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Meet Bernie Waruru of Cedar Springs MI

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernie Waruru.

Hi Bernie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Back in the States as an adult I shared my personal journey about my travel experiences to friends and others that were curious to know me  . Not everyone had my kind of experience growing up and I was happy to fill in those gaps. Folks would ask me to recommend vacation destinations, how to find affordable flights, hotels, local food, cultural expectations, navigating through language barriers –just normal questions that a traveler would be curious about. I did this as a passion and to bridge that geographical and cultural barrier that existed. It is that passion to tell  others  my story that adds another core foundation to launch Berngo Safaris.
When I moved to Michigan 12+ years ago with a son, it was not a smooth landing.  I had to go through challenges from experiencing intense winter weather and storms , homelessness and social isolation. This can happen at any new place you move to. I was able to overcome those challenges and start building my foundation in West Michigan . Failure was never an option . West Michigan has the most caring and giving people in Michigan. Corporate and personal donations in food banks & non-profits – those donations have helped millions of West Michiganders overcome homelessness , food insecurity , job placements and social isolation. I’m forever appreciative to every West Michigander for that.
The original Berngo Safaris story does not start in Michigan but in Delaware. I registered the business there then decided to open a new location in Nairobi, Kenya right at the center of the safari circuit in East Africa. As a rookie investor I had not done my due diligence about business  risks and financial intelligence. A year into my adventure, Kenya experienced the worst post elections violence . I pretty much lost everything and came back to the States pretty much broke and had to start over. I ended up in West Michigan . I had a young  son to take care of  -that  drove me to push harder  and overcome all the challenges.
I’m forever grateful to the West Michigan community for helping me keep my eyes on the prize with their support . To give back to this wonderful community I volunteer with the many non-profits like Kids Food Basket, Storehouse, Meals on Wheels , Amway River Bank Run and many others.
 I relaunched  Berngo Safaris II again in Cedar Springs, MI in 2023 to share my personal journey of the joy of travel,  offer authenticity- not as a middleman but someone who is familiar with the safari destinations, help with cultural , language and safety barriers.  We believe  that travel should be personal, meaningful, and responsibly delivered. My goal from the beginning was to help bridge cultures and create deeper connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. What started as a personal vision has grown into a trusted provider of customized safari and adventure experiences across Africa and Asia.
Over time, this approach and expertise has gained regional and national recognition, with opportunities to share my story and insights on WOODTV EightWest, FOX 17 Morning Mix The Shirley Irwin Show, where I’ve spoken about authentic safari travel, community engagement, and responsible tourism practices. We have been awarded recognition awards by the Cedar Springs Chamber of Commerce- Top Contender for the Success Superstar Award , Top 5 Travel Agency in Kent County by BusinessRate
Our clients have positive reviews about our services which we are grateful for. Hear what a guest says about their first African Safari with Berngo Safaris
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road . Starting any business is never easy . The thought of past failures and financial loss has always been there. Working a full time job and managing a new business  investment is challenging .  Wondering if the community is going to embrace your business when there are many other well established travel agencies and tour operators in the area that have built long term relationships. How are you going to compete with brick and mortar travel companies  that have support staffing , marketing, sales , technology teams ? How do you manage your budget to support payroll, sales, marketing and advertisements, technology, ..
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have worked with a major corporation for over a decade, gaining broad experience across manufacturing, operations, and people development. Throughout my career, I have served in roles including skill development trainer, equipment trainer, mentor, community champion, volunteer, safety trainer, and project management.

These responsibilities allowed me to contribute across both operational excellence and workforce development, with a strong focus on training, safety leadership, process improvement, and team performance. My experience centers on helping teams build capability, work efficiently, and uphold high standards of quality and safety. I apply these skills and experiences directly to the leadership and growth of Berngo Safaris.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with Berngo Safaris through travel partnerships, education, media collaboration, and community-focused initiatives. We actively collaborate with travel advisors, resellers, destination management companies (DMCs), tour operators, lodges, guides, and transportation providers who share our commitment to quality, integrity, and responsible tourism.

Beyond travel operations, Berngo Safaris welcomes collaboration with educational institutions and colleges for internships, experiential learning, academic tours, and study-abroad programs. We would like to partner with corporate organizations, nonprofit groups, religious organizations, and international organizations seeking to engage responsibly with local communities through volunteering, cultural exchange, capacity-building, and sustainable development initiatives.

We would like to work with content creators, storytellers, and news media to share authentic stories about travel, culture, conservation, and community impact. Additionally, we would like work organizations and institutions interested in establishing or supporting programs within local communities, helping bridge connections in a respectful and culturally informed way.

At the core of every collaboration is a shared goal: creating meaningful travel and engagement experiences that support local communities, protect wildlife and heritage, and foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Pricing:

  • Berngo Safaris does customized, tailor-made trips, so pricing isn’t fixed like a packaged tour. Instead, it depends on: 1️⃣ Destination & Route Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, Tarangire) Kenya (Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Rift Valley) Uganda (gorilla trekking) Zanzibar beaches South Africa, Botswana, Malawi Mongolia or China cultural + adventure segments Each destination has different park fees, entry permits, transportation costs, and accommodation tiers.
  • Duration of the Safari Cost changes significantly with: How many days you safari Whether you include beach add-ons, city stays, or multi-country routes Example tiers: 4–6 day safari 7–10 day safari + beach 2+ week expedition
  • We offer multiple levels of lodging, and pricing varies accordingly: Tier Typical Price Range Experience Budget / Basic Lowest cost Clean, safe lodges/camps Mid-Range Moderate Comfortable lodges/camps Luxury Premium High-end camps/lodges, prime locations Exclusive / Private Top tier Luxury tented camps, premier lodges Your lodging choices are one of the biggest cost drivers.
  • Transportation Private 4×4 Land Cruiser included with guide Domestic flights between parks (optional, often recommended) Airport transfers Boat transfers (where relevant) Costs vary per route and season
  • Guide Quality & Experience We assign experienced, knowledgeable safari guides — especially for wildlife spotting and interpreting animal behavior. This may reflect in slightly higher daily rates than generic guides. What’s Normally Included in Pricing A typical Berngo Safaris quote includes: ✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver/guide ✔ Park entry fees & conservation levies ✔ Accommodation (with meal plans where applicable) ✔ Airport transfers ✔ Unlimited drinking water in vehicle / at camps ✔ Guiding by experienced local guide ✔ Domestic flights (if recommended / included) ✔ Detailed pre-trip planning & support

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