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 Stephanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Geoffrey always had a pleasant, professional attitude and was a very skilled driver.
Wow! We had such a fantastic time. It was very easy to communicate with the company via email and WhatsApp. They always responded in a timely manner. There were issues with our visas and the company did a great job accommodating our new travel plans.
Every detail of our itinerary was fulfilled. The accommodations, meals/beverages, and game drives were all as outlined in our itinerary.
Geoffrey did a great job talking to us throughout the tour. What I really loved was at the beginning of each day, we were reminded of our plans for the day to make sure we were still satisfied with them. At the end of each day, we were briefed on what to expect the following day. His communication throughout the tour made things very enjoyable and relaxing. During the game drives, he always asked if the views/positions were sufficient. Before moving on, he always made sure we were done looking around or taking pictures. Before exiting the park, he asked if we were satisfied with our game drive. He played tasteful music during the drives between parks, and the man can REALLY drive! You feel very safe and secure. His jokes and delivery of information were always very tasteful. Don’t forget to give your guide a gratuity if you are happy with the experience. Just any amount to say thank you, as long as it comes from the heart. :-)
The company was very transparent with the costs. There weren’t any unexpected or hidden fees. We ended up adding a few activities to our tour, but we were aware of the extra costs.
The Safari was a SPECTACULAR experience that I would do all over again with this company.
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!
CA
Email D. ROUSSEAU | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A life experience !
Wonderful safari ! Exceptional service ! Everything perfect ! From the shuttle from/to the airport to the talented drivers (Felix was just amazing, knowledgeable and dedicated to the clients. He made more than expected to bring the Big Five miracle happen. ) And we did saw it all !. On the admin side, Willis was always there in the organisation process to answer our questions and help make this trip a real success. A real pro team.!
Email MARY | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
CUSTOMER FRIENDLY AND FAMILIAR WITH MOST PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE PARK
THE TOUR OPERATOR HAD PROGRAMMED THE TOUR QUITE PROFESSIONALLY AND WE VISITED MOST PLACES OF INTEREST. THE AIR BALLOON WAS THE MOST EXCITING AND I WOULD DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.
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Email Jean | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Big 5 in less than 2 hours
Willis was very patient with me from the very beginning of our planning. He also was prompt in his responses and provided every detail needed to make our 2 day excursion a memorable experience.
Our driver Ken was awesome. Upon entering the national park we were able to see the rare black rhino and he expressed how lucky we were to see it. Could be luck or just impeccable timing but either way Ken was able to get us to see all 5 of the Big Five within 2 hrs of arrival to the park. The experience was amazing.
Our stay at the Keekorok Lodge was superb. Awesome guest services, good food and as a bonus you get to hear and see the hippos nearby.
Overall it was a fantastic experience that would be challenging to get anywhere else. Especially coming from the US. My family (pregnant wife, 1 y/o & 6 y/o) and I had a great time.
Don't hesitate like I did and just go for it. You won't regret it!
US
Email Carissa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great value!! Amazing animal viewing but company seemed disorganized.
PROS: Great value! The cheapest tour we could find in Kenya and we saw all the same sites! Our guide made great use of the radio network to find the most amazing animals!!! We literally saw every animal you could think of - in one day in the Masai Mara! Literally EVERY animal, including endangered and rare animals. Sami knew where to go to find everything, including the elusive and amazing dik-diks.
CONS: Company seemed disorganized. We were passed around a lot before the tour started and it felt chaotic and unsettling. They changed our itinerary to add 2 guests for the weekend, which resulted in a lot of backtracking on the dangerous Kenyan highways. Our guide was fairly quiet and answered questions when we asked, but spent a lot of time on the radio with guide friends. Every day was a long driving day.
Overall: Great value and worth the cons for the cost.
CA
Email Murali Murthy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bluerange Connect - The safari lasted 10 days. The memories will last a lifetime!
Great company with some exceptional, large-hearted people - that in a sentence sums up Bluerange Connect.
Thank you Willis and everyone at Bluerange Connect for giving us a wonderful experience.
From the time we landed at the Airport at Nairobi till we flew back 10 days later - we were taken care of and everything was meticulously arranged by Bluerange Connect.
Also special thanks to our guide Alex who went out of his way to make our trip smooth and value-packed. Alex was extremely flexible and literally customized our itinerary. Thank you everyone - it was a dream experience and far exceeded our expectations.
From the fabulous game lodge choices, the comfortable accommodations, sumptuous meals, excellent game drives. and more, we appreciate their eye for detail. We highly recommend Willis and Bluerange Connect.
Dear Willis - we are overwhelmed by your hospitality.
Thank you my friend.
Asaante Saana!
Email Meg | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent services
Awesome experience. Had little my 2 kids n they were so understanding n accommodative.
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 Gregory | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Its was the best tour ever
The tour van came on time we had fun the food was okey the management team was friendly
