How to Deal with Language Barriers When Traveling in Africa

How to Deal with Language Barriers When Traveling in Africa

How to Deal with Language Barriers When Traveling in Africa

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Africa is a continent renowned for its rich tapestry of cultures and languages, which can pose a significant challenge for travelers due to the multitude of language barriers. However, there are several effective strategies that can help you overcome these obstacles and ensure a successful trip. Below, you’ll find valuable tips to navigate language barriers while traveling in Africa.

  1. Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in the local language: Demonstrating respect for the local culture and facilitating communication with the community can go a long way. Even learning a few simple phrases can greatly assist you. Here are some examples of common greetings in various African languages:
     – Zulu: Sawubona (Hello)
    – Arabic: Marhaba (Hello)
    – Malagasy: Salam (Hello)
     – Swahili: Karibu (Welcome)

  2. Utilize translation apps: Numerous translation apps, such as Google Translate, iTranslate, and Papago, can prove invaluable during your travels in Africa. These apps offer translation for text, speech, and even images.
  3. Use gestures and body language: Even without knowledge of the local language, you can effectively communicate with locals by employing gestures and body language. This method is particularly helpful when ordering food, seeking directions, or bargaining for souvenirs. For instance, when requesting directions, you can point in the intended direction and mimic a walking motion with your hands.
  4. Exercise patience and understanding: It is crucial to maintain patience and understanding when faced with language barriers. Keep in mind that locals may not be fluent in your language either. If faced with communication difficulties, politely request repetition and consider using simpler language or gestures to convey your message.
  5. Embrace the possibility of making mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. Do not hesitate to engage with locals, as they often appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language. Laugh off any errors and continue trying. 
  6. Seek the assistance of a translator: If you encounter significant communication challenges, consider employing the services of a translator. Translators are often available at tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants. Alternatively, you can hire a private Guide who will act as a translator to accompany you during your trip.
  7. Embrace creativity: When communication becomes challenging, be prepared to think creatively. This might involve using charades, sketching pictures, or employing Google Translate to translate images. For instance, if you need to ask for the location of a bathroom, you can draw a picture of a toilet or utilize Google Translate to translate the word “bathroom” into the local language.
  8. Maintain an open-minded attitude: Do not expect locals to speak your language fluently. Stay open to the possibility of adjusting your communication style. For example, when conversing with someone who has limited English proficiency, speaking slowly and clearly may be necessary.
  9. Enjoy your journey! Traveling in Africa is an incredible experience, regardless of your language proficiency. Relax, exercise patience, and savor the adventure.
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool

Additionally, here are some further suggestions for dealing with language barriers when traveling in Africa:

 

  • Conduct thorough research before your trip to familiarize yourself with the local language and culture. This will enhance your understanding of contextual interactions and facilitate communication with locals.
  • Always approach communication with respect for the local language and culture, refraining from making offensive or insensitive remarks.
  • Remain flexible, as travel plans may not always unfold as expected, particularly when language barriers are involved. Be prepared to adapt and go with the flow.
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

By adequately preparing and applying some effort, you can surmount language barriers and enjoy a successful trip to Africa. Language should not hinder you from exploring the continent, which offers countless wonders to discover. Remember to remain patient, employ creativity, and approach your interactions with an open mind, guaranteeing a fantastic experience throughout your journey.

Zambia - Giraffes
Zambia - activities
Zambia - Restaurant

Ready to embark on your dream luxury adventure in Africa?

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What Our Clients Say

Brendan Magauran
Brendan Magauran
2024-04-14
Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.
Ellen H.
Ellen H.
2024-04-12
We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!
Pablo Berenbaum
Pablo Berenbaum
2024-03-17
Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !
Faisal Alaali
Faisal Alaali
2024-03-13
I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!
Manuel D
Manuel D
2024-03-08
Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.
Monica C
Monica C
2024-03-08
Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!
Gustavo Rivera
Gustavo Rivera
2024-03-05
Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!
Violeta Rivera
Violeta Rivera
2024-03-05
Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!
Lizbett Arevalo
Lizbett Arevalo
2024-02-26
If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏

Jet Lag Solutions for a Memorable Luxury Vacation in Africa: Expert Tips

Jet Lag Solutions for a Memorable Luxury Vacation in Africa: Expert Tips

Jet Lag Solutions for a Memorable Luxury Vacation in Africa: Expert Tips

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Embarking on a luxury vacation to Africa requires careful consideration of the challenges posed by jet lag. The vast contrasts of this beautiful continent, coupled with long-distance travel, can disrupt your sleep patterns and energy levels. However, with a few smart strategies, you can effectively manage jet lag and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa.

  1. Adjust Your Schedule: Preparation is key to mitigating the effects of jet lag. Gradually adjust your sleeping schedule in the days leading up to your trip. If traveling east, retire an hour earlier each night for several nights before flying. Conversely, if traveling west, delay your bedtime by an hour. This gradual adjustment helps align your body clock with your destination’s time zone.
  2. Hydration is Vital: Stay hydrated throughout your journey. Drink plenty of water and limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration. Adequate hydration will help combat the fatigue and discomfort associated with jet lag.
  3. Embrace Natural Light: As soon as you arrive in Africa, seek exposure to natural sunlight. If you arrive during the day, spend time outdoors, taking a leisurely walk or simply basking in the sun. If you arrive at night, make an effort to stay awake until morning, allowing your body to absorb natural light and adjust to the local time.
  4. Avoid Daytime Napping: Resist the temptation to nap during the day, as it can disrupt your sleep patterns. If you feel fatigued, opt for a short power nap of no more than 30 minutes. This will help rejuvenate you without interfering with your nighttime sleep.
  5. Utilize Melatonin Supplements: Consult your doctor about the potential benefits of melatonin supplements. These over-the-counter supplements can assist in regulating your sleep-wake cycle and reducing the impact of jet lag. However, it’s important to seek professional guidance before incorporating them into your routine.

Jet Lag Biohacks

 

Here are a range of biohacks to aid in adjusting to new time zones. Consider incorporating these into your routine:

 

  • Wear blue light-blocking glasses in the evening to minimize exposure to blue light, which can disrupt your body’s natural melatonin production.
  • Take a refreshing cold shower before bedtime to help reset your circadian rhythm and promote better sleep.
  • Listen to binaural beats, a form of sound therapy known for improving sleep quality. Explore online resources or dedicated apps for binaural beat recordings.
  • Practice light therapy by utilizing a light therapy box or spending time outside in the morning to stimulate your body’s natural wake-up response.
  • Exercise, Fast, and Maintain Optimal Nutrition: Engaging in regular exercise can improve sleep quality. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may hinder your ability to fall asleep. Consider intermittent fasting, as it has been shown to enhance sleep quality and reduce inflammation. Additionally, ensure your diet includes magnesium and zinc-rich foods or consider supplements, as these minerals promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool

Jet Lag Tips Summary

By following these tips, you can effectively manage jet lag and enjoy an exceptional luxury vacation in Africa. Remember to:

 

  • Ease into the new time zone by adjusting your sleep schedule beforehand.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Seek natural light exposure upon arrival.
  • Refrain from daytime napping to promote restful sleep at night.
  • Explore melatonin supplements with medical guidance.
  • Incorporate biohacks to aid in sleep regulation.
  • Exercise regularly, consider fasting, and maintain a balanced diet.
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

Mitigating jet lag is crucial to fully embrace your luxury vacation in Africa. By implementing these expert tips, you can seamlessly transition into the local time zone, allowing for optimal enjoyment of the awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences that Africa has to offer. Prepare wisely, prioritize self-care, and savor every moment of your African adventure.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your personal physician before making any changes to your sleep patterns, using supplements, or implementing biohacks. Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The tips and suggestions provided are based on general knowledge and experiences, but individual circumstances may vary.

Zambia - Giraffes
Zambia - activities
Zambia - Restaurant

Ready to embark on your dream luxury adventure in Africa?

Fill out the form and together we will craft a personalized itinerary that perfectly matches your preferences and desires.

Step 1 of 3

Starting Date of the Trip?
Select the date you'd like to go on a trip.
Ending Date of the Trip?
What is your estimated budget for the trip?
Select type of trip you are interested in.

What Our Clients Say

Brendan Magauran
Brendan Magauran
2024-04-14
Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.
Ellen H.
Ellen H.
2024-04-12
We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!
Pablo Berenbaum
Pablo Berenbaum
2024-03-17
Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !
Faisal Alaali
Faisal Alaali
2024-03-13
I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!
Manuel D
Manuel D
2024-03-08
Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.
Monica C
Monica C
2024-03-08
Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!
Gustavo Rivera
Gustavo Rivera
2024-03-05
Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!
Violeta Rivera
Violeta Rivera
2024-03-05
Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!
Lizbett Arevalo
Lizbett Arevalo
2024-02-26
If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏

The Pondo Trail

The Pondo Trail

The Pondo Trail

Blog post with #NANANtravel
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We recently did the Pondo trail, one of the most scenic and beautiful trails in South Africa, the planning started almost a year before when our friend asked if we would join them on a trail, he knows us very well so he knew it had to be a fully serviced trail, what do I mean by that? Well, firstly, we needed someone to help carry our bags, definitely not sleeping in tents. Secondly, we wanted food cooked for us and obviously, drinks, so, yes! The Pondo trail is just like that, you carry a small bag with whatever you might need during the day, basically a water bottle, a long sleeve sweatshirt or jacket just in case, preferably a rain jacket, snacks, and sunblock, that is what I had in mine. 

The way the trail works, you start from Mtentu, just outside Port Edward, this can be, by road, a couple of hours on a bumpy road, or by boat, if the sea conditions are good, now, to get there you fly to Durban, we spent the night before there and then met everyone at the airport to start the 3-hours drive to the Estuary hotel in Port Edward, where we spent the night, next morning we go on a 2-hours drive to the starting point of the trail, some people were very lucky, actually, just Jan, because one of the guys doing the trail didn’t want to do all the driving so he went on a Helicopter and since they charge for a minimum of 2 people Jan got to go with him. We all met at the edge of the Mtentu river mouth and the adventure started with us going across the river. No, we didn’t swim, and although a few of the guys did, we went on a Kayak. 

Day 1. (15km)

We start the trail and it’s all very exciting and fun, within 45 minutes of starting we find a waterfall and we jump in the water, then we keep going, we stop for lunch at a very nice natural pool, now, the first dat we walk across a nature reserve so although we didn’t see any, we could have seen some wildlife, wait, we did se Zebras. 

Day 2. (18km)

Now, we are out of the nature reserve, and I have to admit, it was the less exciting day of the 5, the landscape was pretty much the same all day, lots of grasslands and not much diverse scenery, it got quite windy at one point, but it ended majestically!

As we were reaching the end of the day we saw far away in the distance, these massive waves crashing against the coastline making giant splashes, I immediately thought, ah! It would be so cool if we could walk right next to them, well, guess what? We walked right next to them, the splashes were huge and very often and that rocky coastline was about 1km long, at the end of all this splashing and fun was our campsite, right next to the river mouth which they had organized a bonfire and plenty of G&T waiting for us, (wine for me please)

Day 3. (17km)

 

This is supposed to be the most exciting day, we are going to see the waterfall Bluff, one of the few waterfalls that go straight into the ocean. According to our guide, there are only 12 waterfalls like this in the world, and 3 of them are on this trail but only this one is accessible. OK, only this one has easy access. Lots of uphill and downhill, we even went to see a cave, and then we came up to the waterfall, very impressive. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side so we didn’t walk down to it and got totally wet, I should have done it! So, yes, it was the best day.

Day 4. (10km) 

On our last day walking, we did walk a lot, a total of 10 km. Day 3 is the longest and the best day, today. It wasn’t as long but it took us across 7 headlands and 6 beaches, each one more beautiful than the other. When we reached the top of the last hill, the view of the estuary where we ended the trail was just amazing. We arrived there at midday and spent a fabulous afternoon by the river, drinks, friends, and fun, all around a fantastic bonfire.

Day 5.

We head back to where it all started, Durban. Word of advice, if you can take a helicopter back, DO IT! It was a long drive and of course, we were all super tired. In my opinion, it was a bit too much, about 7- hours drive back, but when you think about the trail and how beautiful everything was, it was all worth it.

In summary, The Pondo Trail is a Must-Do, especially if you love nature and like the outdoors. However, you have to like walking. A total bonus are the beaches, rivers natural pools, and waterfalls. The best time to do it is between April and May, but you need to book this well in advance, almost a year in advance.

Want to join the next Pondo Trail Hike?

Book a FREE 30-minute consultation with German – for the perfect advice on where to stay, what to do, and how to get the best out of your travels.

Pondo Trail Video Journal

What Our Clients Say

Brendan Magauran
Brendan Magauran
2024-04-14
Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.
Ellen H.
Ellen H.
2024-04-12
We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!
Pablo Berenbaum
Pablo Berenbaum
2024-03-17
Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !
Faisal Alaali
Faisal Alaali
2024-03-13
I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!
Manuel D
Manuel D
2024-03-08
Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.
Monica C
Monica C
2024-03-08
Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!
Gustavo Rivera
Gustavo Rivera
2024-03-05
Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!
Violeta Rivera
Violeta Rivera
2024-03-05
Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!
Lizbett Arevalo
Lizbett Arevalo
2024-02-26
If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏

Top African destination by month – DECEMBER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Top African destination by month – DECEMBER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Top African destination by month – DECEMBER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Blog post with #NANANtravel
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For December I would say that South Africa is the best destination, why? Well, it’s summer, it’s the holiday season and South Africa has everything you need for adventure,  family fun, and tradition, you can celebrate in a beautiful city, go on a fantastic safari and enjoy incredible beaches, all this in one country. 

December is the peak season for South Africa, especially Cape Town, and it is when we welcome the most tourists as well as people from other parts of the country, making Cape Town a city full of energy, vibes and of course events, the beaches are full, the weather is perfect and as always, there are lots of things to do here. 

When it comes to a safari, it’s the beginning of the rainy season so the vegetation is not as dry as in winter, making it a bit more beautiful (if this is possible).

But also it’s babies season, most of the animals would have given birth in September or October so it’s a great time to see all the newborns. When I say rainy season, please don’t be alarmed, it’s sporadic rainfall and not as often as it would be in January or February. It rains in bits and not necessarily everywhere.  

Oh! Another bonus, the river starts filling up, and if you like thunderstorms, you will definitely get those in Johannesburg.

What to do and where to go.

In Cape Town, I would recommend the Pod hotel, or The Marly hotel, not only because they are fantastic hotels but also because they are within walking distance from the beach. If you prefer something closer to the city, for me, The Winchester Hotel is the best, halfway between the city bowl and the beaches, right on the promenade it is perfectly located. I normally don’t recommend hotels in the city bowl just because I personally prefer the ocean views and the closeness to the sea. However, if you insist, La Botessa would be one that I’d recommend, also Gorgeous George and Camissa House, without forgetting the Silo Hotel and The Cadogan Boutique Hotel.

A day in the Winelands is a must as well as the Cape Point Tour, but also taking a couple of days to relax and enjoy the beaches, Camps Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, etc. There are also a lot of activities to do all year round but some of these are much more fun in Summer like Scuba diving through a Kelp Forest or Snorkeling with seals, an Ocean Safari to look for whales and dolphins, Paragliding, Kayaking, Sandboarding, Skydiving, and plenty more. There’s something for everyone. 

Something a lot of people love to do is the Garden Route, it’s a great way to enjoy a road trip visiting some incredible beaches and then end up with a Safari near Port Elizabeth, if you are not the type that likes road trips, you can always fly to the Kruger National Park area and do a safari in one of the most fabulous private game reserves in the country for example, Royal Melawane, Singita, Earth Lodge, Saseka, etc.

Need some help planning your December holiday?

Book a FREE 30-minute consultation with German – for the perfect advice on where to stay, what to do, and how to get there & back.

What Our Clients Say

Brendan Magauran
Brendan Magauran
2024-04-14
Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.
Ellen H.
Ellen H.
2024-04-12
We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!
Pablo Berenbaum
Pablo Berenbaum
2024-03-17
Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !
Faisal Alaali
Faisal Alaali
2024-03-13
I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!
Manuel D
Manuel D
2024-03-08
Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.
Monica C
Monica C
2024-03-08
Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!
Gustavo Rivera
Gustavo Rivera
2024-03-05
Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!
Violeta Rivera
Violeta Rivera
2024-03-05
Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!
Lizbett Arevalo
Lizbett Arevalo
2024-02-26
If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏

The Sardine Run

The Sardine Run

The Sardine Run

Blog post with #NANANtravel
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Two years and 1 month, lots of emails, and lots of back and forward arrangements, were what it took us to finally be able to do the Sardine run.

It all started with an email from a friend saying that his uncle was doing the Sardine run and had invited him, he asked if I wanted to join then all of a sudden we were 8 people, all super excited and happy. Then Covid came along and put everything on hold. After covid, a few people had to cancel, and we were only 4, and later on, at the venue, we were joined by two more travelers from Italy and now we can call them friends. 

Let me start by explaining what is the Sardine run and what makes it so special. The Sardine run is a seasonal movement of fish and predators along the Eastern Cape coastline to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, in South Africa. The biggest natural event on Earth, and the only animal event that can be seen from space.

The sardine run of southern Africa occurs from May through July when billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The run, containing millions of individual sardines, occurs when a current of cold water heads north from the Agulhas Bank up to Mozambique where it then leaves the coastline and goes further east into the Indian Ocean.

In terms of biomass, researchers estimate the sardine run could rival East Africa’s great wildebeest migration. However, little is known about the phenomenon. It is believed that the water temperature has to drop below 21 °C in order for the migration to take place. In 2003, the sardines failed to ‘run’ for the third time in 23 years. While 2005 saw a good run, 2006 marked another non-run. 

Thank you, Wikipedia. 

Now, I don’t want to bore you with specific details but I will try to go day by day and explain briefly what we experienced. Oh… We did a 4-day safari in Kariega Game reserve before the sardine run and that was amazing. It was halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, although you can fly directly into East London. 

DAY 1 – Sunday

 

We arrive midday and had lunch and in the afternoon we had a briefing and went to try on the wetsuits and fins, etc.

DAY 2 – MONDAY

 

Very early morning wake-up call, and we had to be ready to leave for the launching area by 7:45 after a while we arrived at where the boat was, and off we went, the first day was full of excitement for what we might see and we did see thousands of Dolphins, I’m not exaggerating, I have never seen so many dolphins together, but we didn’t see the actual sardines.

DAY 3 – TUESDAY

 

Wasn’t a good day, didn’t see much, maybe a couple of whales on a mission so we didn’t get to spend time with them (keep in mind one day of the week is the rest day), when we came back we were considering taking the rest day on Wednesday, but when we spoke with the organizers they told us that Thursday was going to be a bad weather day so we decided to go out on Wednesday.

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY

 

We went out very early again and we were quite unlucky but we did see dolphins and some whales, no sardines, our spirits were down and very tired. 

DAY 5 – THURSDAY

 

We didn’t go out to sea, rather we enjoyed a nice chilled day we went to do some quad biking at a nearby reserve which was lots of fun. Although next time I’ll choose the Horse riding experience though.

DAY 6 – FRIDAY

 

we went out with the hope of finally seeing what they call a bait ball, that’s when the dolphins force the sardines into a group and that’s when all the predators around join the feast and go crazy. How do we know when there’s a bait ball and where it is? Well, first of all, we always follow the birds, specifically the gannets, they are the key to finding them, anyway, back to day 6, we saw a couple of whales some Humpbacks and a couple of Bryde’s whales, now, the amazing thing about seeing the Bryde’s whale was that they are usually very fast and sneaky, difficult to see but this one, in particular, was going very slow and decided to hang out with us for a while, it was great, then we ran into a seal and we swam with it. But besides these few amazing encounters, no Sardines, and no Bait ball.

Now, we are back at the beach resort and we are feeling really bad because it is very exhausting to be at sea for so many hours and getting wet and the wind and all that, We had great weather and were super lucky with that, but we weren’t happy, to say the least.

DAY 7 – SATURDAY

 

it’s a windy morning, we’ve changed the boat launching spot, much closer to the resort. We get on the boat, it’s windy, we are getting splashed all over and the sea is a bit rough so after 45 minutes I am ready to quit!  

I tell myself, give it another 15 minutes and then complain, well, 10 minutes later our Sea Biologist and guide, Mark spots lots of Gannets quite far away and we don’t see any dolphins (which is kind of a prerequisite for a bait ball) but as we approached the birds we see it. A WHALE…. Yes!!!! A whale and there were lots of Dolphins and thousands of birds!!! 

YES! FINALLY, we’ve found it, A BAIT BALL! Mark screams, and we all get super excited and jump in the water, now what happened next is indescribable, dolphins, seals, sharks, a whale, and birds all going crazy for the sardines. In the beginning, we just thought it was dolphins and birds and that one whale, but then, we saw the sharks and seals and we were right in the middle of the Bait ball, we had no clue as to where to look at or what to do there was so much action all at once, but we were lucky enough to be there for about 45 minutes. 

Then all of a sudden just like that the birds dissipated and rested on the water and the dolphins started moving away and Voila, it’s over. All I can say is that those 45 minutes were worth all those other days of nothing and bouncing and wind and tiredness and all the complaining we might have done and all the early wake-ups and all that. SO WORTH IT!

I highly recommend it and I am definitely going to organize a group for next year, Who is in? 

Sardine Run 2022 – such an adventure!

 

Do you think you would like to do the sardine run?

Do you know someone who would want to do it with you?

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