BCL taking clients on a safari
Bluerange Connect
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $115 to $350 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Matthew | under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely incredible tour company and guide!
Bluerange was an absolutely incredible tour operator and the guide was amazing! If you are planning to go on a Kenyan safari look no further, Bluerange truly is a great company and very affordable!
US
Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do it!!
We did the 8 day tour through Naivasha, Nakuru, Maasai Mara and Mombasa extension. We upgraded to the 'luxury accommodations' and also added on the hot air balloon experience.
Overall, this tour was definitely worth the money and we highly recommend to others.
Pros:
- the drivers provided were excellent. at one point, one of our drivers had a migraine and they arranged another driver for us and there was zero wait time and the driver with a migraine was able to get home. both of our drivers were vaccinated.
- Blue Range is quick to respond on the WhatsApp messenger.
- We wired the initial payment, then paid the rest with a travel reward card at his office in Nairobi. There is a transaction fee of 2% (I think!)
- Due to luck, we wound up being the only people in our safari car, so we essentially had a private safari.
- We saw the Big 5, plus many more animals. It was incredible seeing this all in person and hope you have good luck animal spotting as well!
- Do the hot air balloon tour!! This was our favorite thing. It also included a brunch on the bush which we were unaware of, it was really fun and we enjoyed meeting other people.
- the weather was perfect while we were there - light jacket in evenings and pants during the day were fine
- we took malarone just in case, but minimal mosquitos while there so that was a happy surprise
- initially we just upgraded one luxury accommodation, but then 2 others were upgraded for free because the original place was booked.
- everyone we interacted with was overall lovely
Cons:
- a lot of driving is involved. Bring snacks and something to do (i.e., a kindle or books to read when driving city to city). Also, driving and traffic rules are quite different than our experience in the US. We were fine but there were a few moments that felt a bit scary (traffic jam wise).
- there must have been a miscommunication re: our transport the the airport for our flight to the US and the driver charged us. The transport was supposed to be included, it was around $20 US. We had the cash so just paid.
- We weren't clear on a few things - be sure the read the PDF itinerary carefully. Our first itinerary said domestic flights were included, but then later it didn't include this. We had to book the flights. Additionally, due to the time we landed we had to book a hotel in Nairobi for the night. The Hilton Garden Inn was close, but we didn't realize we had to book this until we were en route to the DFW airport. It was momentarily stressful but we did appreciate a hot shower and a few hours of sleep before going off on our journey
- overall the places we stayed were great, the bathrooms at the Nakuru lodge didn't have working hot water, or perhaps we couldn't figure it out, but it was only one night and not a big deal to us
Other:
- bring money to tip your guides, waiters, etc. You can withdraw money upon landing in Nairobi. For the two of us we spent $400 USD (in Kenyan shillings) and it covered all tips, plus small incidentals. We didn't buy any curios or trinkets (just coffee). We overtipped on purpose due to the amazing service and understanding that tourism was really shut down with COVID.
- COVID testing in Mombasa was relatively easy
- Rules with COVID change fast, be sure to check you flight and country rules often. We overprepared with multiple copies of our negative tests and QR traveler code and I would recommend this.
- You'll be eating at buffets or prepared meals at the different resorts, overall food was good and lots of variety
- Our food was all inclusive at each place, at some places alcohol was and others it was not. Check your itinerary or inquire with Willis. The all inclusive at the Voyager Resort in Mombasa was fantastic. Another note - if you order water at dinner it may be charged, but you have plenty of access to water bottles with your driver.
- Read books by Kenyan authors before or while here - Anthony Bourdain's website has a great list to start with
- do the safari boat tour en route to Naivasha
- we skipped the village tour
- in Mombasa we hired a boat to go out to a water reserve, it was really fun
Email Zac K | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent and wonderful team!
Bluerange Connect team - very insightful and wonderful all through our trip to Sirville Lodge - Naivasha.
Excellent tour van, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Good coordination of events.
We would not hesitate booking with them again and again.
ES
Email Ferran & Julia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
8-day amazing Safari
The communication during all the process has been outstanding, responding to emails really quick and being flexible due Covid-19 situation and last minute changes which helped us a lot.
Also, the guide (Emmanuel) was amazing sharing with us his deep knowledge, spotting the animals with an incredible eye-sight and being respectful and caring of our wellbeing at all times.
Summarising, one of the best experiences in our life.
Email Doreen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was fantastic. I loved everything about the Kitengela glass nature walk.
It is awesome. You have good planning and you are organised
Email Judith | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best trip to Nani's art glass.
What an incredible experience we had. The trip was perfectly organized and the food was fantastic especially the meat,and then there was the leader very friendly, attentive to the group and had us laughing always. Crossing the bridge was scary and challenging but the views made it totally worth the effort. Honestly i cannot think of a way this trip could have been better.We were so well cared for.
Email Njambi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari i've ever had
Communication was well detailed...they lived up to my expectations.
Email Rose | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
You can never regret exploring with BCL.
They left me yearning for more trips with BCL . Excellent!
Email Jack | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dedicated team who ensured an exciting and successful safari experience
The staff at Blue Range Connect has earned my praise and appreciation through their ability to match my needs and requests to a comfortable and exciting safari experience.
My driver and guide Jims made sure that we had an unforgettable experience as we prowled the dirt paths across Kenya for 12 days. His knowledge, support and enthusiasm made this an unforgettable memory.
I cannot praise BRC enough. Check them out!
CH
Email Robert | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Money well spent
Communication was magnificent with Willis, who advised me about all the details before and after the tour. I’ve never been on a safari, so I didn’t have much expectations but I had one of the trips of a lifetime. I met some amazing people along the way, who I can now call my friends. The driver Maxwell is such an experienced driver, who knew the parks inside out. In addition, we always felt safe! At points or at the beginning you might think he drives very fast but that’s due to his experience and you’d rather drive fast on those safari roads than slow, trust me! Value for money is top notch and the extra things they do for you is incomparable with others. Definitely can recommend this company to anyone!
