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
Email Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience
7 days, 6 nights safari
Arrived early morning and got free transfer to our niarobi hotel.
Accommodation was basic, but very much fit for purpose and allowed easy access into the nature reserves (which is what you are here for!), electricity is in short supply in some of these areas so a battery bank is recommended as they only turn on the power for a few hours. Other than that the staff at each place were fantastic and we enjoyed each stay.
Food was simple, but very nice at each stop and accommodation. Primarily consisted of rice, potato, two types of vegetable, a meat dish and fruit for dessert.
Packed lunches were available vegetarian and gluten free!
Transport was well driven and comfortable. Our driver Martin was incredibly knowledgeable about Kenya and the animals we saw. He couldn't do enough for us.
Side trips:
Boat trip was ok , didn't see much wildlife and was $20 per person, BUT the hotel we sailed from fed the hippos in the lake which was incredible!
Cycling tour of hells Gate was beautiful with a gradual downhill for about 1.5 hours, then a gradual uphill climb back. You get to see zebras, giraffes and warthogs up close and see pride rock that lion King was based on.
Massai village was a fantastic experience, incredibly welcoming and interesting, with tours of there houses and traditional dance. Highly recommended.
National parks are incredible. It's the reason you go to these areas and they do not disappoint.
Expect your itinerary to change as a lot of people we met had last minute changes. Also there are NO evening game drives contrary to the itinerary.
In terms of value for money, I couldn't recommend this more, but roll with the changes, a lot of them the tour company has no choice about as they are doing it on a budget.
It's a trip of a lifetime.
MY
Email Wei Sheang | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything was well planned.
I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Kenya, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Bluerange Connect for their exceptional itinerary planning and unique travel experiences.
Email Lin T | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great budget safari company with good communication
Bluerange Connect are reliable, friendly and knowledgeable. We had great communication before & during our 6 day trip and the budget tour exceeded our expectations. Guided tours of the chosen game parks were excellent & our driver was very knowledgeable. The accommodation was very comfortable with our hosts giving clear & concise guide lines regarding times of power outages, dinner time etc. Limited Wifi was available at most camps. I can definitely recommend Bluerange Connect for an honest budget safari with great service
Email Frank Hanningtone | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional and understands the needs of his tourists.
I loved everything about them,from reception to hospitality. It is simply incomparable. Their charges are just robust.
I would choose Bluerange Connect over and over again.
Email Kenneth | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly Reccomended!! Superb Experience.
The Bluerarange connect is very reliable.My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to. The English of our private guide was excellent. Both the guide and driver were friendly and courteous, and they constantly plied us with free bottled .Everything was perfect and perfectly arranged.I was extremely satisfied with the services of Bluerarange Connect.
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