Ilkeliani Luxury Tented Camp

Ilkeliani is a eco-friendly permanent luxury tented camp, centrally located in the Masai Mara. Camp environs have been intentionally preserved so as to feel as close as possible to nature. Ilkeliani has 15 tents with each guest tent positioned on the edge of the Talek River looking out onto the Masai Mara plains. Guest tents are also well spaced out thereby ensuring that guests have maximum privacy. Lighting is provided by solar power and all tents are ensuite with flush toilets and hot water showers 24 hours (we use a recycled by-product as fuel to keep the boilers hot).

Ilkeliani is the name given to the age group of the young Maasai warrior. The young warrior is thus an ilkeliani before he becomes the il Moran. To become a warrior is the dream of every Maasai youth; the word itself seems to convey magical powers. A warrior must be strong, clever, courageous, confident, wise and gentle Warriors enjoy great comradeship, sharing with one another everything from food to girl friends. In addition to the practical services they provide for the group they live among, warriors also add an immeasurable sense of excitement, adventure, and romance; without their songs, their poetry, their flirting, their bold masculinity, Maasai life would not be the same.  - Tepilit Ole Saitoti

The Ilkeliani experience is one enjoyed entirely under canvas, and a very personal affair... We accommodate a maximum of 30 guests at any one time. Personal attention and care is paramount to our service delivery. We offer two game drives per day with the proficient help of your private experienced driver/guide.

Privacy guaranteed!

Spacing of each guest tent was paramount, therefore tents are well spaced from the others ensuring you maximum privacy. Tents are large and airy with secluded verandas. Each tent has its own magnificent view of the Masai Mara plains. Safari and relax at your own pace We want you to enjoy your Masai Mara safari experience at your own pace. No rushing around game drives and no strict meal times, we offer you an open invitation to dictate your wishes to us.

Welcome to the perfect safari destination!

Kenya has few equals in terms of holiday destinations. A perfect temperate climate, a variety of landscape and quality of facilities and services on offer make Kenya the perfect holiday experience. You have the opportunity to holiday on the tropical beaches, climb snow-capped mountains, stay and travel through deserts, spend nights in the tropical rain forests and above all experience the excitement, the rugged beauty and the peace of the wildlife parks and reserves.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve is made up of a vast area of undulating grassy plains intersected by the Mara River and its tributaries - it is the jewel of Kenyas wildlife viewing areas. The Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard - can all be spotted in this reserve. One of the worlds marvels is the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration which takes place between early July - September in the Masai Mara \Game Reserve. This is when the wildebeest followed closely by zebra make their perilous migratory crossing from the Mara River into Kenyas Masai Mara Game Reserve after the long rains. An experience so unique, it is a must experience. During other months of the year you will spot herds of elephant and the big five are abundant in this Game Reserve. There are no extreme temperatures in Kenya, daytime temperatures range around 80F/ 26C and evening lows of around 58F/ 14C. All year round is a good time to safari in Kenya. The coolest months are July - August, with January and February being the warmest months. End October - November is short rains season, with short rain spells during the day and at night. Long rains usually fall from about April to mid May, during these months there are heavy showers during the day and at night.

The Maasai Peoples can be found dotted in red shukas (cloths used as loose clothing) traversing the parks, the Maasai roam freely with the wild animals. In fact the Maasai will travel long distances in search for pasture for their cattle, the wild animals have never deterred the Maasai from the National Parks.

Traditionally the Maasai are a cattle-keeping people. Cattle provide almost all their daily needs, milk and blood for drinking, hides for leather and meat on ceremonial occasions. The strong almost mystical bond the Maasai have with their cattle together with the fact that they inhabit a semi-arid environment, forces them to live a semi-nomadic life as they search for good pastures and water for their herds. Ownership of cattle is a sign of the Maasais wealth and prosperity.

Contact Details:

Africa Eco-Camps Ltd.
PO Box 64196 Nairobi
00620 Kenya
Tel: (+254) 20 3752889, (0)733 258120
Fax: (+254) 20 3752848