Every November, Scenic Luxury Vacations invites our valued travel partners to embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Africa. This exclusive fam trip offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled luxury of Uganda and Rwanda. From the serene shores of Lake Victoria to the misty peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes, we explore a diverse range of high-end, luxury and mid-range accommodations, each offering unforgettable experiences.
Our annual fam trip to Uganda and Rwanda offers travel agents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Africa firsthand. By providing in-depth knowledge and firsthand experiences, we empower our partners to sell these extraordinary destinations with confidence and enthusiasm.
See the brief itinerary, what we did and the lodges we inspected.
Day 1: Early Arrival in Uganda, morning relaxation & afternoon Entebbe Exploration
Our adventure began in Entebbe, where we checked into Entebbe Forest Lodge – high end & some in Hotel Number 5. After a refreshing lunch, we started sight inspection in both accommodations. We continued our exploration of Entebbe, visiting local craft markets and learning about the rich cultural heritage of Uganda.
Days 2: Transfer Murchison Falls National Park
We embarked on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to experience the rhino trekking. Lunch in Masindi and then continue to Murchison Falls. – A highlight of the day was rhino trekking.
Days 3: Morning Game Drive & afternoon boat cruise.
We embarked on thrilling game drives, spotting a variety of animals, including lion, leopard, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. Afternoon boat cruise. A highlight of our stay was a boat cruise along the Nile River, witnessing the majestic Murchison Falls up close.
Lodges inspection: Nile Safari Lodge – High End & Anyadwe House – Luxury.
Day 4: Transferred to Kibale Forest National Park.
We visited the top of the falls & did a 45 minutes hike, later transferred to Kibale Forest National Park. A highlight of the day was visiting the top of the falls, a truly unforgettable experience with a moderately challenging hike that takes about 45 minutes. The reward is a breathtaking view of the falls from above, as the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We embarked on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure, coming face-to-face with these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, we explored different crater lakes & embarked Queen Elizabeth. A highlight of the day was coming face-to-face with these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
Lodges inspection: Kibale Lodge – High End, Papaya Lodge – Luxury & Chimpundu Lodge – Mid range.
Day 6: Game Drive & Private Boat Cruise.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. We embarked on morning game drives where we saw the big four (lion, lepard, buffalo & Elephant) and in the afternoon 2 hours Private boat cruise – we encountered hyeners, elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species. A highlight of the day was a private boat cruise & game drive.
Lodges inspection: Kyambura Gorge Lodge – High End, Buffalo Safari Lodge – Mid – Luxury.
Day 7: Transferred to Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth.
The Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned worldwide for its unique and captivating spectacle: tree-climbing lions. These majestic creatures defy expectations by scaling the branches of fig trees, offering a truly unforgettable sight for visitors. – unfortunately we’re unlucky!!
Why Do Lions Climb Trees?
Thermal regulation, predator avoidance, hunting strategy, & resting.
Evening: A sundowner experience was a truly magical way to end the day. As the sun began to set, we were treated to breathtaking views of the African savannah, painted in hues of orange and gold with glass of wine, juice, soda & other snacks & this was the highlight of the day.
Night – Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Luxury. Lodge inspection: Enjojo Lodge – Mid – range.
Day 8: Transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas.
Afternoon:
Visited the Batwa cultural community, a unique and enriching experience that offers a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. We had an opportunity to learn about their traditions, witness cultural performances, participate in traditional activities & visit a traditional Batwa village. We gained a deeper understanding of the indigenous people of Bwindi and contributed to their ongoing conservation efforts & this was the highlight of the day.
Nights – Mahogany Spring Mid Luxury
Day 9: Full Day Gorilla Trekking.
We embarked on a challenging but rewarding gorilla trekking adventure. Encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was a truly unforgettable experience – The Habinyanja gorilla family in Bwindi Buhoma sector is indeed one of the largest and most popular gorilla families to track. With its relatively large number of members (17), including 3 male silverback, 2 black back, 3 & 4 month baby gorilla youngsters and among others, it offered unique opportunities for incredible photographs and videos.
Lodge Inspection: Bwindi Lodge – High End.
Day 10: Fly to Entebbe / Drive to Rwanda.
– Uganda: A portion of the group concluded their Ugandan adventure with a domestic flight to Entebbe Airport. After a leisurely lunch at the serene Entebbe Forest Lodge, they prepared for their departure flight in the mid night.
– Rwanda For those continuing to Rwanda, we crossed the border at Cyanika and headed towards the Volcanoes National Park. We inspected the opulent Bishop House and Amarembo Lodge, as well as the mid-range 5 Volcanoes
Day 11: We explored the renowned One&Only Nyungwe House – High End, the luxurious Mantis Marina Bay & Cleo Kivu on lodge inspection. Back to Volcanoes.
Day 12: We visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a state-of-the-art research and education center in Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park.
Lodges Inspection: One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bisate Lodge & Reserve – High End and Virunga Inn – Luxury.
Day 13: Game Drive in Akagera National Park.
Lodges Inspection: Magashi Wilderness Camp – High End, Akagera Game Lodge – Luxury & Ruzizi Tented Camp – Mid range.
Day 14: Kigali City Tour.
We concluded our Rwandan journey with a city tour of Kigali, experiencing its vibrant culture and history of Rwanda.
Lodges Inspection: Retreat By Heaven – High End & Kigali Marriott Hotel – Luxury.
Day 15: Farewell and Future Adventures.
* The fam trip came to an end as participants departed for their respective countries.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the agents who joined us on this extraordinary adventure. We invite those interested in future fam trips to register with us.
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