Finding the Y - The Inspiration behind ‘Travel the Y Way Uganda’

By Yvonne Verstandig

For over 25 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of luxury travel, crafting bespoke experiences for discerning travellers. Throughout my career, I’ve stayed at the finest hotels and visited the most exclusive destinations. In 2017, I spent a month in East Africa (including Uganda) with my family celebrating a milestone birthday. This experience was incredibly rich on many levels and marked a turning point in my understanding of the power of travel. It didn’t just change the way I viewed the world; it shifted the trajectory of my career.

The following year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a week-long experiential retreat in Norway. “Pure Pursuit” (PP), an invitation-only retreat, combined bespoke adventures with innovative business sessions. It was designed to inspire creative thinking within the luxury travel industry. PP brought together a select group of industry leaders, offering a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Pure Pursuit took us through Norway’s dramatic landscapes, with immersive activities such as kayaking, cycling, ski touring, jet boating and camping right at the edge of a fjord. These experiences were crafted to spark creativity and encourage stepping away from traditional office environments. We engaged in open discussions on emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in travel while fostering deep reflection and meaningful connections.

I had always taken pride in crafting exceptional experiential journeys for my clients but my time in East Africa revealed something deeper. Pure Pursuit then gave me the inspiration to turn my dreams into reality. It wasn’t just about five-star accommodation or Michelin-starred restaurants anymore; it was about travel that nurtured connection, purpose, and impact. That’s when my mission to redefine luxury travel became clear – continuing to embrace comfort and style, but with a renewed sense of purpose. This vision led to the creation of the eight Y Factors – the ‘pillars of passion’ that form the foundation of my travel ethos – and ultimately inspired the launch of Y Travel.

Around the same time, my childhood friend Suzy Zail was forging her own deep connection to Africa, particularly Uganda. A former family litigation lawyer, Suzy is now a full-time author and an incredibly inspiring woman driven by social justice and a passion for empowering young voices. Her internationally published novels have been shortlisted for numerous awards.

Suzy was inspired to write her novel I Am Change shortly after the 2014 abduction of 200 Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram, a group violently opposed to girls’ education. Suzy wanted to help—not just the 200 girls abducted, but the millions of others across Africa who were being kept out of school. In researching the story Suzy travelled to Africa and consulted with young Ugandan girls and women, spending time with them in their homes and schools. I Am Change, despite its sometimes confronting subject matter, is ultimately a hopeful and empowering story of a young girl finding her voice, and the strength to fight for change. Since its release in 2019 Suzy has donated over 10,000 books to girls in need through her charity #GiveAGirlABook, and raised funds for organisations we will visit on our journey, through Help Girls Learn Uganda.

Driven by our shared passion for positive change and our love for the beauty and people of Uganda, it was only natural that Suzy and I joined forces, combining my expertise in luxury experiential travel with her dedication to empowering Ugandan girls. Together we created a unique, purpose-driven itinerary that not only showcases the best of Uganda but also makes a tangible difference in local communities. Suzy’s deep connections and insights have been invaluable in shaping this journey. Participants will meet some of the incredible people who have inspired Suzy's work and witness the impact of her humanitarian initiatives firsthand.

Our first departure was planned for May 2020, but like many things, it was postponed due to the pandemic. Now, after almost five long years, we’re finally bringing Travel the Y Way – Uganda to life once more, and can’t wait to share this journey with a small group of like-minded women. Our Uganda journey encompasses all eight of Y Travel’s Y Factors – Adventure, Artistry, Culture & Community, Generosity, Nature & Sustainability, Taste, The Unexpected, and Wellbeing. Each day is thoughtfully designed to incorporate these elements, ensuring a holistic and transformative travel experience.

Here’s just a taste of what you can expect (we’ve kept some surprises up our sleeves!) on our 'Travel the Y Way' Uganda journey:

High-End Accommodations: We’ll be staying at some of Uganda’s finest properties. Enjoy six nights at the sophisticated Latitude 0° in Kampala, three nights at the luxurious Kulu Ora tented camp in Murchison Falls National Park, and an option to extend your time in Uganda with a two night stay at the stunning Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Cultural Immersion: Connect with local artists, fashion designers, and tribal communities. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in workshops and engage in conversations with some of Uganda’s leading female changemakers.

Wildlife Encounters: Experience the thrill of open-top Land Cruiser safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (if you stay on for the Bwindi National Park).

Making a Difference: We’ve partnered with local organisations such as 'Concern for the Girl Child' to support the empowerment of Ugandan girls and women. You’ll participate in awareness walks, visit schools, and contribute to meaningful community projects.

Culinary Experiences: Savour the flavours of Uganda through carefully curated dining experiences, from local specialties to gourmet meals at our luxury accommodations.

Wellness and Reflection: Amidst our full itinerary, we’ve built in time for yoga and relaxation & reflection, allowing you to fully absorb and process the experiences of each day.

What sets this journey apart is the seamless blend of high-end travel with a deep sense of purpose. You’ll enjoy all the comforts and luxuries you’ve come to expect from a Y Travel experience, with the added satisfaction of knowing your journey is making a positive impact on the communities we visit. As we travel through Uganda, we won’t just be exploring its breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife, we’ll also be immersing ourselves in the stories of its people. It’s about becoming a conscious traveller, not just a tourist, and finding your own purposeful travel ‘Y’.

I’d love for you to join Suzy and myself in Uganda. To find out more, and to secure your place on this life-changing journey, please reach out to me directly at yvonnev@ytravel.world or 0418 561 352. Let’s make a difference together.