• de-hoop-collection-family-getaway

    A Magical, Tranquil Family Getaway at De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve

    14 November 2025 - By 

    For several years, a visit to and stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve has been on my bucket list. Despite being invited to stay a few years ago now, it seemed destined to never happen. But eventually, our little family (with baby in tow) was able to enjoy the most special family getaway at this beautiful part of the Western Cape. In this post, I share the highlights from our stay at De Hoop Collection, along with our cherished experience of this South African nature reserve. Please note: While the natural area is maintained by Cape Nature, all tourist…

  • koppie-alleen-bites-beach-cafe

    My Best Gems in the Cape Overberg Region

    4 November 2025 - By 

    The Cape Overberg Region is one of the most verdant, beautiful and untamed parts of South Africa. With everything from seasonal whale watching and cheery canola fields to pristine cape nature, hikes and some wonderful wine farms and beaches, this special part of the Western Cape offers plenty to enjoy. In this post, in no particular order, I look at some of my favourite gems that I have unearthed in the stunning Cape Overberg Region. From cosy, family- and pet-friendly accommodation stays to gorgeous hiking trails, beaches and pristine nature reserves. 1) Elgin Railway Market and Visiting Steam Train (Elgin…

  • barn-on-62-pet-friendly-accommodation-montagu

    A Cosy, Tranquil Stay in Montagu: Karoo Prinia, The Barn on 62

    6 September 2025 - By 

    Having grown up in Montagu, I was excited to show off this charming small town to my own little family and to take us on our first big Route 62 road trip. We were headed to one of the town’s most highly rated accommodation stays, The Barn on 62. This elegant, cosy accommodation stay offers several cottages and a delightful on-site café and restaurant and is perfectly situated along Montagu’s historic main street, Long Street. This meant we had the ideal base from which to explore town, especially with our baby in tow. We were originally going to also travel…

  • the-farmhouse-hotel-langebaan

    A Tranquil Family Stay at The Farmhouse Hotel in Langebaan

    21 July 2025 - By 

    Our little family’s West Coast trip continued and this time, we were off to the beautiful, historical grand old dame, The Farmhouse Hotel. Tucked further away from the town’s centre, this lovely family- and pet-friendly hotel offered us a quiet glimpse into the peaceful suburbs and life near the yacht club. With stunning views of the expansive lagoon, with distant lighthouse beacons interrupting the nighttime sky and the most beautiful sunsets we’ve seen in months, this was the perfect home base from which to further our West Coast adventure. Happily with our granny cat, Lucy, and our young baby in…

  • windtown-lagoon-hotel-west-coast

    A Dreamy Coastal Stay in Central Langebaan: Windtown Lagoon Hotel

    21 July 2025 - By 

    When you travel as much as I do (and have done over the course of my life), there are always places, people and towns that stand out to you. That retain a special place in your travel-loving heart. For me, the Cape West Coast is one such place. I love everything about it. From its pristine, almost unchecked beauty to the wild flora and fauna, the annual wild flower season and picture-perfect beaches and of course, the beautiful West Coast National Park. And yes, you guessed it: the charming coastal towns, which dot the expansive coastline like little pockets of…

  • vergelegen-wine-estate-helderberg

    A Historic Helderberg Gem: Vergelegen Wine Estate

    3 November 2024 - By 

    Tucked away in the beautiful Helderberg Region, Vergelegen Wine Estate is one of the most naturally beautiful, historic estates near Cape Town. This historic Helderberg gem is perfect for families, solo travellers and couples to enjoy. With two eateries (including the child-friendly Stables Restaurant and the Rose Terrace Tea Room), magical picnics beneath ancient Camphor trees, gorgeous gardens, rich Cape history, farm tour experiences and excellent wines, it is safe to say that Vergelegen is one of the most well-rounded estates in the Cape Winelands. In this post, I highlight some of the estate’s best attractions. Fabulous Vergelegen: Where Rich…

  • lievland-cafe-review

    Lievland Café Review: Visiting This Stellenbosch Treasure

    24 January 2024 - By 

    Tucked away in the Stellenbosch Wine Route, along the famous R44, between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, one finds a charming, new Cape Winelands café addition in Lievland Café. Explore the Exciting Lievland Vineyards and Lievland Café In 2017, MAN Family Wines, a partnership between Tyrrel Myburgh and José Conde, acquired this beautiful farm and set out to restore it to its former glory. Safe to say, they, and the respective teams behind both the stylish tasting room and café at Lievland Vineyards (which translates to ‘loveland’ in English, a most fitting name!), have achieved that goal. And they have done so…

  • work-with-tamlyn-amber-wanderlust

    Work with Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust

    15 November 2022 - By 

    Work with Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust Through my travel writing and photography blog, Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust, I have collaborated with a number of award-winning wine farms, restaurants, accommodation establishments, PR companies and more. Past clients and collaborative partnerships include (to name only a few): Hazendal Boschendal Spier Tokara Tangled Tree Wines Ceres Railway Company Thali Thali Game Lodge Liquid Pulse Mont Rochelle Travelstart Wine.co.za Lindt South Africa Dunstone Country Estate Leopard’s Leap Constantia Glen Steenberg Estate Sponsored Posts, Hosted Reviews and Collaborations I am always open to discussing sponsored posts, hosted reviews, general/product reviews, media invitations, event photoshoots and more. All…

  • citrus-festival-boschendal

    Citrus Sensation: Boschendal’s Incredible Citrus Festival and Pick and Pluck Experience

    18 July 2022 - By 

    For the month of July, Boschendal, one of my favourite estates near fairest Franschhoek, is hosting a fabulous citrus festival. Celebrating all things citrus, this fun festival sees the estate pop with colour (lemon and orange undertones) and a host of family-friendly activities, including citrus pick and pluck experiences and winter picnics. Recently, Boschendal and The Phoenix Partnership invited me to experience this glorious citrus festival – and I had a blast! In this photo essay, I share my thoughts on both Boschendal’s citrus pick and pluck experience, as well as their popular new winter picnics.  A Wintry, Citrus Sensation…

  • hidden-valley-wines-stellenbosch

    Review: Unearthing Hidden Valley Wines, Stellenbosch

    12 June 2022 - By 

    Hidden Valley Wines is one of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets. I say secret because many people fail to understand just how much of an experience this wine farm truly is. It offers visitors everything from memorable wine pairings to quality restaurant- and picnic-meals, as well as beautiful Bush Lodge accommodation. In this post, I share my experience of the estate’s food and wine options and nature trail, while also touching on its offer estate offerings. Visiting Stellenbosch’s Best-kept Secret: Hidden Valley Wines Hidden Valley is aptly named. It lies tucked away at the top of a long, narrow drive, pressed into…