1st Trip to Kenya

Best Things Nearby:
Mombasa is about 15 miles away. The resort is right on the Indian Ocean, and only a few hours drive from Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks. Malindi is also easily accessible.

Best Things About the Resort:
The accommodations were very roomy. Everyone on staff was genuinely friendly and very helpful.

Resort Experience:
This was my first venture into the Third World and I was traveling by myself. The Royal Reserve is located on the beach and has a beautiful view.

If you are used to beach clubs with beautifully maintained sand and bathing amenities, you will be in for a surprise. I saw very few people actually bathing in the ocean while there . . . but the beach is good for nature walks and jogging. Be aware that once you step off resort property, many locals will want to follow you with the hopes of earning some money. The resort scheduled guided walks and tours with members of their staff so that guests would feel completely at ease.

In addition, I was able to schedule my safari to Tsavo through the resort. I also took an excursion to Mombasa and a day trip to Malindi.

The resort has two pools. One is large and well maintained and perfect for sun-bathing and playing. The other is a little smaller and kind of tucked away in the back, but it was perfect for me to swim laps every morning.

Not to be missed is the evening meal. A small on-site restaurant features a special menu each evening that ranges from steak Diane to filet of zebra. Again, the staff was always extremely friendly and attentive.

Keep in mind that the resort is off the beaten path. I spent two weeks here, and a large amount of time was spent just relaxing and unwinding . . . which was exactly what I needed. There was the right mix of excursions to keep it interesting.

If you have the need to be constantly in middle of the hustle and bustle, this may not be the right option for you.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Ever see the movie Out of Africa? Well this is exactly what we are talking about. A trip to Kenya would not be complete without a visit to at least one of the national oarks. I chose this two-day trip to the Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks because of their proximity to my timeshare. The staff at Royal Reserve made all the arrangements, and the tour company picked us up at the resort.

Aside from the ease of the arrangements, the trip itself was wonderful. The abundance of wildlife was simply amazing: everywhere we turned, we saw scores of elephants, zebras, and giraffes. We were able to get up close to a pride of lions while they napped under the shade of a tree. We saw hippos, crocs, antelopes, baboons, and even a leopard. About the only thing we were unsuccessful at spotting was a rhino.

In addition to the animals, the scenery in the shadows of Kilamanjaro was absolutely breathtaking.