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

Vania Cotera
Vania Cotera
2023-08-30
Excellent service from start to finish. At first, they provided a range of travel plans for us to pick the one that accommodated best to our needs (All options were top notch!). Then he coordinated all the logistics (internal flights and transports, bookings with the hotels,…). During our trip, Mr. German was very attentive, reaching out periodically just to make sure everything was executed as planned. While at Cape Town, he even had the courtesy to meet us in person. Not to leave aside the fact that in all the hotels, he had personalized letter and details that made us feel very special. Overall, I would rate them 5 stars and I would recommended it to anybody that wishes to have a wonderful trip at the African continent. Looking forward to our next trip with NananTravel! 🙂
Andrew El Zein
Andrew El Zein
2023-08-25
German from Nanan Travel helped us organize our amazing trip to Africa and we could't have asked for a better person to do so! He arranged and coordinated the trip perfectly by providing us great insights, advice, and suggests on where to go, what to see, and what are must-do activities/things to do in those locations, then executing the plan to perfection. Communication and planning with German was great as he took the time to get on a few calls with us to discuss budgets, options, and provide advice, along with the great WhatsApp & email communication to make sure we were always informed/up to date. German perfectly planned and arranged our entire trip including locations, routes, hotels, car rental, restaurant recommendations, transportation and tours/activities. What we also really appreciated from German is that even when we were there, we felt accompanied by him throughout the trip. He checked in with us to make sure we were happy and all was going well, in addition to always being available should we have any questions, issues, or even if we just needed a quick insight/piece of advice 🙂 We will definitely work with Nanan Travel again for future trips and highly recommend them! Thank you German for everything! For those interested in what German planned for us: We started in Cape Town (South Africa), where we stayed for 10 days and German was kind enough to provide some recommendations of places to go, things to do, and some great dining spots. We then rented a car (which he organized) to drive the Garden Route from Cape Town to Hermanus, then Hermanus to Plettenberg. German suggested these locations and to drive, which I have to say was the right option as the landscapes were incredible and the roads were great. We stayed in Hermanus for 2 days, where German arranged our accommodation (Harbour House Hotel) and excursions that were whale watching and shark cage diving. Moving on from a great few days in Hermanus, we continued our trip and drove to Plettenberg Bay. German booked us at a great hotel (The Plettenburg), from which you can see whales playing in the bay while you enjoy your breakfast...it was amazing! Plettenberg has so much to offer and so many activities to do, of which we decided to visit sanctuaries for elephants, wolves, monkeys, and birds. For the next leg of our adventure, German arranged for us to visit Victoria Falls with activities both in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We landed in Zambia and stayed at the AVANI Victoria Falls, which would be our base for the next few days while we participated in all the excursions German arranged for us. These included a guided tour of Victoria Falls and Flying-fox/zip-lining over the Zambezi River on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambian side we did an early morning adventure to the Victoria Falls' Devil's Pool and a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls. They were all incredible experiences! For the final part of our journey, German arranged for us to visit Botswana's Chobe National Park to go on safari. He booked us at the Cresta Mowana where everything was included, even the activities. For the activities, we did a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, x2 morning safaris, and x1 evening safari which were all amazing! As I said, earlier we can't thank German enough for arranging this incredible trip! We would recommend him to anyone looking for help to arrange an amazing trip and will definitely be working with him for our next ones 🙂
Sandra Ldm
Sandra Ldm
2023-08-23
Nanan Travel (German) nos ayudó a organizar este viaje soñado por África. Empezamos en Cape Town-Sudáfrica, donde alquilamos un carro para hacer la ruta de los jardines. (Los paisajes eran increíbles y las carreteras super bien mantenidas.) Nos quedamos unos días en Hermanus, dónde pudimos ver muchas ballenas y hacer algunas actividades de aventura en el mar. Continuamos nuestra ruta manejando hasta Plettenberg bay en donde pudimos visitar santuarios de elefantes, lobos, monos, ave y ver más ballenas saltando desde nuestro hotel, una experiencia inolvidable! En cada lugar German ya tenía todas las coordinaciones listas e inclusive detalles sorpresas que no nos esperábamos. 🙂 Nuestra aventura nos llevo hasta las Cataratas Victoria, situadas en la frontera de Zambia y Zimbabue y finalizamos nuestro viaje en Botsuana para ir al safari del Parque Nacional Chobe. Todo el viaje desde rutas, hoteles, alquiler del auto, recomendaciones de restaurantes, taxis/transportes y tours han sido perfectamente planeados y coordinados por German. Nos hemos sentido acompañados por él durante todo el viaje y sobre todo cuando teníamos alguna consulta o inconveniente, nos respondía rápido. Definitivamente volveremos a contratar a Nanan Travel para futuros viajes y recomendamos sus servicios A1! Gracias German por todo!
Karen Gibbs
Karen Gibbs
2023-07-07
We were a group of 8 friends, and we’d like to thank German for all his help in organizing our wonderful safari to Tanzania. The hotels were beautiful, food delicious and all our drivers so friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and the places we visited absolutely beautiful! But the highlight of our trip was the visit to the gorillas in Rwanda (recommended by German). This was the most amazing experience. Thank you German from all of us for such an Incredible experience!
Gonzalo Eguren
Gonzalo Eguren
2023-06-23
Great experience in Tanzania and Rwanda, highly recomended!!! 👍👍👍. Thanks German for everything.
xavier gordillo
xavier gordillo
2023-05-20
Espectaculares vistas y paisajes de Sudáfrica. Un fantástico descanso en la naturaleza. Muy recomendable el servicio de Nanan Travel.
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
2023-05-20
Espectacular el safari!!! Gracias Nanan Travel .. super recomendable.
Rodrigo Rivera
Rodrigo Rivera
2023-05-10
Gracias German por todo el soporte antes, durante y despues de todo el viaje. Fuiste clave para tener una luna de miel SOÑADA. Empezando por la tremenda ruta Nyota en Africa y terminando con Malvidas. Excelente eleccion. Tu soporte y compañia durante todo el viaje nos dio la tranquilidad de poder disfrutarlo como se debe. Gracias!!
Manuela Duharte Clever
Manuela Duharte Clever
2023-05-03
todo excelente. la atencion y la cercania de German con nosotros hizo todo mas facil. la seleccion de la ruta Nyota en Africa y los hoteles fue muy buena eleccion. terminar con Maldivas para descansar, mejor todavia. Gracias German!!

Avoiding Tourist Traps in Africa and Peru for Luxury Travelers: A Comprehensive Guide

Avoiding Tourist Traps in Africa and Peru for Luxury Travelers: A Comprehensive Guide

Avoiding Tourist Traps in Africa and Peru for Luxury Travelers: A Comprehensive Guide

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Tourist traps can hinder a luxurious travel experience, particularly in sought-after destinations like Africa and South America. These traps often lead to excessive expenses, lack of authenticity, and potential risks. To ensure an enriching and authentic trip, it is crucial to avoid tourist traps. This comprehensive guide provides valuable tips on how luxury travelers can sidestep these traps and enjoy an unforgettable journey in Africa and South America.

 

  1. Conduct thorough research: Before your trip, dedicate time to researching the destinations you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local scams and tourist traps to avoid falling victim to them. Understanding potential risks will enable you to make informed decisions.
  2. Stay aware of your surroundings: When exploring tourist areas, maintain awareness of your surroundings. Be vigilant and cautious of any suspicious activities or individuals. Trust your instincts and if something seems off, it’s best to exercise caution.
  3. Trust your instincts: Your intuition is a valuable guide. If you have reservations or a negative gut feeling about a particular situation, trust yourself and avoid engaging in it. Prioritize your safety and well-being.
  4. Embrace the art of bargaining: In numerous regions of Africa and South America, bargaining is a common practice, especially when purchasing souvenirs or local goods. Feel confident in haggling to secure the best possible price and enjoy a fair transaction.
  5. Steer clear of touts: Touts are individuals who approach tourists, attempting to sell goods or services. They are frequently associated with tourist traps. If approached by a tout, maintain politeness but firmly decline their offerings.
  6. Exercise caution with food and drink: Certain regions of Africa and South America may have health risks associated with specific food and drink. Prioritize research on local cuisine before your trip, and be cautious about what you consume to safeguard your well-being.
  7. Be aware of common scams: Africa and South America have their share of scams targeting tourists. Familiarize yourself with common scams, including the gem scam, taxi scam, and fake police scam, among others. By being aware, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
  8. Working with Reputable Travel Experts: Reputable travel experts possess extensive knowledge of your desired destinations. They can guide you to hotels, restaurants, and activities that are worth your investment. Moreover, they can help you avoid tourist traps, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool
Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool

Benefits of working with reputable travel experts:

  • Local Expertise: Travel experts have an in-depth knowledge of the regions you’re visiting. They can provide you with insights, recommendations, and hidden gems that you might not discover on your own. Their local expertise ensures you experience the most authentic and culturally rich aspects of your destination.
  • Tailored Experiences: Travel experts take the time to understand your interests, preferences, and budget. They customize your itinerary to match your unique desires, creating a trip that feels specially curated just for you. Whether you’re interested in adventure, history, culture, or relaxation, they can tailor your experience accordingly.
  • Time and Stress Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar destinations. Travel experts handle all the logistics, from booking accommodations and transportation to arranging tours and activities. This saves you valuable time and eliminates the stress of planning every detail.
  • Exclusive Access: Many travel experts have established relationships with local providers, giving you access to exclusive experiences and accommodations that are not available to the general public. Whether it’s a private tour of a historical site or a stay in a boutique hotel, you can enjoy VIP treatment.
  • Safety and Security: Travel experts prioritize your safety and well-being. They stay informed about the latest travel advisories, health precautions, and local conditions. If unexpected challenges arise during your trip, they are there to assist and ensure your safety.
  • Cost Efficiency: Contrary to common belief, working with a travel expert can often save you money. They have access to special deals, discounts, and insider knowledge that can help you get the most value for your budget. Plus, they can prevent costly mistakes or unnecessary expenses. Travel experts do not charge a fee for their work, you will not have to pay a cent more when using a travel planner. 
  • Local Connections: Travel experts often have connections with local guides and communities. This fosters a more immersive experience where you can interact with locals, learn about their culture, and contribute positively to the destinations you visit.
  • Peace of Mind: Traveling can sometimes be unpredictable. In the event of unexpected disruptions, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies, having a travel expert on your side provides peace of mind. They can assist with rebooking, emergency support, and ensuring your trip continues smoothly.
  • Environmental and Social Responsibility: Many travel experts are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. They can guide you towards eco-friendly accommodations and activities that minimize your impact on the environment and support local communities.
  • Lifetime Memories: Ultimately, working with a travel expert enhances the quality of your trip. They help you create unforgettable memories, ensuring that your journey is not just a vacation but a transformative experience.

Partnering with a travel expert, you gain a dedicated ally who is passionate about making your trip exceptional, hassle-free, and meaningful. Their knowledge, resources and personal attention can turn your travel dreams into reality.

By implementing these effective tips, luxury travelers can navigate Africa and South America without falling prey to tourist traps. Through thorough research, situational awareness, and reliance on reputable travel experts, you can maximize your luxurious journey’s authenticity, enjoyment, and safety. Embrace the wonders of Africa and Peru while avoiding tourist traps and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia
Zambia - Accommodation Zambia

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

Vania Cotera
Vania Cotera
2023-08-30
Excellent service from start to finish. At first, they provided a range of travel plans for us to pick the one that accommodated best to our needs (All options were top notch!). Then he coordinated all the logistics (internal flights and transports, bookings with the hotels,…). During our trip, Mr. German was very attentive, reaching out periodically just to make sure everything was executed as planned. While at Cape Town, he even had the courtesy to meet us in person. Not to leave aside the fact that in all the hotels, he had personalized letter and details that made us feel very special. Overall, I would rate them 5 stars and I would recommended it to anybody that wishes to have a wonderful trip at the African continent. Looking forward to our next trip with NananTravel! 🙂
Andrew El Zein
Andrew El Zein
2023-08-25
German from Nanan Travel helped us organize our amazing trip to Africa and we could't have asked for a better person to do so! He arranged and coordinated the trip perfectly by providing us great insights, advice, and suggests on where to go, what to see, and what are must-do activities/things to do in those locations, then executing the plan to perfection. Communication and planning with German was great as he took the time to get on a few calls with us to discuss budgets, options, and provide advice, along with the great WhatsApp & email communication to make sure we were always informed/up to date. German perfectly planned and arranged our entire trip including locations, routes, hotels, car rental, restaurant recommendations, transportation and tours/activities. What we also really appreciated from German is that even when we were there, we felt accompanied by him throughout the trip. He checked in with us to make sure we were happy and all was going well, in addition to always being available should we have any questions, issues, or even if we just needed a quick insight/piece of advice 🙂 We will definitely work with Nanan Travel again for future trips and highly recommend them! Thank you German for everything! For those interested in what German planned for us: We started in Cape Town (South Africa), where we stayed for 10 days and German was kind enough to provide some recommendations of places to go, things to do, and some great dining spots. We then rented a car (which he organized) to drive the Garden Route from Cape Town to Hermanus, then Hermanus to Plettenberg. German suggested these locations and to drive, which I have to say was the right option as the landscapes were incredible and the roads were great. We stayed in Hermanus for 2 days, where German arranged our accommodation (Harbour House Hotel) and excursions that were whale watching and shark cage diving. Moving on from a great few days in Hermanus, we continued our trip and drove to Plettenberg Bay. German booked us at a great hotel (The Plettenburg), from which you can see whales playing in the bay while you enjoy your breakfast...it was amazing! Plettenberg has so much to offer and so many activities to do, of which we decided to visit sanctuaries for elephants, wolves, monkeys, and birds. For the next leg of our adventure, German arranged for us to visit Victoria Falls with activities both in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We landed in Zambia and stayed at the AVANI Victoria Falls, which would be our base for the next few days while we participated in all the excursions German arranged for us. These included a guided tour of Victoria Falls and Flying-fox/zip-lining over the Zambezi River on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambian side we did an early morning adventure to the Victoria Falls' Devil's Pool and a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls. They were all incredible experiences! For the final part of our journey, German arranged for us to visit Botswana's Chobe National Park to go on safari. He booked us at the Cresta Mowana where everything was included, even the activities. For the activities, we did a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, x2 morning safaris, and x1 evening safari which were all amazing! As I said, earlier we can't thank German enough for arranging this incredible trip! We would recommend him to anyone looking for help to arrange an amazing trip and will definitely be working with him for our next ones 🙂
Sandra Ldm
Sandra Ldm
2023-08-23
Nanan Travel (German) nos ayudó a organizar este viaje soñado por África. Empezamos en Cape Town-Sudáfrica, donde alquilamos un carro para hacer la ruta de los jardines. (Los paisajes eran increíbles y las carreteras super bien mantenidas.) Nos quedamos unos días en Hermanus, dónde pudimos ver muchas ballenas y hacer algunas actividades de aventura en el mar. Continuamos nuestra ruta manejando hasta Plettenberg bay en donde pudimos visitar santuarios de elefantes, lobos, monos, ave y ver más ballenas saltando desde nuestro hotel, una experiencia inolvidable! En cada lugar German ya tenía todas las coordinaciones listas e inclusive detalles sorpresas que no nos esperábamos. 🙂 Nuestra aventura nos llevo hasta las Cataratas Victoria, situadas en la frontera de Zambia y Zimbabue y finalizamos nuestro viaje en Botsuana para ir al safari del Parque Nacional Chobe. Todo el viaje desde rutas, hoteles, alquiler del auto, recomendaciones de restaurantes, taxis/transportes y tours han sido perfectamente planeados y coordinados por German. Nos hemos sentido acompañados por él durante todo el viaje y sobre todo cuando teníamos alguna consulta o inconveniente, nos respondía rápido. Definitivamente volveremos a contratar a Nanan Travel para futuros viajes y recomendamos sus servicios A1! Gracias German por todo!
Karen Gibbs
Karen Gibbs
2023-07-07
We were a group of 8 friends, and we’d like to thank German for all his help in organizing our wonderful safari to Tanzania. The hotels were beautiful, food delicious and all our drivers so friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and the places we visited absolutely beautiful! But the highlight of our trip was the visit to the gorillas in Rwanda (recommended by German). This was the most amazing experience. Thank you German from all of us for such an Incredible experience!
Gonzalo Eguren
Gonzalo Eguren
2023-06-23
Great experience in Tanzania and Rwanda, highly recomended!!! 👍👍👍. Thanks German for everything.
xavier gordillo
xavier gordillo
2023-05-20
Espectaculares vistas y paisajes de Sudáfrica. Un fantástico descanso en la naturaleza. Muy recomendable el servicio de Nanan Travel.
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
2023-05-20
Espectacular el safari!!! Gracias Nanan Travel .. super recomendable.
Rodrigo Rivera
Rodrigo Rivera
2023-05-10
Gracias German por todo el soporte antes, durante y despues de todo el viaje. Fuiste clave para tener una luna de miel SOÑADA. Empezando por la tremenda ruta Nyota en Africa y terminando con Malvidas. Excelente eleccion. Tu soporte y compañia durante todo el viaje nos dio la tranquilidad de poder disfrutarlo como se debe. Gracias!!
Manuela Duharte Clever
Manuela Duharte Clever
2023-05-03
todo excelente. la atencion y la cercania de German con nosotros hizo todo mas facil. la seleccion de la ruta Nyota en Africa y los hoteles fue muy buena eleccion. terminar con Maldivas para descansar, mejor todavia. Gracias German!!

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

Vania Cotera
Vania Cotera
2023-08-30
Excellent service from start to finish. At first, they provided a range of travel plans for us to pick the one that accommodated best to our needs (All options were top notch!). Then he coordinated all the logistics (internal flights and transports, bookings with the hotels,…). During our trip, Mr. German was very attentive, reaching out periodically just to make sure everything was executed as planned. While at Cape Town, he even had the courtesy to meet us in person. Not to leave aside the fact that in all the hotels, he had personalized letter and details that made us feel very special. Overall, I would rate them 5 stars and I would recommended it to anybody that wishes to have a wonderful trip at the African continent. Looking forward to our next trip with NananTravel! 🙂
Andrew El Zein
Andrew El Zein
2023-08-25
German from Nanan Travel helped us organize our amazing trip to Africa and we could't have asked for a better person to do so! He arranged and coordinated the trip perfectly by providing us great insights, advice, and suggests on where to go, what to see, and what are must-do activities/things to do in those locations, then executing the plan to perfection. Communication and planning with German was great as he took the time to get on a few calls with us to discuss budgets, options, and provide advice, along with the great WhatsApp & email communication to make sure we were always informed/up to date. German perfectly planned and arranged our entire trip including locations, routes, hotels, car rental, restaurant recommendations, transportation and tours/activities. What we also really appreciated from German is that even when we were there, we felt accompanied by him throughout the trip. He checked in with us to make sure we were happy and all was going well, in addition to always being available should we have any questions, issues, or even if we just needed a quick insight/piece of advice 🙂 We will definitely work with Nanan Travel again for future trips and highly recommend them! Thank you German for everything! For those interested in what German planned for us: We started in Cape Town (South Africa), where we stayed for 10 days and German was kind enough to provide some recommendations of places to go, things to do, and some great dining spots. We then rented a car (which he organized) to drive the Garden Route from Cape Town to Hermanus, then Hermanus to Plettenberg. German suggested these locations and to drive, which I have to say was the right option as the landscapes were incredible and the roads were great. We stayed in Hermanus for 2 days, where German arranged our accommodation (Harbour House Hotel) and excursions that were whale watching and shark cage diving. Moving on from a great few days in Hermanus, we continued our trip and drove to Plettenberg Bay. German booked us at a great hotel (The Plettenburg), from which you can see whales playing in the bay while you enjoy your breakfast...it was amazing! Plettenberg has so much to offer and so many activities to do, of which we decided to visit sanctuaries for elephants, wolves, monkeys, and birds. For the next leg of our adventure, German arranged for us to visit Victoria Falls with activities both in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We landed in Zambia and stayed at the AVANI Victoria Falls, which would be our base for the next few days while we participated in all the excursions German arranged for us. These included a guided tour of Victoria Falls and Flying-fox/zip-lining over the Zambezi River on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambian side we did an early morning adventure to the Victoria Falls' Devil's Pool and a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls. They were all incredible experiences! For the final part of our journey, German arranged for us to visit Botswana's Chobe National Park to go on safari. He booked us at the Cresta Mowana where everything was included, even the activities. For the activities, we did a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, x2 morning safaris, and x1 evening safari which were all amazing! As I said, earlier we can't thank German enough for arranging this incredible trip! We would recommend him to anyone looking for help to arrange an amazing trip and will definitely be working with him for our next ones 🙂
Sandra Ldm
Sandra Ldm
2023-08-23
Nanan Travel (German) nos ayudó a organizar este viaje soñado por África. Empezamos en Cape Town-Sudáfrica, donde alquilamos un carro para hacer la ruta de los jardines. (Los paisajes eran increíbles y las carreteras super bien mantenidas.) Nos quedamos unos días en Hermanus, dónde pudimos ver muchas ballenas y hacer algunas actividades de aventura en el mar. Continuamos nuestra ruta manejando hasta Plettenberg bay en donde pudimos visitar santuarios de elefantes, lobos, monos, ave y ver más ballenas saltando desde nuestro hotel, una experiencia inolvidable! En cada lugar German ya tenía todas las coordinaciones listas e inclusive detalles sorpresas que no nos esperábamos. 🙂 Nuestra aventura nos llevo hasta las Cataratas Victoria, situadas en la frontera de Zambia y Zimbabue y finalizamos nuestro viaje en Botsuana para ir al safari del Parque Nacional Chobe. Todo el viaje desde rutas, hoteles, alquiler del auto, recomendaciones de restaurantes, taxis/transportes y tours han sido perfectamente planeados y coordinados por German. Nos hemos sentido acompañados por él durante todo el viaje y sobre todo cuando teníamos alguna consulta o inconveniente, nos respondía rápido. Definitivamente volveremos a contratar a Nanan Travel para futuros viajes y recomendamos sus servicios A1! Gracias German por todo!
Karen Gibbs
Karen Gibbs
2023-07-07
We were a group of 8 friends, and we’d like to thank German for all his help in organizing our wonderful safari to Tanzania. The hotels were beautiful, food delicious and all our drivers so friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and the places we visited absolutely beautiful! But the highlight of our trip was the visit to the gorillas in Rwanda (recommended by German). This was the most amazing experience. Thank you German from all of us for such an Incredible experience!
Gonzalo Eguren
Gonzalo Eguren
2023-06-23
Great experience in Tanzania and Rwanda, highly recomended!!! 👍👍👍. Thanks German for everything.
xavier gordillo
xavier gordillo
2023-05-20
Espectaculares vistas y paisajes de Sudáfrica. Un fantástico descanso en la naturaleza. Muy recomendable el servicio de Nanan Travel.
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
2023-05-20
Espectacular el safari!!! Gracias Nanan Travel .. super recomendable.
Rodrigo Rivera
Rodrigo Rivera
2023-05-10
Gracias German por todo el soporte antes, durante y despues de todo el viaje. Fuiste clave para tener una luna de miel SOÑADA. Empezando por la tremenda ruta Nyota en Africa y terminando con Malvidas. Excelente eleccion. Tu soporte y compañia durante todo el viaje nos dio la tranquilidad de poder disfrutarlo como se debe. Gracias!!
Manuela Duharte Clever
Manuela Duharte Clever
2023-05-03
todo excelente. la atencion y la cercania de German con nosotros hizo todo mas facil. la seleccion de la ruta Nyota en Africa y los hoteles fue muy buena eleccion. terminar con Maldivas para descansar, mejor todavia. Gracias German!!

Discover Egypt in March: Travel Back in Time

Discover Egypt in March: Travel Back in Time

Discover Egypt in March: Travel Back in Time

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

For the month of March I would suggest one of my favorite destinations: Egypt.

If you are considering a luxury trip to Egypt, there are many reasons why March is the perfect time to go. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller, allowing you to have a more exclusive and intimate experience. Additionally, March is an ideal time for exploring the numerous sights and activities that Egypt has to offer.

As someone who has been to Egypt a few times, I can tell you that it is a country that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury. If you are planning a luxury trip to Egypt, I recommend staying in one of the many incredible luxury hotels the country has to offer.

The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is an elegant five-star hotel located in the heart of Cairo.

It offers stunning views of the Nile River and the city, and it’s within walking distance of many top attractions such as the Egyptian Museum and the Khan El-Khalili bazaar.

The rooftop bar and the outdoor pool are fantastic. The Mena House Hotel by Marriot, is a great hotel it is right outside the entrance to the Pyramids and one can see them form the hotel’s swimming pool and gardens and they have quite a few Pyramid view rooms, so make sure you ask for one of those. 

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the Red Sea coast. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains, and it’s a great place to relax and unwind. Scuba diving from the shores of the Red Sea is amazing but it is much better when going on a boat out to sea. 

While in Egypt, there are numerous luxury excursions and activities that you can enjoy. Here are five of my top recommendations:

  1. Take a Cruise down the Nile: A Nile River cruise is a must-do activity in Egypt. It offers breathtaking views of the ancient temples and ruins, and it’s a great way to relax and soak in the history and culture of the country. 
  2. Scuba diving in the Red Sea: The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs and marine life. Scuba diving in these waters is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world and experience the natural beauty of Egypt.
  3. Private Pyramids Tour: A private tour of the pyramids is an excellent way to experience the history and culture of Egypt. You can avoid the crowds and get up close and personal with these ancient wonders.
  4. Hot Air Balloon Ride: A hot air balloon ride over Luxor is an unforgettable experience. It offers stunning views of the temples and ruins, and it’s a great way to see the vastness and beauty of Egypt from above.
  5. Desert Safari: A desert safari is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Egypt’s vast deserts. You can ride camels, watch the sunset, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars. The Oasis of Siwa is a great option for this. 

It offers stunning views of the Nile River and the city, and it’s within walking distance of many top attractions such as the Egyptian Museum and the Khan El-Khalili bazaar.

The rooftop bar and the outdoor pool are fantastic. The Mena House Hotel by Marriot, is a great hotel it is right outside the entrance to the Pyramids and one can see them form the hotel’s swimming pool and gardens and they have quite a few Pyramid view rooms, so make sure you ask for one of those. 

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the Red Sea coast. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains, and it’s a great place to relax and unwind. The Scuba diving from the shores of the Red Sea is amazing but it is much better when going on a boat out to sea. 

Ready to plan your dream vacation to Egypt in March?

If you would like to plan your dream vacation to Egypt, I encourage you to book a 30-minute consultation with me via Zoom. During our consultation, we can discuss your travel preferences, budget, and itinerary. I will provide you with expert advice and help you plan a luxury trip that meets all of your needs and expectations!

What Our Clients Say

Vania Cotera
Vania Cotera
2023-08-30
Excellent service from start to finish. At first, they provided a range of travel plans for us to pick the one that accommodated best to our needs (All options were top notch!). Then he coordinated all the logistics (internal flights and transports, bookings with the hotels,…). During our trip, Mr. German was very attentive, reaching out periodically just to make sure everything was executed as planned. While at Cape Town, he even had the courtesy to meet us in person. Not to leave aside the fact that in all the hotels, he had personalized letter and details that made us feel very special. Overall, I would rate them 5 stars and I would recommended it to anybody that wishes to have a wonderful trip at the African continent. Looking forward to our next trip with NananTravel! 🙂
Andrew El Zein
Andrew El Zein
2023-08-25
German from Nanan Travel helped us organize our amazing trip to Africa and we could't have asked for a better person to do so! He arranged and coordinated the trip perfectly by providing us great insights, advice, and suggests on where to go, what to see, and what are must-do activities/things to do in those locations, then executing the plan to perfection. Communication and planning with German was great as he took the time to get on a few calls with us to discuss budgets, options, and provide advice, along with the great WhatsApp & email communication to make sure we were always informed/up to date. German perfectly planned and arranged our entire trip including locations, routes, hotels, car rental, restaurant recommendations, transportation and tours/activities. What we also really appreciated from German is that even when we were there, we felt accompanied by him throughout the trip. He checked in with us to make sure we were happy and all was going well, in addition to always being available should we have any questions, issues, or even if we just needed a quick insight/piece of advice 🙂 We will definitely work with Nanan Travel again for future trips and highly recommend them! Thank you German for everything! For those interested in what German planned for us: We started in Cape Town (South Africa), where we stayed for 10 days and German was kind enough to provide some recommendations of places to go, things to do, and some great dining spots. We then rented a car (which he organized) to drive the Garden Route from Cape Town to Hermanus, then Hermanus to Plettenberg. German suggested these locations and to drive, which I have to say was the right option as the landscapes were incredible and the roads were great. We stayed in Hermanus for 2 days, where German arranged our accommodation (Harbour House Hotel) and excursions that were whale watching and shark cage diving. Moving on from a great few days in Hermanus, we continued our trip and drove to Plettenberg Bay. German booked us at a great hotel (The Plettenburg), from which you can see whales playing in the bay while you enjoy your breakfast...it was amazing! Plettenberg has so much to offer and so many activities to do, of which we decided to visit sanctuaries for elephants, wolves, monkeys, and birds. For the next leg of our adventure, German arranged for us to visit Victoria Falls with activities both in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We landed in Zambia and stayed at the AVANI Victoria Falls, which would be our base for the next few days while we participated in all the excursions German arranged for us. These included a guided tour of Victoria Falls and Flying-fox/zip-lining over the Zambezi River on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambian side we did an early morning adventure to the Victoria Falls' Devil's Pool and a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls. They were all incredible experiences! For the final part of our journey, German arranged for us to visit Botswana's Chobe National Park to go on safari. He booked us at the Cresta Mowana where everything was included, even the activities. For the activities, we did a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, x2 morning safaris, and x1 evening safari which were all amazing! As I said, earlier we can't thank German enough for arranging this incredible trip! We would recommend him to anyone looking for help to arrange an amazing trip and will definitely be working with him for our next ones 🙂
Sandra Ldm
Sandra Ldm
2023-08-23
Nanan Travel (German) nos ayudó a organizar este viaje soñado por África. Empezamos en Cape Town-Sudáfrica, donde alquilamos un carro para hacer la ruta de los jardines. (Los paisajes eran increíbles y las carreteras super bien mantenidas.) Nos quedamos unos días en Hermanus, dónde pudimos ver muchas ballenas y hacer algunas actividades de aventura en el mar. Continuamos nuestra ruta manejando hasta Plettenberg bay en donde pudimos visitar santuarios de elefantes, lobos, monos, ave y ver más ballenas saltando desde nuestro hotel, una experiencia inolvidable! En cada lugar German ya tenía todas las coordinaciones listas e inclusive detalles sorpresas que no nos esperábamos. 🙂 Nuestra aventura nos llevo hasta las Cataratas Victoria, situadas en la frontera de Zambia y Zimbabue y finalizamos nuestro viaje en Botsuana para ir al safari del Parque Nacional Chobe. Todo el viaje desde rutas, hoteles, alquiler del auto, recomendaciones de restaurantes, taxis/transportes y tours han sido perfectamente planeados y coordinados por German. Nos hemos sentido acompañados por él durante todo el viaje y sobre todo cuando teníamos alguna consulta o inconveniente, nos respondía rápido. Definitivamente volveremos a contratar a Nanan Travel para futuros viajes y recomendamos sus servicios A1! Gracias German por todo!
Karen Gibbs
Karen Gibbs
2023-07-07
We were a group of 8 friends, and we’d like to thank German for all his help in organizing our wonderful safari to Tanzania. The hotels were beautiful, food delicious and all our drivers so friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and the places we visited absolutely beautiful! But the highlight of our trip was the visit to the gorillas in Rwanda (recommended by German). This was the most amazing experience. Thank you German from all of us for such an Incredible experience!
Gonzalo Eguren
Gonzalo Eguren
2023-06-23
Great experience in Tanzania and Rwanda, highly recomended!!! 👍👍👍. Thanks German for everything.
xavier gordillo
xavier gordillo
2023-05-20
Espectaculares vistas y paisajes de Sudáfrica. Un fantástico descanso en la naturaleza. Muy recomendable el servicio de Nanan Travel.
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
Vanessa Mazzucchelli
2023-05-20
Espectacular el safari!!! Gracias Nanan Travel .. super recomendable.
Rodrigo Rivera
Rodrigo Rivera
2023-05-10
Gracias German por todo el soporte antes, durante y despues de todo el viaje. Fuiste clave para tener una luna de miel SOÑADA. Empezando por la tremenda ruta Nyota en Africa y terminando con Malvidas. Excelente eleccion. Tu soporte y compañia durante todo el viaje nos dio la tranquilidad de poder disfrutarlo como se debe. Gracias!!
Manuela Duharte Clever
Manuela Duharte Clever
2023-05-03
todo excelente. la atencion y la cercania de German con nosotros hizo todo mas facil. la seleccion de la ruta Nyota en Africa y los hoteles fue muy buena eleccion. terminar con Maldivas para descansar, mejor todavia. Gracias German!!

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