with a sweet chilli dip and bruschetta. The dinner menu started with a choice of French onion soup or antipasti. This was followed by a choice of two non-vegetarian options (grilled lamb steak or pan-seared tuna steak) and two vegetarian options ugali (maize meal) with spinach, or vegetable noodles with Swahili kachumbari relish. We opted for the noodles. For dessert we still had room for mango crumble with custard, but we could have chosen grilled pineapple with ginger and honey.

Breakfast is either eaten in camp or taken as a packed breakfast while on your morning game drive - including fruit, yoghurt, pastries, and boiled eggs. Breakfast in camp always includes cereals and eggs to order.

For lunch there is a daily set menu with similar choice to dinner with more emphasis on salads.

Dietary requests and allergies are easily catered for with advance notice from Expert Africa at the time of your booking.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service can be arranged on request
Drinks included
Soft drinks, house beers, wines and selected spirits are included. Additional charges apply for premium spirits and wines.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions
Ilkeliani accepts children of all ages, however we recommend children should be over the age of 8
Special activities & services
Nature walks around the grounds, spear-training.
Equipment
There is no special equipment at the camp.
Generally recommended for children
Ilkeliani is a good choice for a family safari. The new swimming pool will be very welcome for older children, though please note no life guards are in attendance so children need to be supervised.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ilkeliani Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ilkeliani Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Cheetah

100% success

Eland

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Black Rhino

50% success

Leopard

50% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Striped Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
24-hour power, mainly by solar with a back-up generator if required.
Communications
Wi-Fi is available in the main areas only.
TV & radio
No TV
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Filtered water is provided for drinking in the tents.

Health & safety

Medical care
Staff have basic first aid training. There is a doctor based at Talek village nearby and the camp has access to the AMREF flying doctors service in case of emergency.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
The camp is unfenced, and askaris patrol the property day and night. After dark, guests are escorted to and from their tents.
Fire safety
Every tent has a fire extinguisher and staff have fire training.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry can be done at extra cost. Washing powder is provided in the rooms for washing underwear.
Money
Safes are provided in the tents.
Accepted payment on location
Extras can be paid for in cash (US dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling and Kenya shillings) or using major credit cards, with a nominal surcharge.

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Ilkeliani Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ilkeliani Camp.


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When to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ilkeliani Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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