• A Luxurious Hout Bay Self-Catering Stay with DK Villas – Harbour View

    Hout Bay is a famously beautiful Western Cape republic found in the Mother City. It offers a host of quaint, yet charming restaurants, cosy cafes and bakeries, exciting family-friendly experiences (think: the much loved Constantia Wine Route, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Word of Birds, Earthworx, vibe-y Bay Harbour Market and of course, the iconic Hout Bay harbour and its surrounds). Not to mention its incredible mountain- and coastal-scenery that easily rivals any place on our glorious green earth! With a slew of world-class beaches and top South African attractions at your fingertips (and within close driving distance), there is no shortage…

  • Best Breakfast- and Brunch-Spots in the Cape Winelands

    They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and they are certainly right about that. Still, you also can’t beat a good brunch for setting the tone to your day! In this post, I share my pick of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Breakfasts of Champions and Brunches for Foodie Fiends While breakfast is usually anything from eggs to flapjacks to granola and fresh fruit or gourmet toasties – brunch allows for a bit more menu versatility. You want to order a big juicy burger? Go for it. Craving some coffee…

  • Cosy Cape Town Cafes and Restaurants Perfect for Dates

    If, like us, date night is a serious occasion in your household – then you will love these cosy Cape Town cafes and restaurants perfect for dates. Food is truly one of my love languages and it’s no secret that the way to my heart is through great food, memorable travel experiences and a heady dose of the romance. I believe that couples should date continuously (no matter what stage of life or relationship phase you are in) and make time to enjoy good, quality meals and fun outings together. Preferably those that allow you to dress up a bit…

  • Hop-on, Hop-off Wine Tasting Fun on the Stellenbosch Wine Tractor

    As one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful, exciting wine regions, Stellenbosch offers some incredible, family-friendly wine farms and experiences to enjoy. With a range of world-class wine farms and restaurants, wine pairings that impress from the first sip and a host of fun outdoor and indoor experiences too (everything from historic glass museums to lavish family picnics), there is plenty to see and do in Stellenbosch Wine Region. Since 2024, one of the best additions to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes is the thrilling Stellenbosch Wine Tractor. This amazing hop on, hop off experience is highly affordable and provides great…

  • Marvellous Montagu Attractions: Visit My Hometown

    Founded in 1851 on the farm, Uitvlucht, and named after then-Colonial Secretary of the Cape, John Montagu, Montagu is a small dorpie in the Western Cape where I grew up. For nearly 15 years, my daily life involved knowing this town and its surrounds, streets and small shops in tedious detail. As a child, it was a fun place to live. As a teenager and adolescent, it was stifling. But now, as a wiser adult and a mother myself, I can see why people want to raise their children here. It’s a town where the world functions at a slower…

  • To Struisbaai and Back: My Darling Overberg Coastal Town

    Whenever people ask me what my favourite Overberg beach or Western Cape coastal town is, there’s always a resounding favourite. In fact, before they can even finish asking the question, I have fired out a single name: Struisbaai. And I say it with the all-seriousness of a true ocean lover. If they even know about this small coastal town, they usually have a follow-up question, “Why Struisbaai; what makes it so special to you?” Honestly, I don’t have any singular, clear answer to that. It’s a mystery even to me sometimes but it’s undoubtedly my happy place, my favourite beach…

  • Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust: Travel Map

    Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust’s Handy Travel Map This page is designed as a travel map page to showcase different regions and locations on my blog. You can use the map markers to search by area or region. (For example, if you select the Durbanville marker, you can find all Durbanville-related posts.)

  • Dreamy Gardens to Explore Year-Round Near the Cape Winelands

    I love all things garden-related and over the years, I have had the pleasure of exploring many wonderful gardens in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape. Some have been during special, annual Open Garden events while others have come from impromptu solo missions. Regardless of the occasion, the Cape has some glorious gardens to explore. And in this post, I share my pick (so far) of the best gardens to explore year–round near the Cape Winelands! Cape Winelands’ Gardens for Every Season Gardens are always great during spring and summertime. But I want to show that in the…

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

    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…

  • My Best Gems in the Cape Overberg Region

    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…